In a charged and symbolic address marking the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, laid out an expansive vision of India’s civilisational journey and future role in the world. Against the backdrop of a century of RSS activity, Bhagwat argued that India is uniquely placed to emerge as Vishwaguru—a guiding force for humanity—rooted not merely in political or economic power, but in cultural unity, ethical values, and the timeless principle of dharma.
The theme of the speech, delivered in New Delhi before a large audience that included representatives from more than 55 foreign embassies, was one of continuity. Bhagwat sought to draw a straight line from the ancient civilisational identity of the Indian subcontinent to its contemporary aspirations. “Our DNA is the same. What unites us is not merely religion, but a common heritage of thought and tradition,” he declared, framing unity as a matter of shared ancestry and collective cultural consciousness.
Beyond Religion: The Civilisational Lens
In a deliberate move to broaden the understanding of the word Hindu, Bhagwat stressed that the identity should not be viewed narrowly as belonging to a particular faith. Instead, he located it in geography, culture, and shared values. “Hindu is not a matter of worship or ritual alone. It is a matter of being connected to the land, its rivers, mountains, forests, and people. The boundaries of states have shifted with history, but the essence of civilisation has not changed.”
This articulation is consistent with the RSS’s long-standing view that Indian identity is cultural rather than exclusively religious. Bhagwat reminded his audience that “the concept of Hindutva is inclusive—it represents truth, love, belonging, and harmony. It is not a tool for division, but a bond that transcends sectarian lines.”
Dharma as a Global Guiding Principle
At the heart of Bhagwat’s argument was the philosophy of dharma, which he defined as a principle of balance—not confined to religious doctrine, but guiding the relationships between the individual, society, and nature. “Dharma teaches us to live with dignity, harmony, and restraint. This is India’s message to the world,” he said, making the case that the global community, grappling with intolerance, extremism, and an erosion of trust, is in urgent need of such a philosophy.
Bhagwat noted that the world is restless, caught in cycles of materialism and conflict. Against this backdrop, he said, “The time has come for Bharat to fulfil its responsibility. We must show the way of peace, stability, and human welfare.” India’s rise as a Vishwaguru, in his framing, is not a matter of triumphalism but of responsibility—of carrying forward a civilisational mission.
The Challenge of Modernity
Even as he painted a picture of India’s spiritual and cultural strengths, Bhagwat was candid in acknowledging challenges. He voiced concern over the growing dominance of materialism and consumerism, which he argued were eroding traditional values and weakening the bonds of community. “We must guard against intolerance, radicalism, and the culture of cancellation,” he cautioned, in what many observers saw as a pointed reference to both domestic political discourse and global trends of polarization.
Instead, he urged dialogue, mutual respect, and what he called “heart-to-heart communication” as the building blocks of stronger social cohesion. For Bhagwat, the path forward lies not in confrontation but in deeper human connection. “We must listen to one another, not to defeat but to understand. That is how we will build trust at home and abroad.”
RSS at 100: From Margins to Mainstream
The centenary celebration of the RSS, which began as a small cultural organisation in Nagpur in 1925, offered a symbolic stage for Bhagwat’s vision. Over the past century, the RSS has grown into one of the most influential socio-cultural movements in India, with vast networks spanning education, welfare, and political mobilisation. Its ideological influence on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is well documented, though the RSS insists it operates as a non-political organisation dedicated to national service.
The presence of diplomats from over 55 countries underlined the global curiosity about the organisation and its worldview. For the RSS, this was a moment of validation—an opportunity to showcase not only its historical journey but also its ambitions for India on the world stage.
Reclaiming India’s Place in the World
Throughout his address, Bhagwat invoked imagery of India as a civilisation that has endured for millennia, shaped by pluralism, diversity, and resilience. He noted that while political powers rose and fell, India’s essence—its capacity for synthesis and tolerance—remained constant.
“This land has given the world wisdom of coexistence. From the Vedas to the teachings of Buddha, from the saints to the reformers, India has always spoken of harmony. That spirit must now guide us in the 21st century,” he said. His remarks sought to position India’s future role not in terms of dominance but as a moral and philosophical guide.
The Appeal to Bharat
Beyond the global stage, Bhagwat turned his attention inward, addressing his fellow citizens with an urgent reminder that India’s strength lies in recognising the bonds of heritage that transcend divisions. He urged Indians to rise above sectarian lines, to see diversity not as fragmentation but as a living expression of shared civilisation.
“Our traditions are deeply connected. The rivers and mountains remind us that while paths may differ, the source is the same,” he said, invoking imagery of natural continuity as a metaphor for cultural unity. By emphasising that languages, communities, and faiths all draw nourishment from the same civilisational soil, Bhagwat sought to shift the focus from what separates Indians to what fundamentally binds them.
He cautioned against narrowness of thought, warning that divisions weaken the collective spirit. The real task before Bharat, he argued, is not to imitate others or be consumed by materialism, but to rediscover its inner strength through values of respect, restraint, and harmony. Only then, he insisted, can the country fulfil its responsibility to the world as a beacon of peace and balance.
As India celebrates the centenary of one of its most influential cultural organisations, Bhagwat’s words resonated with both promise and challenge. They painted a picture of a nation conscious of its ancient roots yet eager to shape its future. Whether India can indeed take on the role of Vishwaguru will depend not only on its moral vision but also on its ability to navigate modern complexities—social, political, and global.
For now, Bhagwat has set the tone: India’s time, he believes, has arrived. And the measure of its success will not be power alone, but the ability to embody and share with the world a message of peace, dignity, and harmony.
