Mohan Bhagwat: “The RSS Cannot Be Compared to Anyone; Shakha is a Workshop for Character Building”

Meerut

During a major public gathering आयोजित on the occasion of the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that the RSS cannot be compared to anyone because “there is no other organization like it.”

He stated that some people perceive the RSS as a paramilitary organization after observing its shakha activities and discipline, but clarified that it is not so. “The RSS is a workshop for character building. In the shakha, the process of holistic personality development is given concrete shape,” he said.

On RSS Ideology and Historical Context

Bhagwat referred to the pre-independence period, noting that RSS founder K. B. Hedgewar had associations with leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Subhas Chandra Bose, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad — all of whom were concerned about India’s freedom and social reform.

He said Hedgewar reflected on why India repeatedly fell into subjugation and concluded that disunity and social distortions were key reasons. According to Bhagwat, Hedgewar believed that a harmonious, organized and disciplined Hindu society was the solution to these challenges.

On Identity and Unity

Bhagwat stated that everyone residing in India is Hindu in a cultural sense, regardless of differences in faith, sect, or methods of worship. He said the term “Hindu” signifies unity, collective welfare, and the well-being of all living beings and the universe.

He emphasized that despite India’s diversity, the nation has historically remained united. “Our ancestors realized spiritually that diversity is superficial, while unity is the deeper truth,” he said.

On 100 Years of RSS

Highlighting the RSS completing 100 years, Bhagwat said the organization faced bans, allegations, political opposition, and even the killing of volunteers. Despite hardships, he credited the determination of swayamsevaks for bringing the organization into a favorable phase where volunteers are active in multiple sectors of society.

He said that during the centenary year, the RSS aims to reach out to society and explain its work, urging citizens to contribute towards nation-building.

On Education, Policy, and Social Harmony

Responding to questions during an interactive session:

On low education budgets, Bhagwat said increasing budgets is the government’s responsibility, but education must be accessible to all. He emphasized community participation in supporting education for the underprivileged.

On “One Nation, One Education” and “One Nation, One Health Policy,” he said policies exist, with flexibility for regional needs, but implementation is the responsibility of states.

On erosion of values, he stressed the need for value-based education and a culture of social responsibility, citing Vedic teachings that advocate earning well but using surplus wealth for societal welfare.

On caste-based politics, he said the RSS works deeply for social harmony and warned against divisive elements. He claimed caste distinctions fade within the organization.

On OTT content, he said viewers must exercise discretion, noting that platforms also host spiritual content such as the Ramayana and Hanuman Chalisa.

 

About Author