In a strong assertion of cultural identity, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat Ji on July 27 called for a renewed focus on power, prosperity, and national self-respect, while underlining that ‘Bharat’ is a proper noun and must not be translated. Speaking at the ‘Gyan Sabha’ education conference held in Kochi, Sarsanghchalak Ji emphasised that while “India is Bharat” may be factually correct, it does not mean “Bharat” should ever be referred to by another name.
“Bharat is Bharat,” he declared, urging citizens to use the original name in speech and writing, whether in personal or public communication. “The name holds identity, and identity commands respect,” he said, warning that a country that abandons its original self, however capable or virtuous, will never be truly honoured by the world.
Addressing a gathering of educators, university leaders, and Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Sarsanghchalak Ji made a case for national strength. “The world respects power,” he noted, arguing that India must now transform, not into a past ideal of a “golden bird”, but into a strong and “wealthy lion”. Economic power and self-reliance, according to him, are necessary for global credibility.
Sarsanghchalk Ji also touched upon the role of education in shaping national character. True education, he said, goes beyond formal schooling. It encompasses family upbringing and the social environment. Highlighting the traditional Indian value of selflessness, he said, “Bharatiya education teaches us to live for others. Anything that promotes selfishness cannot be considered real education.”
He urged society to think seriously about the atmosphere in which future generations are being raised and stressed the importance of cultivating an environment that fosters independence, responsibility, and self-confidence.
Sarsanghchalak Ji’s remarks framed education not just as an academic pursuit but as a cultural transmission deeply tied to the nation’s identity and moral compass. The emphasis on “Bharat” as both a name and an idea remained central to his message, rooted in the conviction that respect, strength, and identity are inseparable.
According to Bhagwat, the global respect India commands today is rooted in its “Bharatiyata”, its original identity as Bharat.
“Bharat is a proper noun. It should not be translated. ‘India that is Bharat,’ is true. But Bharat is Bharat, and that is why, while writing and speaking, we should keep Bharat as Bharat… Bharat must remain Bharat. The identity of Bharat is respected because it is Bharat. If you lose your identity, whatever other meritorious qualities you may have, you will never be respected or secure in this world. That is the rule of thumb…,” Bhagwat said.
Dr Bhagwat also highlighted Bharat’s long-standing values of peace, non-violence, and spiritual leadership, saying the nation has never pursued expansionism or exploitation, unlike other powers in history.
“Viksit Bharat, Vishwa Guru Bharat, will not be the cause of war … and will never exploit. We have gone from Mexico to Siberia; we walked on foot, and we went in small boats. We did not invade anyone’s territory and ruin it. We did not usurp anyone’s kingdom. We taught everyone civilisation. You see the tradition of Indian knowledge. The root of the tradition is in that truth… the truth of the unity of the whole world…” he stated.
On education, the RSS chief said that while acquiring skills is important, the core purpose of learning should be rooted in self-reliance and social responsibility.
“One small intention behind getting education is to be able to stand on your own in your life and to be able to keep your family intact…” Bhagwat said.
Quoting Maharishi Arvind, Bhagwat said the revival of Sanatan Dharma is closely linked to the emergence of a Hindu nation—a vision, he claimed, that is increasingly relevant in the present world.
“Yogi Arvind said that it is God’s will for the Sanatan Dharma to rise and for the rise of Sanatan Dharma, the rise of the Hindu nation is inevitable. These are his words, and we see that today’s world needs this vision. Therefore, we will have to first understand what Bharat is…”
During the event, Dr Mohan Bhagwat underlined the need to root India’s education system in its civilisational values and identity.
