Original Lecture is in Hindi
Speech Delivered by Param Poojaniya Sarsanghchalak Shri Mohan Ji Bhagwat
On the occasion of Vijayadashami Utsav, Nagpur
(Ashwin Shuddha Dashmi, Yugabda 5127, Thursday, October 02, 2025)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Shatabdi Year – 1925–2025
Condensed format
ॐ
We have gathered here today to celebrate Vijayadashami, a day of immense significance in our cultural and spiritual calendar. Today, we not only mark the occasion of Vijayadashami but also commemorate the centenary year of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This marks 100 years of dedicated service to our nation and its culture. This year also holds profound meaning as it coincides with the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, a symbol of bravery and sacrifice to protect the Hindu community from foreign invaders.
Additionally, today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a foremost figure in the freedom struggle, and a man who envisioned an independent Bharat rooted in its own selfhood (Swa). It is also the birth anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji, a man whose simplicity, humility, and unwavering commitment to our nation’s progress and security left an indelible mark on the country. These individuals exemplified devotion to nation, service, and sacrifice for the greater good, and their lives stand as a model of integrity for us all.
Their lives teach us how one can embody true humanity by living with devotion to the nation and a sense of service. In the present context, amidst national and global challenges, we need to imbibe such values of personal character and national service in our daily lives. A reflection of these principles is essential as we examine the progress Bharat has made as an independent nation over the past year.
Current Scenario: Hope and Challenges
The recent past has strengthened our hope and faith, but it has also made the challenges we face more apparent. They have clarified our duties for the future. A few examples serve to illustrate this.
The Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj earlier this year set a new world record, surpassing all previous benchmarks for the number of pilgrims and the excellence of its management. This event united the nation in faith, drawing millions of people together. On the other hand, on 22 April, in Pahalgam, cross-border terrorists killed 26 Bharatiya civilian tourists, targeting them for their Hindu faith. The attack was deeply sorrowful and enraging for the entire country, but it also revealed the resolve of our leadership, the bravery of our armed forces, and the unity of our society in response. In response to this attack, the government took swift and decisive action in May. However, this episode also reaffirmed the need for enhanced vigilance and further development of our security capabilities. It also underscored the testing nature of our international relations and alliances.
The Naxalist movement, rooted in exploitation and injustice, has been largely controlled due to the firm actions of the government and a public realization of the movement’s ideological emptiness and cruelty. Now that these barriers are removed, we must ensure justice, development, empathy, and peace in these regions through well-planned efforts.
Economically, our situation is showing positive growth, and the enthusiasm among the people, especially the younger generation, to position Bharat as a global leader is palpable. However, there are serious flaws in the global economic model – rising inequality, environmental degradation, and exploitation at the hands of powerful elites. The global system often does not account for these issues, and we must re-examine our own policies to ensure they don’t adversely affect our future.
The global community is interdependent, but as we strive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant Bharat), we must ensure that we are not forced to compromise our sovereignty due to external pressures. Swadeshi and Swavalamban (self-reliance) are essential in our development strategy.
The Harmful Global Development Model
The worldwide adoption of a materialist, consumerist development model has increasingly shown harmful consequences: irregular weather patterns, environmental degradation, and the drying up of essential natural resources like glaciers. Particularly in South Asia, many of the water resources depend on the Himalayas, and the disasters in this region serve as a warning for the entire world. We must heed this message to prevent further environmental damage.
In recent years, turmoil in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal due to violent public uprisings poses a risk to Bharat as well. We must be mindful of the forces within and outside the country that seek to create similar disturbances here. The causes of this discontent are rooted in a disconnect between the government and society and the absence of capable, people-oriented administration. However, violence will never bring about desirable change. Such transformations can only be achieved through democratic means.
The Role of Bharat in the Global Context
The scientific and technological advances of recent years have made life more convenient, but they have also exposed the gaps in human adaptation. While technology can connect the world, it cannot replace genuine human relationships, which are being weakened by transactionalism and growing hostility. This societal shift toward materialism has led to global conflicts, environmental devastation, and social alienation. Bharat is positioned as a beacon of hope due to its holistic approach rooted in culture and spirituality. People across the world are looking to Bharat for solutions grounded in the values that have sustained our society for thousands of years.
There is a rising nationalist spirit across Bharat, particularly among the younger generation. The selfless service provided by Swayamsevaks and various other individuals and organizations is helping to uplift society’s most underprivileged sections. This growing self-reliance and the capacity to solve societal issues demonstrate the potential for transformation within the country.
Philosophical Vision of Bharat
Leaders like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Deendayal Upadhyaya, Ram Manohar Lohia, and many others have emphasized Bharat’s distinctive worldview that is holistic, spiritual, and interconnected with nature. This worldview has been the foundation of our civilization, ensuring the material, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of individuals while maintaining collective progress and harmony with nature.
Modern models of development, though not entirely without merit, are incomplete. The materialistic approach, followed globally, leads to ecological crises and social inequality. As some scholars note, if Bharat were to adopt the same material lifestyle as the West, it would require five more Earths to sustain it. The crisis of modernity arises from this incomplete worldview, whereas Bharat’s ancient worldview presents an integrated solution.
We must create a new model of development—one based on the Sanatan, spiritual, and holistic approach that has stood the test of time. It offers the world a way forward, addressing the crises of modern materialism, while ensuring prosperity, sustainability, and harmony.
The Vision of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
As the RSS completes its century-long journey, its Swayamsevaks have actively participated in various aspects of social life, embodying the values of service, unity, and national strength. We have learned valuable lessons from our work and experience over the past century.
- Resurgence of Bharat: Bharat’s resurgence is on the rise, but we are still navigating the inadequacies of the existing policies. Over time, we will need to make gradual, thoughtful shifts to protect ourselves from global and local challenges. We must create a development model that is rooted in our holistic approach, which the world can emulate.
- Social Awareness and Change: Creating an ideal Bharat is not solely the responsibility of the system. True change comes from the will of society, and we must focus on character-building (Vyakti Nirman) and societal transformation. The key lies in the active participation of the people who live out these values in their daily lives.
- Restoring Systems for Individual Development: Our ancient systems for cultivating virtuous individuals were destroyed during foreign invasions. We need to re-establish these systems, incorporating them into education, homes, and societal life. Sangh Shakhas are the cornerstone of this process, helping develop individuals who embody the highest standards of service, character, and leadership.
- Unity Amidst Diversity: Bharat’s diversity is a strength, but we must remember that, despite our differences, we are united as one nation. We must maintain harmony and respect for all cultures, communities, and religions, recognizing that our common identity as a nation transcends these distinctions.
- Hindu Unity and Strength: The unity of Hindu society is the bedrock of our nation’s prosperity and development. We must protect and nurture this unity through organization, self-reliance, and respect for all. The RSS works tirelessly to strengthen this unity, and it is through this strength that Bharat will achieve its rightful place in the world.
Dr. Ambedkar Sahab referred to the foundation of this unity as ‘inherent cultural unity’. Bharatiya culture has been a special feature of Bharat since ancient times. It is completely inclusive. It teaches us to respect and embrace all forms of diversity as it is rooted in Bharat’s spiritual truth and qualities such as compassion, purity and discipline – that is, in Dharma. As this nation’s children, Hindu society has adopted this in their way of life as a tradition; which is why it is also called Hindu Sanskriti. It has originated through the penance of Rishis of Bharat. The prosperous and secure environment of ancient Bharat allowed them to do so. This Samskriti has flourished, remained unbroken and reached us today because of the perseverance, sacrifices and dedication of our ancestors. Rashtriyata (or nationalist spirit) is conducting ourselves according to our Bharatiya Sanskriti, cherishing the memory of our ancestors by having a sense of pride and following their conduct, and by devoting ourselves to our divine motherland which has enabled everything. This Hindu Rashtriyata always keeps us together while accepting and respecting all diversities. We don’t have a conception of ‘nation state’. States are formed and decline, while Rashtra remains eternal. We should never forget this foundation of our unity.
The Way Forward
In this centenary year, the RSS will intensify its efforts in Vyakti Nirman (building virtuous individuals) and Panch Parivartan (fivefold social transformation), promoting social harmony, environmental protection, self-reliance, and adherence to legal duties. These values must be woven into the fabric of every individual and community. This vision of transformation is not just an RSS initiative; many organizations and individuals across Bharat are already working towards this.
The strength, virtue and organized character of the Hindu society guarantee national unity, oneness and development. The Hindu society is accountable for Bharat. It is an inclusive society. It is free of and will remain free from a mentality ‘us and them’ which creates divisions on the basis of superficial differences of many names and forms. The Hindu society is upholder and guardian of the noble idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. This is why it is the duty of the Hindu society to make Bharat prosperous and a country that contributes immensely to the entire world. The Sangh has been working to organize the entire Hindu society which on the basis of its organized strength, safeguarding its Dharma, which can offer a new path to the world, will make Bharat prosperous. An organized society can fulfill all its duties on its own. No separate effort will be needed from outside.
Bharat has played a vital role throughout history, restoring the balance of nature, society, and spirituality. The rest of the world now looks to Bharat for answers. Let us unite as one, with discipline, dedication, and resolve, to continue the journey towards a prosperous, peaceful, and spiritually enriched Bharat.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Read More
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