Education and healthcare are basic necessities. They cannot be treated as businesses. Education and healthcare must be accessible to everyone, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat at a dialogue with Research Scholars (Shodharthi Samvad programme) organised at the Malaviya Auditorium of Lucknow University on February 18, 2026.
He said that Western powers interfered with our education system. They dismantled our traditional system and imposed their own so that they could create “black Englishmen” to serve their purposes. What the British distorted must now be corrected.
He further said that the objective of the Sangh is to make the nation supremely prosperous and glorious. Instead of thinking only about oneself and one’s family, one must think about the entire nation. The Sangh is concerned with the unity and quality of society. If one wishes to understand the Sangh, one should come and experience it from within. It cannot be understood merely by reading about it. The Sangh has one task, to organize the entire Hindu society. The Sangh is not against anyone. It does not seek popularity, influence, or power.
Dr Bhagwat said that research has a major role in changing the direction and condition of Bharat. Truth-based facts must come forward. Without knowledge, we cannot truly understand Bharat. He urged research scholars to conduct their work with excellence, authenticity, dedication of body, mind, and resources, and with a selfless spirit for the nation. There is much misinformation spread about the Sangh. Research scholars must bring the truth before society.
Speaking on globalization, he said it is not a very big challenge. Today, globalization has come to mean marketisation, which is dangerous. We speak of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: considering the entire world as one family. Therefore, our life should be disciplined and restrained, not consumerist. A life of restraint and sacrifice is rooted in our culture and self-awareness. Western nations spread materialism. Their thinking is to become powerful, live for oneself, and eliminate whatever obstructs them. This is what America and China are doing today. However, solutions to the world’s problems lie with Bharat. To become a Vishwaguru, we must become strong in all spheres. The world accepts truth only when it is backed by strength.
He said that the eternal form of Dharma is always relevant. The principles by which creation functions are, Dharma. Not even a particle of dust can be “Dharmanirpeksh” in that sense. Dharma brings happiness to all. It applies to every aspect of our lives. Conduct may change according to time, place, and circumstance, but Dharma remains constant. Dharma teaches us not to live alone, but together with all.
He further stated that we must live with a sense of friendship toward the environment. Planting trees, conserving water, and avoiding single-use plastic can help in environmental protection. Modern technology should also be utilised for environmental conservation.
