RSS chief highlights self-awareness, Swadeshi, social harmony in Vijayadashami address
Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, Mohan Bhagwat, on Tuesday highlighted the importance of self-awareness, Swadeshi, social harmony, family values and national unity while addressing workers and supporters on the occasion of Vijayadashami in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Bhagwat said the organisation had conducted various programmes over the past year to mark its centenary celebrations and that the Vijayadashami gathering marked the conclusion of the year-long activities.
He also highlighted the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas Maharaj, popularly known as Sant Shiromani, saying programmes were being organised across the country to familiarise people with the sant’s life and teachings. Events were also being held at RSS branches to spread awareness about his contributions to society.
Recalling the contributions of prominent spiritual leaders, Bhagwat said their lives offered inspiration for preserving cultural values and strengthening society.
“Through the example of his own life, he provided comfort and encouragement to society at that time, boosting their courage and preserving their values,” he said.
Bhagwat also spoke about Swami Shraddhanand, an Arya Samaj ascetic, educationist, leader of the Shuddhi movement and freedom fighter, noting that 100 years had passed since his martyrdom.
He also recalled Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, who dedicated his life to serving tribal communities in Odisha and whose birth centenary is being observed.
According to Bhagwat, remembering these personalities was particularly relevant because the RSS had spent the past century working to awaken self-awareness among people and strengthening India’s identity and cultural ethos.
“Remembering them is also appropriate because the work that the Sangh has been carrying out for the past 100 years is precisely aimed at awakening this self-awareness. On the foundation of that self-awareness, identity, and ethos, it strives to make India united and strong. As our Prant Sanghchalak Ji mentioned in his introductory remarks regarding Panch Parivartan, one of its key aspects is practicing self-awareness and adoption of Swadeshi. This self-awareness is reflected in the preamble of our Constitution, where we refer to ourselves as ‘We, the people of India,” he said.
Bhagwat said the values associated with India’s traditions must be reflected in people’s conduct and everyday lives.
Recalling the circumstances surrounding India’s freedom struggle, he said the leaders and society of that period had demonstrated immense dedication and perseverance.
“We must embrace matching qualities and embody them in our conduct and daily lives. During the period of our nation’s struggle for Independence, as our Chief Guest mentioned, when the Sangh was established, there was a distinct atmosphere. In that atmosphere, the great leaders who strived for our freedom, along with the society of that time, through immense penance and dedication, brought about what was required. Today, in our current circumstances, we need many times more than that commitment to achieve our goals. When we observe today’s situation, this becomes evident,” he said.
Explaining India’s traditional understanding of existence, Bhagwat said diversity was natural and constantly evolving, but the underlying unity of all existence remained eternal.
“Our tradition tells us that diversity exists in creation, which is completely natural. While it is natural, it is also ever-changing. Just as it is natural and dynamic, the truth of the ultimate unity of all existence remains fixed, unshakeable, and eternal. God has blessed human beings with the gift of intellect and thought.
“By purifying one’s thoughts, if a person realises this truth within themselves and sees it reflected in the world, and lives their life according to it, then through that alone, they attain enduring, eternal happiness. This search for happiness is humanity’s eternal quest, and human progress advances through this pursuit,” he said.
He added that human beings could attain lasting happiness by purifying their thoughts, recognising this fundamental unity and aligning their lives with it. Bhagwat described the pursuit of happiness as a continuing human quest that drives progress.
Sharing preliminary details of the RSS centenary outreach programmes, Bhagwat said the organisation had undertaken an extensive campaign to reach villages, urban settlements and households across the country.
He said the outreach effort had covered 461,527 villages and 41,076 urban settlements, referred to as ‘bastis’ in the organisation’s terminology. According to the figures he shared, the campaign had reached 101,988,511 households and families.
He added that discussions and symposia for prominent and intellectual citizens had been organised across districts. A total of 1,117 such programmes had been held, with 426,497 men and women participating, according to the preliminary figures. Bhagwat clarified that the final official report would be presented at a meeting of the organisation’s executive committee and that the figures could increase.
Discussing social cohesion, Bhagwat said India’s civilisational outlook had historically enabled people with different languages, castes, sects and community identities to coexist while maintaining a broader sense of belonging.
He said that when emotional unity and Indian nationality remained paramount, society was able to maintain its strength and cohesion. However, forgetting this shared identity had led to divisions and weakened collective confidence.
According to Bhagwat, fear and insecurity could encourage people to retreat into narrow identities and build barriers between themselves and others. He stressed the need to restore a broader sense of unity and belonging.
He also emphasised that Panch Parivartan should not be treated as a short-term campaign but as a continuing process of social transformation.
“Panch Parivartan is accepted everywhere, because the circumstances for which it serves as a solution are being experienced by everyone. Particularly, family awakening, civic discipline, and environment, people across the world grasp these immediately. The need for these has been felt in other countries around the world as well. However, this is not a one-year program, nor is it conceived as such. Volunteers must keep in mind, and citizens must also understand, that as a way of life intended to bring transformation in our conduct, it must become a habit through direct action,” he said.
Bhagwat said these changes could be achieved only when people incorporated them into their daily routines and turned them into lasting habits. He urged RSS volunteers and citizens to translate the principles into action rather than limit themselves to discussions or temporary initiatives.
Turning to India’s growing global profile, Bhagwat said increasing international attention towards the country reflected both its progress and the search for solutions to problems confronting modern societies.
He said lifestyles shaped by materialism, individualism and excessive consumption had created several challenges despite material prosperity. These included difficulties in managing diversity, balancing development with environmental protection, promoting harmony among people with different backgrounds, preserving family relationships and addressing the erosion of values among younger generations.
Bhagwat said India had an opportunity and responsibility to offer alternative perspectives while continuing its own development. He argued that the country’s progress should also help establish a broader benchmark for addressing global challenges.
He referred to the term “Hindu” in the context of a spiritual and civilisational outlook that, according to him, emphasised universal brotherhood and humanity while allowing people to retain their respective languages, regional traditions, customs and beliefs.
Addressing the issue of substance addiction, Bhagwat said the problem persisted even though people were generally aware of the harmful effects of intoxicating substances. He described addiction as a serious national concern and stressed the importance of developing wisdom and sound judgement among young people.
He said parents had a crucial role in guiding children and helping them understand the consequences of harmful habits. The younger generation, he added, needed to develop the discipline to stay away from addictive substances.
Bhagwat also spoke about the rapid advancement of science and technology, saying technological progress was inevitable but needed to be approached responsibly.
“However, we must keep in mind that technology is merely a tool,” he said, stressing the importance of ensuring that technological developments served society rather than undermined its well-being.
Referring to concerns about digital content, Bhagwat said discussions were taking place in India about the need for regulations, particularly concerning over-the-top (OTT) platforms. He said the government and administration should consider the issue and take appropriate action.
Towards the end of his address, Bhagwat referred to natural and human-induced disasters, expressing concern over recent tragedies in Nepal and Kolkata.
“Both man-made and natural disasters occur. Recently, a tragic disaster struck Nepal. An incident also occurred in Kolkata, though nature cannot be blamed for it, it stems from our own overcrowding and negligence. Everyone shares the grief, and relief efforts are currently underway. As for what happened in Nepal, why did it occur? Across the entire Himalayan region, spanning countries such as India, Tibet, Bhutan, and China on modern maps, unbalanced, one-sided development practices have created ecological instability throughout the Himalayas… We must relearn the science of pursuing such development,” he said.