Kolkata, 21 December (H.S.) : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that every person who lives in India and respects the country’s civilisation, culture and motherland is a Hindu. Addressing a lecture in Kolkata, he clarified that Hindu identity is not limited to a particular mode of worship, food habits or dress, but represents a broader civilisational way of life rooted in the idea of unity in diversity.
Speaking on the origins and philosophy of the RSS, Dr Bhagwat asserted that the organisation was not formed in opposition to any individual, group or ideology, but solely for the organisation and strengthening of society. He said many people know the name of the RSS but remain unaware of its actual work, as public perception is often shaped by incorrect narratives spread through secondary sources.
The RSS chief stressed that the Sangh wants people to understand it on the basis of facts and direct experience, rather than rumours or misconceptions. He made it clear that the RSS was neither founded with a political objective nor as a reaction to any specific situation. Instead, it was established with the vision that India should gain global respect and that Indian society must be strong, organised and confident enough to shoulder the responsibilities of a future world leader.
Dr Bhagwat said the RSS was created for the organisation of Hindu society, and this should not be interpreted as opposition to any other community. Quoting Guruji, he remarked that even if there were no Christians or Muslims in the world, the need to organise Hindu society would still exist, as internal divisions within society have historically remained a major weakness.
Referring to the failure of the 1857 uprising, he said it exposed the deeper problem of social fragmentation. Despite bravery and intelligence, Indians were unable to resist colonial rule because political freedom alone was not enough; social reform, self-awareness and unity were equally necessary. He said social evils, rigid traditions and loss of civilisational confidence had weakened society from within.
Dr Bhagwat noted that leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati played a crucial role in awakening society to its true identity. In the same period, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar emerged as a committed nationalist who later founded the RSS on Vijayadashami in 1925 after years of deep reflection. The organisation’s core objective, he said, was to unite the entire Hindu society.
Explaining the RSS’s working method, Dr Bhagwat said social transformation begins with individual character-building. Through its shakhas, the Sangh seeks to create disciplined, selfless citizens devoted to the nation and society.
He concluded by saying that RSS volunteers work across all sections of society with a spirit of service. Wherever constructive and selfless work is being done, the Sangh cooperates with society, without seeking recognition or credit.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
