“The concept of Hindu Rashtra is not a political one, but a cultural one rooted in harmony and inclusiveness. Hindu is a term that connotes inclusivity and that the intrinsic dharma of he people of Bharat is harmony, not conflict”, said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Day 1 of 3-day lecture series ‘100 years Journey of RSS: New Horizons’ at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on August 26, 2025.
As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its centenary, Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat has embarked on a new outreach, delivering a speech aimed at dispelling myths and clarifying the organisation’s purpose. Dr. Bhagwat emphasized that much of the public discussion about the Sangh is not based on facts and that the journey of the organisation can only be understood through its foundational principles.
Dr Bhagwat stated that the purpose of the Sangh is to serve Bharat and help it achieve a pre-eminent position in the world. He asserted that the organization’s core philosophy is encapsulated in the daily prayer that ends with “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” The Sarsanghchalak highlighted that the concept of Hindu Rashtra is not a political one, but a cultural one rooted in harmony and inclusiveness. He explained that “Hindu” is a term that connotes inclusivity and that the intrinsic dharma of he people of Bharat is harmony, not conflict.
He further elaborated on the meaning of being Hindu, stating that it is not about demeaning other faiths but about following one’s own path while showing respect for others. Dr. Bhagwat pointed to the shared DNA of people of Bharat over 40,000 years, emphasizing a common culture and worldview of living in coordination. He acknowledged that while there may be different categories of people who identify as Hindu, the content of their identity is what is most important, not the specific term they use. This includes those who are comfortable with terms like “Hindavi” or “Bharatiya.”
