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Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Anguish Over Atrocities On Hindus In Bangladesh Unprecedented: RSS Chief
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Ahead of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ) centenary, Sarsanghchalak (chief) Dr Mohan Bhagwat termed recent atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh unprecedented and stressed that only a strong Hindu society can ensure dignity and safety for Hindus globally. In a detailed in-house conversation following the March 2025 Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Bhagwat the RSS chief shed light on the path the Sangh travelled over the last 100 years. Excerpts from the interview: Q: Hindus have been facing exploitation in neighbouring countries, with violence inflicted on them. Do global human rights defenders care? Someone will worry about Hindus only when Hindus are strong enough. A strong Hindu society can lead and include those in Bharat who don't identify as Hindus, but once were. If Bharat's Hindu society becomes strong, Hindus globally gain strength. This process is ongoing, though not complete. The anguish over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh is unprecedented. Local Hindus now say: "We won't flee. We'll stay and fight for our rights." Wherever Hindus are, we'll do everything possible for them under international norms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Sangh exists for this. Swayamsevaks take oath to work for the development of Hindu Rashtra by protecting Dharma, sanskriti, and society. Q: What is the Sangh's vision regarding national security, military strength, and economic power? We must strive for strength. As we pray in daily prarthana: "Ajayyaṁ cha viśvasya dehīśa śaktim" (Grant us such a strength that globally we are invincible). True strength is internal. For national security, we must not depend on others. We must be able to defend ourselves, even if multiple powers unite. Brute power without righteousness leads to violence. We must seek both virtues and strength for protecting the good and destroying the wicked. We don't seek domination in world trade. Seeing evil on our borders, we have no option but to be powerful. Q: Despite rapid expansion, how has the Sangh ensured quality in swayamsevak training and work? Quantitative and qualitative growth must go hand in hand. We develop individuals based on their temperament and help them integrate into collective work. There's flexibility, but also a clear path of transformation. There's a story from our early years. A new karyakarta from a socialist background, who was a chain-smoker, joined a training camp where even betel nuts weren't allowed. He was clearly uncomfortable. At night, organising secretary took him out for a walk and allowed him to smoke outside the premises. That same person eventually became a dedicated karyakarta and later quit smoking. This kind of affectionate transformation is key to our strength. We accept people as they are and help them grow into what they can become. Q: How does the Sangh approach change while remaining rooted in Hedgewar and Guruji's ideology? The core thoughts of Dr Hedgewar, MS Golwalkar (Guruji), and Balasaheb (Deoras) are deeply rooted in our eternal culture. But our functioning evolves with time. There is no room in the Sangh for personality-driven blind imitation or rigid scripture-bound rules. We may take inspiration and follow the direction given by great personalities, but in every desh-kaal-paristhiti (time and situation), we must carve our own path. What is eternal remains unchanged. For example, as Balasaheb said, "Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra." Apart from this, everything else in the Sangh is transient. The entire Hindu society is the custodian of this nation. The nature and sanskriti of this country is Hindu. Therefore, this is a Hindu Rashtra. "Hindu" is defined broadly to preserve fundamentals and adapt as needed. There is room for disagreement within the Sangh. Once consensus is built, all members work in unity, setting aside individual views. Q: With societal changes, is the shakha model still relevant? Absolutely. The external format may evolve, but the core idea of shakha — coming together daily to reaffirm our commitment to Bharat Mata's paramvaibhav (supreme glory) — is irreplaceable. Ordinary individuals achieve extraordinary things when they're part of a collective. The environment of a shakha builds virtues through proximity and example. People are more influenced by peers than distant icons. Every decade we reflect on alternatives to shakha. I've attended 6–7 such discussions. So far, no viable replacement has been found. In fact, even people from advanced countries are studying our shakha model. Q: How is Sangh's work expanding in Vanavasi (tribal) areas? Our primary aim in the forest areas is to empower tribal people and serve Janjatiya communities from within. Shakhas are expanding in tribal regions, including the Northeast. We're also working to revive awareness about their traditions, icons, and contributions to the freedom movement. Q: How does the Sangh promote inclusivity amid Bharat's diversity? Visit any shakha — you'll see people from all regions, languages, and backgrounds working together joyfully. Sangh songs exist in many languages. Q: The Sangh talks and works for samarasta (social harmony), but some people speak for equality. How do you differentiate the two? Equality is economic and political; we strive for social equality. Equality without freedom brings restrictions and if it has to be sustainable, then the basis of fraternity is inevitable. This sense of Brotherhood is samarasta. Laws can't erase casteism from the mind. Samarasta is the conviction that all are ours. Even if we differ, we belong to each other. Q: The Sangh often faces questions about women's participation. What is your response? In 1933, it was decided that the work of personality development and social organisation among women would be done by Rashtra Sevika Samiti. It continues to function effectively. Whenever Samiti expects Sangh to work among women (for the shakha work), then only we will think about it. RSS shakha format is designed for men, but women observe and attend freely. Women work with swayamsevaks in various organisations, have representation in Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha. Women will empower themselves; we support their transformation. As the RSS approaches its centenary on Vijayadashami 2025, its core mission — protecting dharma, fostering unity, and building a strong Bharat — remains steadfast.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hindu Society Must Awaken Now: RSS at 100, Bhagwat Calls for a Dharmic Future
Nagpur: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ) approaches its 100th anniversary on Vijayadashami this year, the organisation stands as a unique, nationwide force rooted in the ideals of dharma, culture, and national unity. In the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), held from March 21–23, and just before the launch of Operation Sindoor, RSS chief Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat sat down for an in-depth, in-house conversation. A part of the interview is reproduced here. Q: As a Swayamsevak and the Sarsanghchalak, how do you view this 100-year journey of the Sangh? Dr Hedgewar initiated this mission with deep thought and clarity. The challenges before the nation were assessed, and through experience and experimentation, a suitable course of action was developed — one that proved effective. By 1950, there was growing confidence in the Sangh's methods, and it was clear the work could move forward despite all obstacles. What followed was a nationwide expansion and the integration of Swayamsevaks into various walks of life. Over the next four decades, their character, actions, and spirit of belonging earned the trust of society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo After the 1990s, it became evident that the country could be governed with these very values. The next step is ensuring that this spirit spreads across society — sincerely, selflessly, and in unity — to elevate Bharat to its highest potential. Q: What were the major milestones in this 100-year journey? Initially, the Sangh had nothing. There was no recognition of its ideology or availability of means of propagation. There was nothing except neglect and opposition in society, not even Karyakartas. If you fed this data into a computer, it would predict a premature death for this entity. Yet, it endured. During Partition, the RSS played a vital role in protecting Hindus. It survived a govt ban and emerged stronger by 1950. The Emergency of 1975 became a turning point when the Sangh's constructive role in restoring democracy made society realise its strength. Later, through movements like the Ekatmata Rath Yatra, Kashmir-related awareness campaigns, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan, and Vivekananda Sardhshati (150th birth anniversary), along with large-scale Sewa (service) work, the Sangh's credibility spread across all layers of society. Q: In the Sangh's centenary year, what is the aim of 'Panch Parivartan' (Five Transformations), and how will it be put into action? 'Panch Parivartan' is the Sangh's centenary vision for deep-rooted societal change through everyday behaviour. It's not about symbolic gestures but reshaping mindsets and habits at the grass roots. The goal is to build a society anchored in unity, discipline, and cultural identity — led by individuals who live these values, not just speak of them. Samajik Samarasta (Social Harmony) stresses genuine inclusivity. Unity must be lived — temples, cremation grounds, and public resources should be equally accessible to all. Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment) Relief for the world lies in our traditional values, found in family customs and national practices. Family enlightenment means reflecting together, agreeing, and living these values. The family must be re-established as a global model rooted in sanskaras (values). Paryavaran (Environmental Awareness) focuses on daily habits: saving water, cutting single-use plastic, and planting trees. Swa (Selfhood) Conduct must reflect national selfhood — living our traditions at home in food, dress, language, and worship. Use Swadeshi products until self-reliance is complete. Trade globally, but on our terms, not under pressure. This is true self-based living. Lastly, Civic Duties underline the importance of lawfulness, constitutional respect, and public decency. Swayamsevaks will lead by example, spreading these changes through Shakhas. When practised consistently, these transformations aim to build a more harmonious, self-aware, and responsible society. Q: What is the resolve for the next 25 years? The aim is to unite the entire Hindu community and build a strong, self-reliant nation. But the vision goes beyond national boundaries. Since the time of Dr Hedgewar, the goal has also been to shape a world guided by dharmic values. As early as 1920, he urged the Indian National Congress to declare that complete independence for India also meant working to liberate the world from the grip of capitalism. This broader mission — to uplift humanity through an Indian worldview — has been part of the Sangh's thinking from the very beginning. Q: The Sangh turns 100 and Bharat will mark 100 years of independence in 2047. How will Bharat become a Vishwaguru, and how should we respond to those trying to divide society? The Sangh's process already counters these threats. We've moved forward by confronting self-oblivion, selfishness, and divisiveness. Today, we have society's trust. If we continue working with unity and dedication, the impact will be far greater than the sum of individual efforts. If we stay organised and dedicated, what is usually '1 + 1 = 2' will become '1 + 1 = 11'. A strong, united Bharat will set an example that the world will follow. In fact, a senior Karyakarta said in 1992 that the world would form its own versions of RSS. After 2047, this global transformation will begin and it won't take a century, just 20–30 years. Q: What is your final message to well-wishers, thinkers, and the Hindu society in this centenary year? The Hindu society must awaken now. Leave behind selfishness and divisions. Live a personal, family, social, and professional life rooted in Dharma and Hindutva. That alone will lead to a self-reliant, righteous, and powerful Bharat. The world is waiting for a new path and Bharat, which means Hindu society, has to provide it as a divine duty. We've had agricultural, industrial, and scientific revolutions. Now, we need a Dharmic revolution — I am not talking about religion, but based on human life has to be reorganised based on Truth, Purity, Compassion, and Austerity. Sangh's work must be understood as a divine responsibility. Let us rise above 'me and mine' and live together as an example for the world to follow.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Wickedness of the evil forces': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat calls for Hindus to unify to make Bharat mighty
NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat reiterated the need to unify Hindu society and build Bharat into a formidable military and economic power, capable of withstanding the "wickedness of the evil forces" along all its borders. In an interview with the RSS-affiliated weekly magazine Organiser, Bhagwat said, 'There are evil forces in the world that are aggressive by nature.' 'We have no option but to be powerful, as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders,' he added. He further stressed: 'True strength is internal. We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us—not even if multiple powers come together.' The magazine noted that this conversation took place before Operation Sindoor at the Organiser-Panchjanya office, ahead of the RSS's Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha scheduled for March 21–23. Bhagwat reiterated, 'A virtuous person is not safe just because of his virtues. Hence, virtues should be combined with strength. Mere brute power can be directionless, leading to blatant violence. Therefore, power should be combined with righteousness.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo When asked about global human rights defenders' concern for Hindus facing oppression in neighbouring countries, Bhagwat suggested that support would only come when Hindus demonstrate strength. 'As Hindu society and Bharat are intertwined, the glory of Hindu society will bring glory to Bharat. Such a strong Hindu society can present a model for including the people of Bharat who no longer consider themselves Hindus—as they, too, were once Hindus.' 'If Hindu society in Bharat becomes strong, then automatically Hindus will gain strength globally,' he asserted. Bhagwat acknowledged that efforts to strengthen Hindu society are underway, noting that progress is 'slow but steady.' 'Slowly but surely, the situation is evolving,' he said, adding, 'This time, the way anguish over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh has been expressed is unprecedented. Even local Hindus (in Bangladesh) now say — 'We won't flee. We'll stay and fight for our rights.''
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
RSS chief calls for making Bharat mighty; says country facing 'wickedness of evil forces' on borders
NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for unity in the Hindu society and making Bharat so mighty in military power and economy that it cannot be "conquered" even if "multiple powers come" together. He, however, stressed that strength should be combined with virtues and righteousness as a "mere brute power" can be directionless leading to "blatant violence". India has no option but to be powerful as it has been "witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces" on all its borders, Bhagwat said in an interview published in the latest issue of RSS-linked weekly magazine Organiser. The interview was conducted following the meeting of RSS' highest decision-making body Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Bengaluru about two months ago. "We must strive for strength. As we pray through the daily prarthana (prayer): 'Ajayyam cha visvasya dehisa saktim' (Grant us such strength that globally we are invincible)," Bhagat told the magazine when asked to share the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's vision on national security, military strength and economic power. He stressed that India must not be dependent on others for national security. "True strength is internal. We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us, not even if multiple powers come together." "There are evil forces in the world that are aggressive by nature," he said, adding, "We have no option but to be powerful as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders." "A virtuous person is not safe just because of his virtues. Hence virtues should be combined with strength. Mere brute power can be directionless, leading to blatant blatant violence. Hence power should be combined with righteousness," Bhagwat underlined. Continuing with his argument, the RSS chief said, "So we must worship both virtue and strength. For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked -- this should be the nature of our power." "When no option is available, then wickedness has to be eradicated forcefully," he said. "We are not doing this to dominate world trade, but to ensure that everyone should be able to lead a peaceful, healthy and empowered life."
The Print
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
No option but to be powerful in face of evil forces at our borders—RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Organiser
'We must strive for strength. As we pray through the daily Prarthana: 'Ajayyam cha viśvasya dehīśa śaktim' — 'Grant us such a strength that globally we are invincible'. True strength is internal. For national security, we must not be dependent on others. We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us—not even if multiple powers come together. There are evil forces in the world who are aggressive by nature,' Bhagwat had said while sharing the RSS's vision for national security, military strength, and economic power of India. The comment holds significance in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The RSS mouthpiece, though, has clarified in the interview that it took place in the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha—a meeting of the national council, the highest decision-making body of the RSS—which was held earlier this year in March, before the Pahalgam attack. New Delhi: India should not be dependent on others to defend itself and nobody should be able to conquer it even if multiple powers come together, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said in an interview to the Organiser . Brute power, he added, can be directionless, leading to blatant violence, and therefore power should be combined with righteousness, and when no option is available, wickedness has to be eradicated forcefully. 'We have no option but to be powerful as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders.' Bhagwat spoke at length on a host of issues including the completion of 100 years of the Sangh, the role of women in the RSS, the journey of the organisation etc. At a time when the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has taken on the Centre over the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, the RSS chief also said that the Sangh 'provides a thread to put all diversities in one garland of unity'. He was responding to the question of how the Sangh promotes inclusivity, given India's linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity. 'Come and see yourself, people from all languages, sects, and backgrounds work together in the Sangh, with great joy. The Sangh songs are there not just in Hindi but in multiple languages… While retaining their unique identity, everyone is working by upholding the sense of one nationhood,' he said. 'Someone will worry about Hindus only when…' Answering a question on Hindus facing exploitation in neighbouring countries including Bangladesh and violence being inflicted on them, Bhagwat said 'someone will worry about Hindus, only when Hindus are strong enough'. 'As Hindu society and Bharat are intertwined, a glorious nature of Hindu society will bring in glory for Bharat. Only such a strong Hindu society can present a model for taking along the people of Bharat who do not consider themselves Hindus, as at one point they were also Hindus. If the Hindu society of Bharat becomes strong, automatically Hindus will gain strength globally. This work is going on, but it is not yet complete,' he said. The Sangh chief went on to say that 'slowly but surely, that situation is evolving'. 'This time the way anguish against the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh has been expressed, this is unprecedented. Even local Hindus now say: 'We won't flee. We'll stay and fight for our rights'.' Asked about how the Sangh has been functioning as per the thoughts of founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Bhagwat said: 'The original thoughts of Dr Hedgewar, Sri Guruji, or Balasaheb are not distinct from the eternal (Sanatan) tradition and culture. The Sangh method of functioning has been firmed up after deep contemplation and experiences based on actual experimentations of the karyakartas,' he said. 'We are principle centered. We may take inspiration and follow the direction given by great personalities, but in every Desh-Kaal-Paristhiti (time and situation), we must carve our own path. This calls for constant discernment between what is eternal (nitya) and what is situational (anitya). What is nitya in the Sangh? Balasaheb once said, 'Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra'. Apart from this, everything else in the Sangh is transient. The entire Hindu society is the accountable, custodian of this nation. The nature and sanskriti of this country is Hindu,' Bhagwat added. Therefore, this is a Hindu Rashtra, everything is to be done while maintaining this core, he added. Bhagwat said a Sangh Swayamsevak, while taking the oath, explicitly states that he is working for 'the all-round development of the Hindu Rashtra while protecting the sacred Hindu Dharma, Hindu Sanskriti and Hindu society'. The definition of 'Hindu', he further said, is also comprehensive, 'there is enough scope in it to maintain the fundamental framework and direction and still make necessary changes as per the need of time and situation'. 'Therefore, there is complete freedom to express diverse and conflicting opinions during discussion. Once a decision is reached by building consensus, everyone keeps aside individual opinion by merging it in the collective decision. The decisions taken are accepted as theirs by everyone. Hence, everyone has a freedom to do work and still maintain the direction with all others. The eternal is preserved; the transient evolves with time, space, and context,' he added. The daily shakha in modern times Answering questions on the role of RSS shakhas and whether the model of the daily shakha is still relevant amid changes in society and lifestyle, Bhagwat said, 'While the programmes in a shakha may have alternatives, the essence of a shakha is—coming together, cultivating collective virtues, and reigniting the resolve on a daily basis that we are working for the param vaibhav (ultimate glory) of Bharat Mata. This is the root, meeting, cooperating with each other is fundamental. This is the basis, it is irreplaceable.' The shakha is irreplaceable, the Sangh chief maintained. 'It provides an environment for inculcating individual and collective virtues. While the time and attire of shakha may change (and that's already allowed), there is no alternative to Shakha. Shakha is never irrelevant,' Bhagwat said, pointing out that people from advanced countries are studying RSS's shakha model. 'Every ten years we contemplate whether there is any other alternative. I have been present in such contemplations for six-seven times, but till date, no viable alternative has yet emerged,' he added. Asked to comment on the participation of women in the RSS, Bhagwat said the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the women's wing of the RSS, works for women and even though shakhas are designed for men, women attend and observe freely. He also said that women have representation and actively participate in the meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha. 'In the early days of the Sangh, around 1933, it was decided that the work of personality development and social organisation among women would be done by the Rashtra Sevika Samiti. It continues to function effectively,' said Bhagwat. 'Whenever the Samiti expects the Sangh to work among women (for shakha work), then only we will think about it…the Sangh doesn't function only on the basis of male karyakartas, mothers and sisters support the work fully, only then the Sangh functions,' he added. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: 'Man wants to become Superman, Dev, Bhagwan,' says Bhagwat. Congress links it to 'non-biological' Modi
