Bhagwat: RSS ideology rooted in Indian tradition, guided by ethics

Gorakhpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said the organisation's worldview is wholly derived from Indian philosophical traditions and is neither a reaction to any particular situation nor in competition with any other entity.He stressed that India is a "dharma-pran" nation where ethical conduct forms the core of social life, shaped by inter-generational values. The RSS, he said, aims to organise society on the basis of tolerance, coordination and selflessness.
Addressing a prominent citizens' meet organised by the RSS Goraksh province as part of its centenary year celebrations at Baba Gambhirnath auditorium in Taramandal, Bhagwat said expectations from the Sangh have increased at a time when the world is grappling with conflict and uncertainty. "There is no model elsewhere that can guarantee lasting peace and happiness to society. The world is looking towards India with hope," he said, asserting that Indian knowledge traditions offer answers to contemporary challenges.He maintained that the RSS is an autonomous, independent and self-reliant organisation devoted to the nation, not to power, influence or popularity. "The sangh has not come to destroy but to fulfil," he said, invoking a Biblical phrase to emphasise that the organisation does not function in opposition to anyone. "If society becomes fully organised and capable, there would be no need for the sangh," he added.Tracing the ideological currents during India's freedom struggle, Bhagwat referred to four broad streams. The first, he said, was the revolutionary path that sought to defeat British rule through armed struggle, associated with leaders such as Subhas Chandra Bose. The second emphasised political awakening among the masses. The third focused on social reform and modern scientific advancement, with reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy attempting to align Indian society with contemporary knowledge systems. The fourth stream called for a return to civilisational roots, articulated by spiritual leaders such as Swami Vivekananda and Swami Dayananda Saraswati.Bhagwat said RSS founder KB Hedgewar was in contact with these streams and concluded that while political freedom was inevitable, social weaknesses needed to be addressed to ensure it was not lost again. With that objective, he founded the RSS on Vijayadashami in 1925. Over time, the organisation evolved a work methodology based on discipline, character-building and social organisation.Explaining why the Sangh speaks of Hindu society, Bhagwat said the term refers to a cultural identity rather than a narrow religious label. "It is a civilisational description of people who believe in harmony, coexistence and respect for diverse paths leading to a common goal," he said, adding that Hindu is "not merely a noun but an adjective describing a way of life".As part of its centenary initiatives, Bhagwat highlighted the "Panch Parivartan" agenda — social harmony, civic responsibility, environmental awareness, family awakening and self-realisation — aimed at building a strong and cohesive society.