HYDERABAD: Calling upon Hindus across the globe to lead by example through their conduct, values, and way of life, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on December 28 said that the world does not need domination through power or wealth, but inspiration through “Hindu living” rooted in Dharma, compassion, and selfless service.
He was delivering the keynote address at the concluding Sarvajanik Utsav (public function) of the Vishwa Sangh Shibir (VSS) 2025, held at Kanha Shanti Vanam, near Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad). The five-day international congregation coincided with the 100th year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), lending the event added historical significance.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat: Dharma, service, and leadership through living
In a wide-ranging and reflective address, Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that many of today’s global crises stem from the abandonment of Dharma.
“Because Dharma was set aside, imbalance arose, extremism grew, history went off course, and compassion was forgotten. That is why multiple problems are emerging today,” he said, noting that while discussions on restoring balance are happening everywhere, the real question is who will begin and how.
Using well-known historical analogies—the story of Columbus and the standing egg, and the parable of “who will bell the cat”—he emphasised that change does not happen through ideas alone, but through individuals who take the first step themselves.
He recalled how Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS, believed that national work must begin with the individual. “He wanted to create people who start work from themselves. That is why swayamsevaks are formed,” Dr Bhagwat said, explaining that self-initiated, selfless action is the foundation of Sangh work.
Elaborating on the meaning of service, he distinguished between service driven by fear, compulsion, expectation of reward, or desire for recognition, and true service performed without selfish motives. “Those for whom service itself is the ultimate goal—they are the swayamsevaks,” he said.
Dr Bhagwat noted that as the Sangh has grown, swayamsevaks have spread across the world, yet have not forgotten their commitment to the overall upliftment of Hindu society and the protection of Hindu Dharma.
He underlined that India’s leadership of the world must come not through military or economic domination, but through example. “We will lead the world, but only through our own methods—through our way of life. We do not wish to crush others. We place our living example before the world,” he said, urging Hindus everywhere to consciously live their values so that others may learn how life can be lived with balance and harmony.
Krishna Ella: Innovation, democracy, and civilisational confidence
The Chief Guest, Krishna Ella, Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, spoke at length on India’s democratic ethos, civilisational confidence, and the urgent need for innovation rooted in social responsibility.
Describing RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat as “a symbol of truth”, Ella said India’s democracy must be understood beyond institutions alone. “India is much more than a democracy. Here you can speak freely, debate anything, yet remain anchored in Dharma,” he said.
He argued that India’s historical choice not to invade other nations stemmed from its cultural depth and civilisational maturity, invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “Because of our culture and inner richness, we did not invade others,” he said.
