Bhopal: Bharat is progressing rapidly and this progress is visible in many dimensions. Bharat’s progress is necessary not only for Bharat but also for humanity across the world. Today, Bharat’s achievements can be seen in many fields across the world. Bharatiya scientists have taken the country’s name forward in science, space and other fields. Along with this, in many parts of the world, a feeling of curiosity, respect, reverence and pride towards India is also visible, said Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS Sarkaryavah, while addressing 30,000 Swayamsevak’s and 5,000 members of society, highlighting discipline, organisation, national consciousness, centenary activities, social outreach and service initiatives during the Sangh’s centenary year celebrations at Lal Parade Ground on September 20, 2026.
He said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is working with the goal of Bharat’s supreme glory. This journey is not one that ends with a single achievement. The work of organising society and building the character of individuals is a continuous process. He said that one thing is clearly visible in Bharat’s nearly 5,000-year civilisational journey: no matter how big the crisis, Bharat has overcome it every time and moved forward. Bharat faced crises and struggles in different periods, but the vitality of society did not end. He said that there have been many civilisations and nations in the world that were once powerful, but today they are remembered in history, or their remains are seen in museums. In contrast, Bharat still stands today as a living society. Describing Bharat as an “indestructible and deathless nation”, he said that the real strength of a society does not lie in whether problems arise before it or not. What is important is how much capacity exists within society to stand before problems and face them.
He said that Bharat’s history witnessed invasions, struggles, social weakening and many kinds of challenges. Despite this, society maintained its existence and cultural continuity. Dattatreya Hosabale said that during the long period of subjugation, forgetfulness regarding its own identity and strength arose within Bharatiya society. The awareness that should have existed about society’s inner strength, national feeling and its responsibilities became weak.
He said that mutual hatred, conflicts and social evils also affected the unity of society. When society forgets its history, culture and collective responsibility, its strength becomes weak.
In this context, he referred to the vision of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar behind the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He said that Dr Hedgewar reflected on the fact that Bharat had witnessed periods in history when it had reached the peak of progress in both material and spiritual fields and had influence in the world; why, then, did a situation arise in which society became subjugated? He said that one reason was that society had forgotten its national feeling, its role and its collective responsibility. To bring society out of this forgetfulness, work was begun by placing individual development and social organisation at the centre.
He narrated the episode of Hanuman Ji and Jambavan from the Ramayana and said that sometimes an individual forgets his own strength. When the question of crossing the ocean arose in the search for Maa Sita Ji, different members of the vanara sena were describing their abilities, but no one had the courage to make the decisive leap.
He said that at that time Jambavan reminded Hanuman Ji of his strength. The power already existed within Hanuman Ji; only the awakening of that power was needed. Recalling the story of Hanuman Ji jumping towards the Sun in his childhood, thinking it to be a fruit, Jambavan made him aware of his capability, after which Hanuman Ji crossed the ocean. He said that the Hindu society too often forgets its strength and capability. At such times, some great person, some thought or some organisation from within society reminds it of its strength. Dr Hedgewar, while establishing the Sangh, similarly attempted to awaken the inherent strength of society. He said that when society recognises its strength, even tasks that appear impossible can become possible and goals that appear unattainable can become attainable.
He said that Bharat’s identity is not defined only by its geography. It is not merely a piece of land or a system of governance. It is a civilisation that has not limited life merely to material comforts and consumption. This is the land of Ram, Buddha and Mahavir. This means that it is a land of character and conduct. Bharatiya thought has given great importance to the building of an individual’s character. Therefore, through the Sangh shakha, efforts are made to build the character of individuals and awaken the spirit of organisation in society. He said that a shakha is not merely a place for physical exercise. There, an individual learns to move beyond himself and think about society and the nation.
He said that every individual should think that he is a citizen of this nation and therefore he too has a responsibility. Every day, one should think about what one can do in the national interest for one’s village, neighbourhood, workplace and society. Patriotism is not a feeling that is expressed only on January 26, August 15 or on any particular occasion. Patriotism means that a sense of responsibility towards the nation remains in an individual’s life 24 hours a day.
He said that performing one’s work honestly, giving time to society, helping those in need, improving the environment around oneself and taking decisions keeping the national interest in mind are also part of civic responsibility.
Referring to the COVID pandemic, he said that during that difficult period, Swayamsevak’s and society together carried out numerous service activities. During the crisis, people from different sections of society came together and participated in service activities according to the need. He said that patriotism or service is not the responsibility of swayamsevaks alone. Every person in society should come forward during a crisis. The Sangh’s effort is to awaken this collective strength of society.
He cited the example of relief work carried out by Sewa Bharati Swayamsevak’s during the floods in Assam. He said that Swayamsevak’s were engaged in relief and assistance work in flood-affected areas and people from different sections of society also came forward to help affected families. He said that the spirit of service cannot be limited to any one organisation. The entire society standing together during a crisis is the sign of a healthy social order.
Dattatreya Hosabale said that during the past year, through small and large programmes across the country, thought was given to what positive activities could be undertaken together with society. From this thinking, the idea of Panch Parivartan was placed before society. In Panch Parivartan, social harmony, civic duties, self-awareness, environmental protection and family awareness were given prominence. These five subjects are connected with the life of society and can prepare the direction for positive change in society.
Giving the example of Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, he said that the responsibility for the development of a village and settlement cannot rest only with the government and administration. Every person living there also has a role. He said that if there is a deficiency in education, cleanliness, health or any other field in a village, society should also make efforts according to its capacity instead of merely expecting the government to act. This feeling of collective responsibility can make a village and settlement self-reliant and empowered.
He said that society should familiarise its new generation with the Ramayana, Mahabharata, the teachings of saints and the teachings of Gurus. These traditions contain many messages related to life, duty, sacrifice, service and character-building. Families and society should make efforts to take these values to the new generation. He said that considering oneself separate on the basis of caste, sect, language and province weakens the collective strength of society. He said that if four fingers remain separate, they possess limited strength, but when they come together to form a fist, their strength increases many times. This is the strength of organisation.
He said that in a vast and diverse country like Bharat, unity does not mean eliminating diversity but considering oneself part of a larger national family despite those diversities. We are all members of one vast Bharatiya family. The spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ expresses Bharat’s broad outlook. Therefore, it is necessary to connect different sections of society and participate in each other’s happiness and sorrow. He said that organising society is not a one-day task. Just as a player or runner has to practise every day to maintain his capability, continuous effort is also necessary for organising society. For a runner, practising running every day is not always easy, but without continuous practice, he cannot develop his ability. Similarly, organising society may appear simple, but continuing it requires discipline and patience.
He said that in the shakha, the feeling of devotion to the nation is developed by rising above differences of caste and language. This work of individual development and social organisation should continue constantly. He said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh does not work by considering itself separate from society. The Sangh is itself a part of society. Organising the strength of society, building character in individuals and awakening society towards its responsibilities are part of its work.
The Sangh’s objective is not limited to any one field. The journey from individual development to social organisation and from social organisation to nation-building is a continuous process. Bharat’s supreme glory does not mean only economic or military strength. Bharat’s supreme glory lies in building a society that is characterised, capable, organised, sensitive and aware of its responsibilities.
He said that self-confidence alone is not sufficient in society; strength and capability are also necessary. The purpose of a powerful society should not be to harm another society or individual, but to establish humanity and contribute to the development of human life. In Bharat’s tradition, strength has always been connected with public welfare. Therefore, the strength of society should be used for the protection and development of humanity, the nation and culture.
Bharat is progressing rapidly and along with this, self-confidence among the citizens of the country is also increasing. He described the growing interest and respect for Bharat in the world as an indication of this change.
He said that every citizen has a role in Bharat’s journey of resurgence. Bharat must be understood not merely as a geographical entity but as a living civilisation and society. He said that a teacher can contribute to nation-building by giving good values to students, a farmer through his labour, a scientist through his research, a soldier through his service, a trader by conducting business honestly and an ordinary citizen by fulfilling his responsibility towards the society around him.
Responsibility towards the nation cannot be separated from the ordinary activities of life. The manner in which an individual behaves in his daily life also influences the environment of society. Chief guest Lieutenant General Dr Narendra Kotwal said that the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a journey from social development to nation-building. He said that attending such a programme was a matter of pride for him. The work of the Sangh begins with the individual and reaches the family, society and nation. The strength of any nation is determined not only by its material achievements, but also by the character of its citizens, social unity, sense of duty and mutual cooperation.
He said that the true meaning of the nation’s progress would be fulfilled only when development opportunities reach the last person in society and every citizen considers himself a participant in the process of nation-building. He also urged special attention to the five areas of transformation (Panch-Parivartan) placed before society. He described social harmony, family and values, environmental protection, self-reliance and civic duties as important subjects for the future of society.
He said that Bharat’s journey is a continuous journey. Problems will continue to arise, circumstances will continue to change, and new challenges will continue to emerge, but society will have to retain the capacity to face them on the strength of its power, character and organisation. This strength has been a characteristic of India’s enduring civilisation.
The event, marked by discipline, organisation and national consciousness, was attended by around 30,000 Swayamsevak’s along with 5,000 members of society, including women and dignitaries. A report on the Sangh’s centenary journey, social outreach and service activities was presented during the programme. Madhya Bharat Prant Sanghchalak Ashok Pandey Ji and Bhopal Vibhag Sanghchalak Somkant Umalkar Ji were present on the dais.
The programme began with Swayamsevaks demonstrating collective asanas. This was followed by a collective yoga presentation. After these presentations, the Sangh’s Ghosh players performed various compositions.
