Mohan Bhagwat on RSS centenary
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his centenary address at the RSS Vijayadashami celebrations in Nagpur, emphasized the need for self-reliance (aatmanirbhar) and indigenous production (swadeshi) for India’s future. He highlighted that while interdependence among nations is inevitable, it should not become a compulsion, underlining the importance of India’s harmony and self-sustenance in the global arena. Mohan Bhagwat also addressed security concerns, referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and the need for vigilance against cross-border terrorism.
He warned against violent protests and revolutions, citing recent upheavals in neighboring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as examples that such unrest benefits foreign interference and does not fulfill the objectives of change. He called for democratic and legal means to express grievances rather than anarchy or violent uprisings.
Bhagwat also stressed embracing India’s diversity as a tradition and urged unity across caste, creed, and religion, rejecting an “us vs them” mentality. He acknowledged the challenges posed by environmental issues and economic concerns while calling for societal unity and faith in the system.
In tribute to the RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, he performed Shastra Puja, including modern weapons, symbolizing respect for both tradition and progress. The centenary celebrations reiterated the RSS’s focus on nation-building, security, and cultural strength in a complex global environment.
Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, delivered a significant speech during the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary celebrations in Nagpur in 2025. His speech touched on a wide range of topics including India’s contemporary challenges like cross-border terrorism, environmental calamities, and economic issues. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and swadeshi (indigenous production) especially in light of global trade tensions such as US tariffs on Indian goods. Bhagwat also highlighted the dangers of violent protests and revolutions, stating that they never achieve their true objectives and only provide opportunities for foreign powers to meddle in domestic affairs. He called for societal unity while embracing India’s traditional diversity and warned against divisive “us vs them” mentalities.
Additionally, he paid tribute to the RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and performed the traditional Shastra Puja with respect to both traditional and modern weapons. Bhagwat commented on recent terror attacks, such as the Pahalgam incident, saying the country must be strong and vigilant in ensuring security. He also mentioned political disturbances in neighboring countries like Nepal and flagged the environmental crisis in the Himalayan region, calling for care and caution. The speech underscored RSS’s call for a strong, united Hindu society as foundational to a strong India, reinforcing its cultural nationalism themes.
Key themes from the speech:
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The world looks to India for solutions.
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Violent protests and revolutions don’t bring lasting change.
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Focus on self-reliance and indigenous production amid global economic challenges.
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Respect for India’s diversity while promoting societal unity.
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Vigilance needed for national security following terror attacks.
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Environmental concerns, especially about the Himalayas.
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Political stability through legal democratic means.
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Tribute and respect to RSS founder and tradition of Shastra Puja.
This was a landmark address coinciding with the RSS’s 100th anniversary, framing the organization’s vision for India’s future in cultural, political, and economic terms.
