Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that Hindus are “responsible” for Bharat, asserting that the RSS’s mission is to organise Hindu society for the glory of the nation rather than for political power.
Delivering a lecture on ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons’, Bhagwat said that the RSS was formed not to seek influence but to serve society and strengthen its unity.
“When an organised force is raised in the form of Sangh, it doesn’t want power or prominence in society. It just wants to serve and organise the society for the glory of Bharat Mata,” Bhagwat said.
The event was attended by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and several dignitaries from different walks of life.
‘Hindus Responsible for Bharat’
Explaining why the RSS focuses on Hindu society, Bhagwat said, “Hindus are responsible for Bharat. It is not that the British gave us nationhood; we are an ancient nation.”
He added that every nation has a core culture, and for India, that culture is Hindu.
“Whatever description we give, it leads us to the word Hindu,” he said.
Bhagwat further stated that there are no “Ahindus” (non-Hindus) in India, since all people, including Muslims and Christians, are descendants of the same ancestors.
“They probably don’t know it, or they are made to forget it,” he said, adding, “Knowingly or unknowingly, everybody follows Bharateeya culture, so nobody is Ahindu, and every Hindu must realise he is a Hindu — because being Hindu means being responsible for Bharat.”
‘Bharat Is a Hindu Rashtra’
Bhagwat said that organising Hindu society is essential because “Hindu society, in its prime strength and glory, always seeks to unite the world.”
“Sanatana Dharma is Hindu Rashtra, and the progress of Sanatana Dharma is the progress of Bharat,” he declared, maintaining that this view does not contradict the Indian Constitution.
Challenges and Journey of the RSS
Reflecting on the Sangh’s century-long journey, Bhagwat said the path had not been easy, as the organisation faced two bans, violent opposition, and the killing of swayamsevaks.
“In every way, it was tried that we should not thrive. But swayamsevaks give their all to the Sangh and want nothing in return. On that basis, we have overcome these challenges and earned credibility in society,” he said.
Bhagwat dismissed suggestions that the RSS was born as a reaction to historical events.
“Organisation of society is not against anyone; it is not a reaction. It is the normal state. The Sangh was implemented out of this need,” he explained.
He described the RSS as a constructive rather than reactionary movement.
“The Sangh has come to fulfil, not destroy. It is an organisation of society, not in the society,” he said.
‘Unity in Diversity’
Calling for a renewed sense of unity, Bhagwat said that Hindu society must recognise its internal diversity while working toward harmony.
“Our tradition is — we create unity without disturbing diversity. Diversity is the decoration of unity,” he remarked.
He said that during its centenary year, the RSS aims to expand its outreach to every village, caste, and community in India.
“We see Hindu society as one, but the world sees diversity. We have to reach every section of society,” he said, adding that the organisation has begun dialogue even with those who do not consider themselves Hindu.