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During the inaugural day of a three-day lecture series commemorating the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the RSS, stated that the organization was established with the focus on India and its significance lies in India becoming a Vishwaguru (world leader). The inspiration for the RSS’s work comes from the concluding phrase of the Sangh’s prayer, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ (Victory to Mother India). The process of the Sangh’s development has been slow and lengthy, and it continues to this day.
He mentioned that although the Sangh uses the term ‘Hindu,’ its essence lies in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). The Sangh considers the village, society, and nation as its own under this progressive development. The Sangh’s work is entirely managed by volunteers, who in turn train new volunteers.
In Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan, a three-day lecture series titled ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey – New Horizons’ was organized. Bhagwat stated that the organization thought that the truth and correct information about the Sangh should reach the public. Similar events were held in 2018. This time, the programs will be held in four locations so that the correct image of the Sangh can reach more people.
He emphasized that the definition of a nation is not based on power. India was a nation even when it was under foreign rule. The English word ‘nation’ is associated with the state, while the Indian concept of the nation is not linked to power. Discussing the freedom struggle and the ideologies that developed in the country afterwards, he said that the first attempt at independence in 1857 failed, but it awakened a new consciousness. After that, a movement arose questioning how a handful of people could defeat us. There was also an idea that Indians lacked political understanding. From this need, the Congress emerged, but it could not perform the work of ideological enlightenment correctly after independence. This is not an accusation, but a fact.
After independence, one current emphasized eradicating social evils, while the other focused on returning to its roots. Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda furthered this idea. He said that Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and other great personalities believed that all efforts would be incomplete without removing the flaws of society. Repeated subjugation indicates that there are deep flaws in society.
Explaining the meaning of the Hindu term, the head of the RSS clarified that the term Hindu is not just religious, but also represents a sense of responsibility towards the nation. This name was given by others, but we have always seen ourselves from an anthropological perspective. We believe that humans, humanity, and creation are interconnected and affect each other.
He stated that Hindu means inclusion and it has no boundaries. The head of the RSS said that Hindu means – whoever believes in it, walk on your own path, do not change others. Respect the faith of others, do not insult them, those who have this tradition, whose culture it is, they are Hindus. We have to organize the entire Hindu society. The term Hindu does not mean Hindu versus all, absolutely not. Hindu means inclusive.
He stated that India’s nature is one of harmony, not conflict. The secret of India’s unity lies in its geography, resources, and the tradition of self-reflection. Instead of looking outwards, we have sought the truth by looking inwards. This vision has taught us that the same element exists in everyone, even if it appears in different forms. This is why Bharat Mata and our ancestors are revered by us.
Mohan Bhagwat said that only those who believe in Bharat Mata and their ancestors are true Hindus. Some people call themselves Hindus, some call themselves Indian or Sanatani. Words may change, but behind them lies the feeling of devotion and faith. India’s tradition and DNA connect everyone. Unity in diversity is the identity of India.
He said that gradually those people are also starting to call themselves Hindus who previously kept distance from it. Because when the quality of life improves, people return to their roots. We do not say that you must call yourself a Hindu. We tell you that you are a Hindu. Behind these words, there is not just the literal meaning of the words, but there is content, and in that content, there is devotion to Bharat Mata, and the tradition of ancestors. The DNA of the people of India has been one for 40,000 years.
He said that improve the lives of those who are calling themselves Hindu. Those who do not say it will also start saying it. Those who have forgotten for some reason, will also remember. But what needs to be done is the organization of the entire Hindu society. When we say Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation), we are not excluding anyone. The Sangh has not emerged in opposition or as a reaction. Hindu Rashtra has nothing to do with power.
He spoke about the Sangh’s work methodology, stating that the Sangh adopts two paths for the upliftment of society – first, to develop individuals, and second, to have them perform social work. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is an organization. The work of an organization is to build individuals. The Sangh’s volunteers work in various fields, but the organization does not control them. He said that there has been opposition and neglect regarding the Sangh. But the Sangh has considered society as its own.
The Sangh’s specialty is that it does not depend on external sources, but on the personal dedication of volunteers. Guru Dakshina is an integral part of the Sangh’s working method, through which each volunteer expresses their faith and commitment to the organization. This process continues. Our effort is to keep thoughts, values, and conduct correct. We have to worry about the volunteers, the organization takes care of that. We all have to unite in India, not form factions. We have to organize everyone.
During this time, the Sarkaryawah (General Secretary) of the Sangh, Dattatreya Hosabale, the Uttar Kshetra Sanghchalak (Regional Head) Pawan Jindal, and the Delhi Prant Sanghchalak (Delhi State Head) Dr. Anil Agarwal were present on the stage. On the first day of this three-day event, retired judges, former diplomats, former administrative officers, diplomats from various countries, heads of media institutions, former army officers, and personalities from the fields of sports and arts were present.
