NEW DELHI: Marking the beginning of centenary celebrations at its annual Vijayadashami event in Nagpur on Thursday, RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat glorified the essence of Hinduism, which, he said, reflects the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam without any sort of discrimination or division in society.
In his annual Vijayadashami address, Dr Bhagwat said, "From time to time in world history, Bharat has played a significant role, it has restored the lost balance of the world, providing a global Dharma that instils a sense of restraint and discipline in global life. Our ancient ancestors organised the diverse society living in Bharat as a Rashtra to fulfil this responsibility."
Calling upon the countrymen to come together for Bharat's development (Bharat-vikas), the RSS chief further said, "Let us come together and establish this true identity of Bharat in the world, in tune with the present time, space and circumstances. To fulfil this duty given by our forefathers, a duty that is also the need of the world today, let us all unite, walk together, and proceed on our path of duty. On this auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami."
Speaking on the essence of Hindu society, he asserted, "The Hindu society is upholder and guardian of the noble idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. The strength, virtue and organised character of the Hindu society guarantee national unity, oneness and development."
Touching upon the concept of Hindu Rashtra, Bhagwat said, "This Hindu Rashtriyata keeps us together while accepting and respecting all diversities. We don’t have a conception of ‘nation state’. States are formed and decline, while Rashtra remains eternal. We should never forget this foundation of our unity."
Emphasising unity and amity across the country and within society, he added, "Our attitudes towards each other in society are required to be harmonious and respectful. Everyone has their own beliefs, icons and places of worship. We should be careful not to disrespect these in thought, word, or action. Awareness must be created for this."
He also asserted that the organised form of the entire Hindu society is the guarantee of India's unity, development and security. "Because Hindu society is free from the mentality of separation and omnipresent. Hindu society is the priest and patron of the liberal ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. Therefore, the Sangh is working as an organisation of the entire Hindu society. Because the organised society fulfils all its duties on its own," Bhagwat said.
Addressing the public, Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat advocated for Swadeshi and further said, "There is no alternative to Swadeshi and self-reliance." He continued, "Import duty policy that the US has run on the basis of its own interests, due to which we will also have to reconsider some things."
He said that the world has thrived on interdependence, but this interdependence should not be India's compulsion. "We have to become self-sufficient. Because there is no synonym for Swadeshi (indigenous) and self-reliance," he asserted.
He also expressed concern over environmental imbalance resulting from the world’s current consumption policies. He said that, due to similar policies in India, natural disasters such as irregular and unexpected rainfall, landslides, and floods have increased rapidly over the last three to four years.
"The entire water source of South Asia comes from the Himalayas. These accidents in that Himalayas should be considered a danger bell for India and other countries of South Asia," he said, in reference to many recent disastrous calamities in the hilly areas.
Mentioning the chaotic situations in neighbouring countries of India, he noted that in the past few years, there has been considerable upheaval in countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and, more recently, Nepal.
"There was a violent origin of public anger and a change of power. In our country and in the world also in India, the powers that seek such disturbances are active, it is worrying for us," he cautioned.
“Such violent uprisings may bring down regimes, but they do not lead to meaningful or lasting transformation. Only democratic means can truly change society,” he said, warning that both internal and external forces were attempting to stoke similar unrest in India.
Speaking against terrorism, he said, "On April 22, 2025, terrorists from border in Pahalgam killed 26 Indian passenger citizens by asking them Hinduism. Citizens erupted the flame of sorrow and anger all over India. The Government of India made a plan and gave a strong answer in the month of May. In all this period, we saw a pleasant view of the firmness and unity of the society along with the perseverance of the leadership of the country and the might and war skills of our army."
Underlining the importance of social unity, he said the most important factor in the upliftment of any country is the unity of its society. "Our country is a country of diversities. Many languages are already there, many types of living, living, caste-population etc. due to geographical diversity," he said.