New Delhi, August 26. On the first day of the three-day lecture series organized on the occasion of the RSS centenary year, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that the formation of the Sangh is centered on India, and its true purpose lies in making India a Vishwaguru (world teacher). He emphasized that the inspiration for the Sangh’s work comes from the invocation of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” at the end of the Sangh prayer. The growth of the Sangh has been slow and long, but the process continues even today. He added that though the Sangh uses the word “Hindu,” its essence lies in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). In this process of gradual evolution, the village, the society, and the nation are all considered the Sangh’s own. All activities of the Sangh are carried out by its volunteers, who prepare new volunteers themselves.
The lecture series is being held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on the theme “100 Years of the Sangh’s Journey – New Horizons.”
Speaking about the purpose of the series, Mohan Bhagwat said that society should receive truthful and accurate information about the Sangh. A similar event was organized in 2018, but this time programs will be held in four places so that a larger audience can understand the true nature of the Sangh. He further said that the definition of a nation is not based on political power. “Even when we were under foreign rule, the nation existed. The English word ‘Nation’ is connected with the ‘State,’ whereas the Indian concept of nationhood is not linked with political authority,” he said.
Reflecting on the freedom struggle and the ideologies that emerged afterward, he remarked that although the 1857 uprising failed, it awakened new consciousness. Later, movements arose questioning how a handful of foreigners could defeat India. One viewpoint was that Indians lacked political awareness, which led to the rise of the Congress. However, after independence, Congress could not adequately fulfill the role of intellectual awakening. This, he said, is not a criticism but a fact. After independence, one stream of thought emphasized removing social evils, while another called for a return to the roots. Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda carried this vision forward.
Dr. Bhagwat said that Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and other great men believed that without reforming social flaws, all efforts would remain incomplete. Repeated enslavement was a sign of deep weaknesses within society. Dr. Hedgewar resolved to work in this direction himself and in 1925 founded the Sangh with the aim of uniting the Hindu society.
Explaining the essence of the word ‘Hindu,’ the Sarsanghchalak clarified that it is not just a religious term but signifies responsibility toward the nation. While the term was given by others, Indians have always viewed themselves in a broader human and cultural sense. For the Sangh, Hindu means inclusiveness, and inclusiveness has no boundaries.
He said, “Who is a Hindu? One who believes in the principle – follow your own path, don’t try to change others. Respect the faith of others, do not insult them. Those whose tradition and culture embody this spirit are Hindus. Our mission is to unite the entire Hindu society. Saying Hindu does not mean Hindu versus all, not at all. ‘Hindu’ means inclusive.”
Dr. Bhagwat stressed that India’s nature is harmony, not conflict. The secret of India’s unity lies in its geography, resources, and tradition of self-reflection. Unlike the West, India searched for truth within, which taught that the same essence exists in everyone, even if it appears differently. This is why Bharat Mata (Mother India) and the ancestors are revered.
He said, “The true Hindu is one who reveres Bharat Mata and our ancestors. Some call themselves Hindu, others Indian or Sanatani, but behind these words lies the same devotion and faith. India’s tradition and DNA bind everyone together. Unity in diversity is India’s true identity.”
He observed that even those who once distanced themselves from the Hindu identity are gradually beginning to accept it, because when the quality of life improves, people naturally return to their roots. “We do not insist you call yourself Hindu, but we remind you that you are Hindu in essence. These terms are not about mere words, but about the spirit of devotion to Bharat Mata and reverence for our ancestors. The DNA of Indians has been the same for 40,000 years,” he said.
On the Sangh’s methodology, he explained that there are two approaches – developing individuals and then enabling them to work for society. The RSS is essentially an organization for character building. Its volunteers work in diverse fields but are not controlled by the organization. The Sangh has faced opposition and neglect, yet it has always treated society as its own.
Highlighting the unique functioning of the Sangh, he said that it does not depend on external resources but runs on the personal dedication of volunteers. Guru Dakshina is an integral part of the Sangh’s culture, through which each volunteer expresses faith and commitment to the organization. This tradition continues, focusing on thought, values, and conduct. “We do not aim to create factions in India. Our goal is to organize everyone together,” he added.
On the dais were Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, Northern Zone Sanghachalak Pawan Jindal, and Delhi Prant Sanghachalak Dr. Anil Agrawal.
The first day of the three-day event was attended by retired judges, former diplomats, ex-bureaucrats, ambassadors of various countries, heads of media institutions, former military officials, and personalities from sports and the arts.
