Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said the organisation’s century-long journey has always been dedicated to Bharat, with its purpose and significance rooted in making India a vishwaguru (world teacher).
“The purpose of the RSS’s establishment is for Bharat, its functioning is for Bharat, and its significance lies in India becoming a vishwaguru. The time for India’s contribution to the world has come,” Bhagwat said, addressing a lecture series at Vigyan Bhawan to mark the RSS’s 100th year.
He noted that the essence of the RSS lies in the concluding line of its daily prayer, Bharat Mata ki Jai. “It is our country and we need to praise it and work towards making it number one in the world,” he added.
‘INDIA HAS A MISSION’
Drawing on Swami Vivekananda’s words that “every nation has a mission to fulfil”, Bhagwat said India too has its role to play in the world order. “If any country is to become a leader, it should not do so for its own sake, but rather its leadership should bring a necessary new momentum to the world,” he said.
Pointing to India’s civilisational history, Bhagwat remarked, “We were once free and number one. A few thousands came and ruled over us. Why did that happen? Only fighting with soldiers is not enough. One must live and die for the country. Congress did not give the nation what it needed at that time.”
‘HINDUS BELIEVE IN HARMONY’
The RSS chief also sought to define what it means to be a Hindu, stressing inclusivity and coexistence. “Hindu means one who walks on his own path and does not block the path of others. Those who believe that everyone can follow their way and yet reach the same destination are Hindus,” he said.
He further added, “Our DNA is the same. Living in harmony is our culture. Since ancient times, we have realised that the whole world is bound by the same divinity.”
‘AUTHENTIC INFO ABOUT RSS MISSING’
Acknowledging the many debates around the Sangh, Bhagwat urged people to understand the organisation beyond perceptions. “There are many discussions about the RSS. It has come to my notice that authentic information is lacking. Whatever conversations happen should be based not on perception but on facts,” he said.
He underlined that the Sangh does not seek to create factions. “When volunteers meet, we talk. Even if there are differences, there should not be discord. Our expectation is that people should look at the Sangh in the right spirit. We do not want to form groups in the country,” he added.
Emphasising social transformation as key to India’s rise, Bhagwat said, “If we have to make the country rise, it will not happen by leaving the job to someone. Everybody has a role to play. Politicians, governments and parties assist the process, but the main reason will be society’s transformation and progress.”
He also linked this transformation to character. “A leader is one whose character is clean, who lives for the nation, whose life creates an atmosphere. Such people, whom we call Hindus, must work for the country,” he said.
The three-day lecture series, titled 100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons, has been organised as part of the organisation’s centenary celebrations. According to RSS publicity head Sunil Ambekar, Bhagwat will engage in dialogues with prominent figures from various walks of life during the event.
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