“India is a Hindu nation. We have lived here since ancient times, though the term — Hindu — came later. The term Hindu has been used for all sects residing in India. With continuous dialogue and goodwill, we must live together harmoniously,” said Mohan Bhagwat
Emphasising that “Bharat is essentially a Hindu Rashtra”, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that Hindus should take responsibility for the nation’s welfare.
“Hindus have lived in this land for thousands of years, upholding its traditions, culture and values,” he said, stressing the need for unity and action, urging Hindus to actively contribute to the country’s progress, protect its cultural heritage, and foster harmony across communities.
“Hindus have a habit of outsourcing all the work. They always say — Bhagwan Bachao (God save us). But God only helps those who help themselves. Even in Mahabharat, Krishna Bhagwan came to support Pandavas when he saw them ready with the chariot. If God wanted, he could have saved them without the war too, but God always waits to see people taking efforts. We should take efforts to look after Bharat Ma, we should always take everyone along with us, because that is our culture, our tradition,” Bhagwat said, while addressing a gathering at Baran.
“India is a Hindu nation. We have lived here since ancient times, though the term — Hindu — came later. The term Hindu has been used for all the sects residing in India. Hindus regard everyone as their own and accept all. A Hindu says that we are right, and you, too, are right in your place. With continuous dialogue and goodwill, we must live together harmoniously,” he added.
Bhagwat’s speech underscores the RSS’s long-held view of India as a fundamentally Hindu nation, where the responsibility of preserving national integrity lies primarily with Hindus. A gathering of the volunteers of RSS Baran Nagar was held on Saturday evening at the Agricultural Produce Market.
Bhagwat said the volunteers should have contact with everyone in the localities. “Efforts should be made to alleviate the deficiencies in these areas by providing support to society. There should be focus on social harmony, social justice, social health, education, health and self-reliance,” he said.
He pointed out that the Hindu society must unite for its own protection, overcoming divisions based on language, caste and region. “A society should function with unity, goodwill and fraternity. Discipline in conduct, a sense of duty toward the state, and dedication to the cause are essential qualities in society. It is not just about “me and my family”; rather, we must attain God in our lives through a comprehensive concern for society,” he said.
He also emphasised that the work of the Sangh is not mechanical, but idea-based. “There is no other work in the world as valuable as that of the Sangh. Just as the sea is unique and the sky is unparalleled, the Sangh, too, is incomparable. Values from the Sangh are passed on to the group leader, from the group leader to the volunteer, and from the volunteer to the family. Families together form society. This is the method of personal development within the Sangh,” he said.
Bhagwat said that India’s reputation in the world is tied to the strength of the nation. “The safety of expatriates of a strong nation is assured only when their nation is strong; otherwise, expatriates of weak nations are often asked to leave. The greatness of India is just as important for every citizen as well,” he said.
