RSS TURNS 100: MOHAN BHAGWAT CALLS FOR UNITY, SWADESHI AND VIGILANCE

Marking the centenary of the RSS in Nagpur, chief Mohan Bhagwat called for unity, swadeshi, ecological balance and vigilance against forces seeking to destabilise India.

- TDG NETWORK

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday marked its centenary year with the annual Vijayadashami Utsav at Reshimbagh Grounds in Nagpur, where Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat delivered a wide-ranging address emphasising the importance of unity, self-reliance, and vigilance against disruptive forces.

Describing the “organised, strong and virtuous Hindu society” as the ultimate guarantee of India’s unity, integrity, development and security, Bhagwat stressed that Hindu society was inclusive, free from separatist tendencies and the custodian of the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the world as one family. He warned, however, against divisive tendencies and the “grammar of anarchy”, urging citizens to respect diversity, maintain discipline, and uphold lawful conduct.

Bhagwat criticised recent U.S. tariff policies, cautioning that while global interdependence was a reality, India must ensure it did not become a weakness. He called for greater reliance on swadeshi and self-reliance, noting that “no country can survive in isolation, but dependence must not turn into compulsion”. He also raised concerns over turmoil in neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, where regime changes had been driven by public anger, warning that similar forces were active in India. Transformation, he said, must come only through democratic means and good governance, not through violence, as instability in neighbouring nations posed risks for India.