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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.
Mint
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
India has no option but to be powerful against 'wicked' evil forces on borders: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
India has no option but to be powerful as it has been witnessing the 'wickedness of the evil forces" on all its borders, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has said. Bhagwat also stressed that India must not be dependent on others for national security. "There are evil forces in the world that are aggressive by nature," Bhagwat said in an interview published in the latest issue of RSS-linked weekly magazine Organiser, as reported by news agency PTI. "We have no option but to be powerful as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders," the RSS chief said during the interaction in the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of RSS on March 21-23, 2025. The interview was recorded before Operation Sindoor – India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan after the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. "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," Bhagwat said. Bhagwat also 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'. Bhagwat 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.' Bhagwat said work is going on to strengthen Hindu society but it is not complete yet. "Slowly but surely, that situation is evolving," he said, adding, "This time, the way anguish against the atrocities on 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." Outlining the RSS' resolve for the next quarter of the century, he said it is to unite the 'entire Hindu society' and take Bharat to the pinnacle of glory, and eventually extend this transformation to the whole world. "The Hindu society must awaken now. Forgetting divisions and selfishness, we need to shape our personal, family, social and professional life based on the 'dharmik' values rooted in Hindutva," he said when asked about his message for the well-wishers, thinkers and the Hindu society in this centenary year of the RSS. Bhagwat said the RSS is a principle-centred organisation with the idea that 'Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra' embedded in its core functioning. "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)," he said. 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. Bhagwat said there is "complete freedom" in the RSS to express diverse and conflicting opinions during discussion but once a decision is reached by building consensus, everyone keeps aside their individual opinions by merging them into the collective decision. "The eternal is preserved; the transient evolves with time, space and context," he added.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bhagwat says no option but to be powerful in face of evil forces at our borders
Narrating the journey of the RSS from 1925, he said that the goal of the Sangh is 'to work for overall development of the Rashtra by protecting dharma, culture and society.' He said Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra. '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,' the RSS chief said. When asked about Hindus being targeted in Bagladesh, he 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.' Bhagwat said India must not be dependent on others for internal security. 'We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us, not even if multiple powers come together,' he asserted. 'Hindu society must awaken now. Forgetting divisions and selfishness, we need to shape our personal, family, social and professional life based on the 'dharmik' values rooted in Hindutva. That will pave the way for a powerful, righteous and self-reliant Bharat,' he added.
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat calls for making Bharat mighty; says country facing 'wickedness of evil forces' on borders
PTI RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat 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. This interaction was in the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of RSS on March 21-23, 2025, and was recorded before Operation Sindoor, at the Organiser-Panchjanya office, the magazine said. "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." Asked if human rights defenders at the global level care about Hindus facing "exploitation and violence in the neighbouring countries", the RSS chief said someone would worry about Hindus only when Hindus are strong enough. "As the Hindu society and Bharat are intertwined, the glorious nature of Hindu society will bring glory to Bharat. Such a strong Hindu society can only 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, then automatically, Hindus will gain strength globally," he added. Bhagwat said work is going on to strengthen Hindu society but it is not complete yet. "Slowly but surely, that situation is evolving," he said, adding, "This time, the way anguish against the atrocities on 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." The RSS chief asserted the "internal strength" of the Hindu society was increasing. "As the organisation grows, its impact will translate naturally. Until then, we must keep fighting," he said. "Wherever Hindus are in the world, we will do everything possible for them, following international norms. The Sangh exists for the same," Bhagwat added. Outlining the RSS' resolve for the next quarter of the century, he said it is to unite the "entire Hindu society" and take Bharat to the pinnacle of glory, and eventually extend this transformation to the whole world. "The Hindu society must awaken now. Forgetting divisions and selfishness, we need to shape our personal, family, social and professional life based on the 'dharmik' values rooted in Hindutva," he said when asked about his message for the well-wishers, thinkers and the Hindu society in this centenary year of the RSS. That will pave the way for a powerful, righteous and self-reliant Bharat, he observed. "The world is waiting for a new path, and Bharat, meaning Hindu society, has to provide it as a divine duty." "Agriculture, industrial and scientific revolutions are over. Now the world needs a 'dharmic' revolution. I am not talking about religion, but human life has to be reorganised based on truth, purity, compassion and austerity. The world needs this, Bharat has to inevitably show the path," he added. Bhagwat said the RSS is a principle-centred organisation with the idea that 'Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra' embedded in its core functioning. "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)," he said. "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 the 'sanskriti' of this country are Hindu. Therefore, this is a Hindu Rashtra," the RSS chief said Everything is to be done while maintaining this core, he added. "Hence, the Sangh swayamsevak, while taking the oath, explicitly states: 'The all-round development of the Hindu Rashtra while protecting sacred Hindu dharma, Hindu 'sanskriti' and Hindu society'," he added. Bhagwat said there is "complete freedom" in the RSS to express diverse and conflicting opinions during discussion but once a decision is reached by building consensus, everyone keeps aside their individual opinions by merging them into the collective decision. "The eternal is preserved; the transient evolves with time, space and context," he added.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat calls for making Bharat mighty; says country facing 'wickedness of evil forces' on borders
Synopsis Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, emphasizes Hindu unity and a powerful Bharat. He wants Bharat to be militarily and economically strong. He says this strength must be coupled with virtue. Bhagwat highlights the need for internal strength for national security. He adds that the Hindu society must awaken and follow 'dharmik' values.
