On August 28, the final day of a three-day lecture series, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat addressed questions related to various issues concerning the Sangh. He said, “Bharat is Akhand (undivided); it is a fact of life. Our ancestors, sanskriti, and motherland unite us. Akhand Bharat is not merely about politics but about the unity of the people’s consciousness. When this sentiment awakens, everyone will live in peace and prosperity.”
He emphasised that it is a misconception to believe that the Sangh is opposed to anyone. “Our ancestors and sanskriti are the same. Worship practices may differ, but our identity is one. Changing religion does not change one’s community. Mutual trust must be built on all sides. Muslims must overcome the fear that joining hands with others will erase their Islam.” He also noted that the Hindu society’s sentiments regarding Mathura and Kashi are natural.
Dialogue on 100 Years of RSS
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr Bhagwat interacted with people from various walks of life at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi, during the centenary dialogue programme marking 100 years of RSS. On the third day, he responded to queries related to the Sangh. The theme of the conference was “100 Years of RSS Journey – New Horizons.”
RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, Northern Region Sanghchalak Shri Pawan Jindal, and Delhi Prant Sanghchalak Dr Anil Agarwal were present on stage. The programme was conducted by Prant Karyavah Shri Anil Gupta.
In his speech, Bhagwat highlighted the role of the Sangh in Bharat’s freedom struggle and various social movements. He said the Sangh never raises a separate flag for social movements, but swayamsevaks are free to contribute wherever good work is being done.
The Sangh and Its Organisations, Including BJP
Clarifying the working method of RSS, Bhagwat said, “The Sangh has no subordinate organisations; all are independent, autonomous, and self-reliant.” Sometimes, differences may appear between the Sangh and its associated organisations or political parties, but, he explained, this is part of the search for truth. Considering struggle as a means of progress, everyone works selflessly in their respective fields.
“There can be differences of opinion, but never differences of heart. This conviction takes everyone to the same destination.” The Sangh may advise, but decisions are always taken by experts in the concerned field.
On Those Opposed to the Sangh
Speaking on cooperation with other political parties and on those who have held opposing views of the Sangh, Bhagwat gave examples of how leaders—from Jayprakash Narayan to Pranab Mukherjee—changed their opinion about RSS over time. “If help is sought from the Sangh for good work, we always extend support. If obstacles come from the other side, respecting their wish, the Sangh withdraws.”
On Youth and Jobs
Bhagwat said, “We should not be job-seekers but job-givers. The illusion that livelihood means a job must end.” He stressed that this will benefit society and reduce pressure on jobs. “The government can provide at most 30 per cent of employment opportunities; the rest must be earned through our own labour. Considering some work as ‘lowly’ has harmed society. Dignity of Labour must be established. Youth have the strength to build their families, and from this strength, Bharat can provide a workforce to the world.”
Population and Demographic Change
On the subject of population, Bhagwat emphasised the need for balance in birth rates. He said, “In the national interest, every family should have three children and limit themselves to that. Population should remain controlled, yet sufficient. For this, the new generation must be prepared.” He noted that birth rates among all religions are declining.
While speaking on demographic change, he expressed objection over conversions and infiltration. “Demographic changes can have serious consequences, even leading to partition of a country. More than numbers, intent is the real concern. Conversions must not happen through coercion or force—if they do, they must be stopped. Infiltration is also worrying. Jobs should be given to our own citizens, not to illegal immigrants,” he said.
Partition and Akhand Bharat
Dr Bhagwat said the Sangh had opposed the partition of Bharat and that its adverse consequences are visible today in the neighbouring countries that were separated. “Bharat is Akhand (undivided)—it is a fact of life. Ancestors, sanskriti, and motherland unite us. Akhand Bharat is not just politics but the unity of the people’s consciousness. When this sentiment awakens, everyone will be happy and peaceful.”
Hindu–Muslim Unity
Dr Bhagwat based Hindu–Muslim unity on shared ancestry and sanskriti. He said a false notion has been spread that the Sangh is against someone. “This veil must be lifted and the Sangh should be seen as it is. We say ‘Hindu’; you may call it ‘Bharatiya’—the meaning is the same. Our ancestors and sanskriti are common.”
He clarified that while modes of worship may differ, identity remains one. “Changing religion does not change the community. Both sides must build trust. Hindus must awaken their strength, and Muslims must shed the fear that joining together will end Islam.”
He added, “We may follow Christianity or Islam, but we are not Europeans or Arabs, we are Bharatiyas. The leaders of these religions must teach their followers this truth.”
Bhagwat also said that places in Bharat should not be named after invaders; it does not mean that it cannot be in the names of Muslims, but rather in the name of true heroes who inspire us such as Abdul Hamid, Ashfaqullah Khan and APJ Abdul Kalam.
On Violence and RSS
He firmly stated, “If the Sangh were a violent organisation, we would not have reached 75 thousand places. There is not a single example of a Sangh Swayamsevak being involved in violence. On the contrary, one should look at the service work of the Sangh, which Swayamsevaks carry out without any discrimination.”
Reservation
On the subject of reservation, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said, “Reservation is not a matter of argument, but of sensitivity. If injustice has been done, it must be corrected.” He clarified that the Sangh has always supported constitutionally valid reservation and will continue to do so. “As long as the beneficiaries feel the need, the Sangh will stand with them. To give up for one’s own people is Dharma.”
Hindu Scriptures and Castes
On Hindu scriptures and the Manusmriti, Bhagwat said, “In 1972, religious leaders had clearly stated that untouchability and caste-based discrimination have no place in Hindu Dharma. If references to caste discrimination are found somewhere, they must be understood as misinterpretations.”
He explained that Hindus do not follow one single scripture, nor has it been the case that all lived strictly by one text. “We have two standards of conduct—one is scripture, the other is ‘lok’ (the people). What the people accept, becomes practice. And the people of Bharat oppose caste discrimination. The Sangh also inspires leaders of all communities to come together, and together they should care for themselves and for the whole society.”
He further said that religious and social programmes should enhance quality and values among people, and the Sangh works in this direction.
Language
On the subject of language, Bhagwat said, “All Bharatiya languages are national, but for mutual communication, we need one Vyawahar Bhasha (common language)—and it should not be foreign.” He added that ideals and conduct are the same in every language, so there is no need for dispute. “We must know our mother tongue, we should be able to converse in the language of our region, and we should adopt one common language for everyday interaction. This is the way to the prosperity and unity of Bharatiya languages. Apart from this, there is no harm in learning the languages of the world.”
Adaptability of Sangh
Bhagwat said that the Sangh is an evolving organisation, but it is firm on three things:
- “Through individual character-building, change in the conduct of society is possible, and we have proved this.
- Organise the society, and every other transformation will follow on its own.
- Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation).
- Apart from these three, everything else in the Sangh can change. There is flexibility in all other matters.”
He noted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded on Vijayadashami in 1925 at Nagpur. This year, the Sangh is celebrating its centenary, and as part of it, several outreach programmes are being organised nationwide. Among these are three-day dialogue programmes in four major cities, the first of which was held in Delhi from August 26 to 28, 2025.
Values in Education
“Technology and modernity are not opposed to education. Education is not just schooling or information. Its purpose is to cultivate values and to make a person truly human. Everywhere, our values and sanskriti must be taught. This is not religious education. Our religions may differ, but as a society we are one. Good values and manners are universal. Bharat’s literary tradition is very rich. It must certainly be taught, whether in missionary schools or madrasas.”
Mathura and Kashi
Bhagwat said that the sentiments of Hindu society regarding Mathura and Kashi must be respected. He clarified, however, that while the Sangh actively participated in the Ram Mandir movement, it will not directly participate in any further movements. “The Ram Mandir was our demand and we supported that movement, but the Sangh will not take part in other movements now. Still, in the Hindu mind, Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya have deep significance—two are birthplaces, one is a place of residence. It is natural for Hindu society to express that urge.”
Retirement Age
On the question of retirement age for leaders, Bhagwat said that there is no such concept in the Sangh. “I have never said that I will retire at a certain age, nor should anyone else. In the Sangh, we are all Swayamsevaks. Even if I am 80, if I am given the duty of conducting a shakha, I must do it. We do whatever work the Sangh assigns us. The question of retirement simply does not arise.”
He added that the Sangh is not dependent on one person, “I am not the only Sarsanghchalak; there are ten others who can shoulder this responsibility. We are always ready to step down whenever needed, and to work as long as the Sangh desires.”
Role of Women
On women’s role, Bhagwat said that women have active participation in the effort of social organisation. “In 1936, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti was formed, which runs women’s shakhas. This tradition continues even today. Many organisations inspired by the Sangh are led by women. For us, women and men are complementary.”
He also said that while the Sangh’s work is focused in Bharat, its Swayamsevaks abroad function in accordance with the laws of those countries.
Non-Vegetarianism
On the issue of meat-eating, Bhagwat said, “During festivals and fasts, for just a few days, it is wise to avoid anything that may hurt sentiments.” But he clarified: “What someone eats should not be a cause of offense. The need is for both sides to respect each other’s feelings; then there will be no need for the law to intervene.”
Control of Temples
Bhagwat said, “Not all temples are with the government; some are private and some are with trusts. Their condition must be maintained properly.” He added, “The national psyche is ready for temples to be handed back to devotees, but proper systems must also be in place. When temples are returned, arrangements for rituals, finances, and devotees must be prepared from the local to the national level, so that if the courts give a decision, we are ready.”
Household Swayamsevaks in Top Positions
On Grihasthas in top positions, Bhagwat said, “In the Sangh, even married Swayamsevaks can rise to the highest ranks. Bhaiyyaji Dani served for a long time as Sarkaryavah and he was a householder.”
He clarified that the Sangh currently has 5–7 lakh active Swayamsevaks and about 3,500 full-time Pracharaks. At the top level, one must devote full time to the Sangh. “Householders are our guides, and we are their workers.”
He further added that there is no formal process of membership in the Sangh. One can join either by being approached by a Swayamsevak or by connecting through the Sangh’s website.
Foreign Funds for Conversion
On foreign funds being used for conversion, Bhagwat stressed the need for strict checks. “If money comes from abroad for service, that is fine, but it must be used for that purpose only. The problem arises when this money is diverted towards conversions. Strict scrutiny and management of such funds is the government’s responsibility.”
Bharat as a Hindu Nation
Dr Bhagwat said that Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra and no formal declaration for that is required. “Our sages and seers have already declared Bharat a Hindu Rashtra. It does not depend on any authorised proclamation, it is the truth. Accepting it benefits you; not accepting harms you.”
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