Hindus, guardians of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ ideology: Dr Bhagwat

 

 

 

 

“The Sangh is committed to organising the entire Hindu society because an organised society can only fulfil its duties on its own strength. The strong, virtuous and organised Hindus can only ensure the unity, integrity, development and security of this country because Hindus are free from the mindset of separation and are all-assimilative. The Hindus are also the promoters and guardians of the liberal ideology of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ stated Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dr Mohan Bhagwat at Vijayadashmi Utsav of RSS on Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur on Thursday.

 

It is noteworthy that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is celebrating its centenary this year, and with this grand event, the celebrations have started. In his 45-minute speech, Dr Mohan Bhagwat took account of every issue: India’s sovereignty, its security, the possible threats, and its responsibility. According to Dr Bhagwat, it is the duty of the Hindus to make India a prosperous country and one that can make the desired and appropriate contribution to the entire world. Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest. Vidarbha Prant Sanghchalak Deepak Tamshettiwar, Sahsanghchalak Shridhar Gadge and Nagpur Mahanagar Sanghchalak Rajesh Loya were seated on the dais. Addressing a crowd of over 22,000, Dr Bhagwat maintained that Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, breaking all norms in terms of number of devotees and excellent management, established a global record. As a result, a strong current of faith and unity could be felt throughout India.

 

Tragically, on April 22, 2025, terrorists from across the border killed 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam after asking them about their Hindu identity. This sparked grief and anger among citizens across the country. The Indian Government, through planning, delivered a decisive blow in May. Throughout this period, the country witnessed the firmness of the country’s leadership and the valour and combat skills of the armed forces, as well as the joyous spectacle of the resilience and unity of society, added Dr Bhagwat. 

 

 

Presenting the thought of the Grammar of Anarchy, the speech delivered by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on November 25, 1949, Dr Bhagwat underscored the need for widespread awareness for maintaining social harmony. Taking the law into one’s own hands and resorting to hooliganism and violence, whether on small or large matters or simply out of suspicion, is not right. Such incidents are orchestrated with a preconceived notion or to demonstrate power to provoke a particular community. However, the virtuous forces of society and the younger generation must also be vigilant and organised and intervene as and when needed, he added. Referring to the chaotic situation in the neighbouring countries, Dr Bhagwat pointed out, “In recent years, significant turmoil was seen in these countries. The violent outbursts of public anger that led to changes in power in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and, most recently, Nepal, are worrying. Forces seeking to incite such unrest are active in India, both domestically and internationally. These neighbouring countries are connected to India; in a way, they are our own family. Hence, peace, stability, progress, happiness and comfort should prevail in these countries because India is also in dire need of their co-operation.” On the issue of US import duty policy, Dr Bhagwat suggested, “The world is interdependent. However, India must become self-reliant to ensure that this interdependence does not become a burden since there is no alternative to indigenousness and self-reliance.” 

 

 

“The foundation of the country’s unity was described as ‘inherent cultural unity’ by Dr Ambedkar. A clear vision and pride in the nation’s character is taught in the Sangh shakhas. Therefore, in the centenary year, the Sangh’s endeavour will be to ensure that the work of personality development is demographically widespread across the country and that the five transformation programmes that bring about natural changes in social behaviour—social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental protection, self-awareness, Swadeshi, and adherence to rules, laws, civic discipline, and the Constitution—become pervasive through the example of the swayamsevaks’ conduct,” commented Dr Bhagwat. 

 

 

 

 

The event was also attended by dignitaries from India and abroad. Among them were Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita (Retd), who led the Eastern Command of the Indian Army; Managing Director of Deccan Industries, Coimbatore K V Karthik; Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv, Sanjiv Bajaj; and Founder of Hindu Vidya Mission, Accra, Ghana Swami Shankarananda Giri; former Minister of Health, South Africa and former premier of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize; Economic Development Professional, South Africa Nomonde Maqungo; Royal Brahmin, Thai Royal Household, Bhishma Ransibrahmankul (Phraguru Vamadevamuni); Associate Professor, Mahidol University, Thailand, Prof Sophana Srichampa; High Priest, Bali and Secretary, Hindu Priests Association, Indonesia, Putu Irin Genta Marung; Balinese Hindu priestess, Denpasar, Ida Ayu Purnama; and professional, Accounting (private sector), Bali, Ni Made Ayu Arisanthi.

 

 

 

 

Senior Political Correspondent, Washington Post Jim Geraghty; Columnist, Washington Post Megan McArdle; Columnist, Washington Post, Jasson Willick; Editor, Life and Arts, Washington Examiner Magazine, Nicholas Clairmont; Possible Managing Editor, Opinion, Wall Street Journal, Lena Bell; Fellow, Hudson, Foreign Policy, Mike Watson; Fellow, Hudson, Foreign Policy, Bill Drexel.

 

 

On the occasion of the centenary of the Sangh, a congratulatory message from the Buddhist religious leader, Dalai Lama, was read out. In his message, the Dalai Lama said, “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has carved out a unique and important place in this wider movement of renaissance. The sangh was founded with a sense of selflessness. There is a pure and clear sense of duty in Sangh without expectation of personal gain. The centenary journey of the Sangh in itself is a rare and unparalleled example of dedication and service.”

 

 

Earlier, Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and chief guest, former President Ram Nath Kovind performed shastra pujan (worship of weapons). The Pinaka Missile, Drone and Sten gun found place in Shastras for the first time. This was followed by Swagat Pranam, Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) and prarthana (sung by Kaustubh Pande). Pratyut Pracharam and Pradakshina Sanchalan were held after the prarthana. Subsequently, a demonstration of Niyuddha was done, and Ghosh (RSS band) was played. The individual song was recited by Anand Chimote later on, and yogasanas were performed. Mahanagar Sanghchalak Rajesh Loya made an introductory speech and also proposed a vote of thanks. 

 

 

RSS is known for its micromanagement in the world. The event was conducted smoothly without witnessing any chaos. The swayamsevaks were deployed, helping police to manage the crowd. The planning has been made since long ago. The arrangement of the guests, special invitees, the stage, the parking – everything was done in a disciplined manner. For example, one would be surprised as to how it organised the three pathanchalanas on September 27, 2025, which came from different directions and met at Variety Square at one time. It is said that the steps were counted and accordingly the routes of all three pathanchalanas were planned.