Bharat’s Identity Needs No Label, Says Bhagwat

Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that Bharat's identity as a Hindu Rashtra is "inherent" and does not require formal declaration, arguing that public perception has already evolved to accept it."Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra. At first, people used to laugh at that. Even until the Ram Mandir was built," Bhagwat said, adding, "Today, those very people are saying that Hindustan is the country of Hindus. They tell us to declare it formally. We say there is no need for a formal declaration. Sun rises in the east. Should that be declared?"Speaking at a ceremony at Smruti Mandir for those associated with the Ayodhya movement, Bhagwat framed the construction of the Ram Mandir as a turning point shaped by both faith and collective effort. "The temple was built by the will of Shri Ram but His will bear fruit only after we contribute as He waits and watches," he said.Bhagwat described the temple as "only the beginning," linking it to a broader question of national identity. He said that debates over India's identity persisted long after Independence. "We attained Independence, but it came in a fragmented form. Bharat was acting, but in darkness," he said, adding that confusion over "what is Bharat" shaped discourse for decades.Referring indirectly to political changes in 2014 under PM Narendra Modi, Bhagwat suggested it marked a clearer assertion of identity. Citing international commentary, he said, "Technically, we did get Independence on Aug 15, 1947. But even then, we were not certain about ourselves."He credited Ram Mandir movement as a convergence of public mobilisation and political will. "Had there not been such a massive movement, would the temple have been built?" he asked, underscoring the role of both society and leadership.Bhagwat also cautioned against complacency. "Opposition and neglect often generate energy and resolve, but favourable conditions can bring complacency," he said.He stressed that the vision of "Ram Rajya" cannot rest solely with leadership. "It should not be assumed that the work will be done by Modiji. Ram Rajya does not happen only because of the king, it also happens because of the subjects," he said, referring to ideals drawn from the Ramayana.Describing the next phase as one of societal transformation, Bhagwat said, "Now, we must build Ayodhya in every heart and raise the temple of the nation in society," he said.