Marking the historic centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat addressed the ‘RSS 100 Vyakhyan Mala’ at the Science City auditorium on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
In a candid speech, Bhagwat urged the public to stop viewing the organization through a political prism, specifically warning against conflating the Sangh with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Dispelling Political “Misunderstandings”
Bhagwat noted that the Sangh is often misinterpreted because observers try to fit it into established categories of political or social organizations.
- The BJP Lens: “Many people have a tendency to understand the Sangh through the lens of the BJP, which is a huge mistake,” Bhagwat said. He clarified that while the organizations share ideological roots, the Sangh’s purpose is far broader than electoral politics.
- More Than “Service”: He cautioned against viewing the RSS as just another NGO. “If you consider the Sangh to be just another service organization, you’ll be mistaken. We are not here to compete or oppose; we have come to fulfill.”
- Not a Paramilitary: Addressing the symbolism of the Ganvesh (uniform), he clarified that disciplined drills are a symbol of “collective character and discipline,” not “militarization.”
Centenary Tour: From Siliguri to Kolkata
Bhagwat’s Kolkata address follows a series of high-profile events across West Bengal this week.2
| Date | Event | Location | Key Theme |
| Dec 18 | Youth Conference | Siliguri | Historical evolution and “Sajjan” (virtuous) individuals. |
| Dec 19 | Prabuddha Nagarik Sammelan | Siliguri | Role of enlightened citizens in nation-building. |
| Dec 21 | RSS 100 Vyakhyan Mala | Kolkata | Dispelling misconceptions and the 100-year journey. |
The “Panch Parivartan” Initiative
As the RSS enters its 100th year (founded on Vijayadashami, 1925), Bhagwat highlighted the ‘Panch Parivartan’ (five behavioral changes) that swayamsevaks will take to every household:3
- Swa (Self-reliance): Promoting Swadeshi and self-respect.4
- Samajik Samarasata: Strengthening social harmony and ending caste discrimination.5
- Kutumb Prabodhan: Strengthening family values and cultural roots.
- Paryavaran: Environmental protection and sustainable living.
- Civic Duty: Encouraging every citizen to follow the Constitution and local laws.
Vision for “Vishwaguru”
Bhagwat reiterated that the ultimate aim of the Sangh is to prepare a society capable of making India a “Vishwaguru” (global teacher) once again. He stated that this cannot be achieved by the government alone but requires a “behavioral transformation” at the grassroots level.6
“The Sangh works for the betterment and protection of the Hindu society. There are some whose ‘shops of narrow interest’ will shut down if the Sangh grows, and they are the ones running misleading campaigns,” he remarked.