At the commencement of a three-day lecture series celebrating the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the organization’s core mission: to center its work on India and facilitate its rise as a global leader. He highlighted that the Sangh’s inspiration stems from the concluding words of its prayer, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ underscoring a commitment to India’s well-being and progress. The RSS, he noted, has evolved gradually over time, a process that continues to the present.
Bhagwat clarified that while the RSS uses the term ‘Hindu,’ its philosophy is rooted in the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ viewing the world as one family. Within this framework, the Sangh embraces the village, society, and the nation as its own. The operational aspects of the Sangh are managed entirely by volunteers, who are also responsible for training new members.
The lecture series, titled ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey – New Horizons,’ is being held at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan to disseminate accurate information about the Sangh. Bhagwat explained that similar events were organized in 2018 and that this time, the programs would be held in multiple locations to reach a wider audience.
He also reflected on India’s history, asserting that the definition of a nation is not contingent upon political power. He pointed out that India remained a nation even during periods of foreign rule. Contrasting the Western notion of ‘nation’ with the Indian perspective, he stated that the Indian concept transcends the confines of governance. Bhagwat then discussed the freedom struggle and the ideologies that emerged, noting the 1857 independence attempt’s failure, which nevertheless ignited a new awareness. This led to the question of how a small group of people could defeat them. This created the need for Congress.
He described the post-independence era, where one current focused on eliminating social evils, while another sought a return to India’s roots, highlighting the contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda. Bhagwat then spoke about the views of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and other notable figures, who believed that societal reform was essential for progress, citing repeated subjugation as evidence of deep-rooted societal flaws.
Addressing the meaning of ‘Hindu,’ Bhagwat clarified that it is not merely a religious term, but a symbol of responsibility towards the nation. He acknowledged that while the term may have been given by others, the Sangh has always viewed itself from an anthropological perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humans, humanity, and creation.
He further elaborated that ‘Hindu’ signifies inclusivity, without any limitations. He clarified that a Hindu is someone who embraces the values, traditions, and culture of India, respects the faith of others, and does not engage in insult or exclusion. The objective is to organize all of Hindu society. He stressed that the concept of ‘Hindu’ is not about opposition but about unity.
Bhagwat emphasized that India’s character is defined by harmony, not conflict, attributing India’s unity to its geography, resources, and the tradition of self-reflection. He said that the essence of India lies in looking inward to discover the truth, which emphasizes the shared essence within diverse forms. This vision led to reverence for Bharat Mata and the ancestors.
He mentioned that those who identify as Hindu and those who identify as Indian or Sanatani, share a common bond of devotion. He added that India’s DNA connects everyone, highlighting the importance of unity in diversity.
Bhagwat observed that those who previously distanced themselves from the term ‘Hindu’ are now embracing it, because when quality of life improves, people reconnect with their roots. He stressed that the goal is to build the entire Hindu society. When referring to a ‘Hindu Rashtra,’ it is not about exclusion; the RSS is not acting in opposition. He said that Hindu Rashtra has nothing to do with power.
He elaborated on the Sangh’s methodology, focusing on individual development and subsequent engagement in social work. The RSS is an organization dedicated to building individuals, with volunteers working in various fields without being directly controlled by the organization. He acknowledged the criticisms and neglect faced by the Sangh but emphasized its commitment to serving society.
Bhagwat concluded by highlighting the reliance on the personal dedication of the volunteers. He emphasized the significance of ‘Guru Dakshina’ to reflect the commitment of the volunteers, which continues to this day. He stated the importance of maintaining the correct thoughts, values and conduct. He emphasized the need to organize everyone rather than forming factions.
Present at the event were Dattatreya Hosabale, the Sarkaryawah (General Secretary) of the Sangh; Pawan Jindal, the Uttar Kshetra Sanghchalak (Regional Head); and Dr. Anil Agarwal, the Delhi Prant Sanghchalak (Delhi State Head). The inaugural day of the event was attended by a range of dignitaries, including retired judges, former diplomats, former administrative officers, diplomats from various countries, heads of media institutions, former army officers, and figures from the fields of sports and art.