RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat advocates for protection of Sanatan Dharma amidst rising challenges to India’s unity

   Speaking at multiple events, including the Vijaya Dashami celebrations at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur and during the centenary celebrations of Pandit Ramkinkar Upadhyay in Chitrakoot, Dr Bhagwat delivered a powerful message calling for national cohesion, respect for cultural diversity, and vigilance against divisive forces.

In his address at the Vijaya Dashami event, Dr Bhagwat emphasised that ‘Dharma’ is far more profound than what is often understood as religion. He explained that Dharma represents the very essence of India, encompassing the spiritual and ethical principles that bind society together. “Dharma is the Sva (self) of India and not religion,” Dr Bhagwat stated, underlining that while religions are varied, the universal spirituality that transcends them is what defines Dharma.

Dr Bhagwat described Dharma as Sanatan (eternal) and universal, something that is intrinsic to the existence of the universe itself. He further elaborated that Hindu Dharma is not a recent invention, but a timeless, universal truth that has been recognised by humanity for millennia. “We call ourselves Hindu because this Dharma is universal, Sanatan, and came into existence with the universe. It belongs to everyone,” he said, adding that it is a religion for humanity and the world, not limited to any one group.

He stressed that the role of the RSS is to ensure that the teachings of Sanatan Dharma continue to guide India and the world. “Dharma is the life of India; it is our inspiration… It is the reason we have history, and for that, people have sacrificed themselves,” he remarked, reinforcing the profound connection between India’s spiritual heritage and its historical journey.

One of the key themes of Dr Bhagwat’s speeches was the need to preserve national unity amidst attempts by certain forces to divide Indian society. He acknowledged the inherent diversity of India, but cautioned against attempts to exploit this diversity for political or ideological gains. “We live in a big and diverse society, but sometimes people try to create divisions, even where there are none. They push the idea that we’re different and separate, making people distrust the government, law, and administration,” Dr Bhagwat observed. He warned that such efforts undermine the country’s strength and pave the way for foreign powers to exert influence over India.

He pointed to the growing anti-India narrative in Bangladesh, where he claimed certain groups were trying to manipulate public opinion by suggesting that India poses a threat to the country. Dr Bhagwat emphasised that these narratives were being driven by external forces seeking to weaken India’s regional position. “In Bangladesh, discussions are ongoing that we have a threat from India, and hence we have to side with Pakistan… We all know which countries are pushing such discussions and narratives,” he said. He lamented that these forces were trying to create conditions that could lead to instability in India as well.

Dr Bhagwat also addressed the troubling situation of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in neighboring Bangladesh. He noted that a “tyrannical fundamentalist nature” exists in the country, which has led to the persecution of minorities. Recalling recent attacks on Hindus during riots in Bangladesh, Dr Bhagwat expressed concern over the ongoing safety of religious minorities in the region. “What happened in Bangladesh? Due to the riots, the Hindu community was attacked. Hindus were persecuted… As long as there are fundamentalists, minorities will be persecuted,” he remarked. He urged the Hindu community to remain vigilant and organised in the face of such threats, asserting that unity and preparedness were essential for their protection.

In this context, Dr Bhagwat emphasised the RSS’s role in maintaining a strong sense of community and national security. “We must stay organised. The future of our culture, our Dharma, depends on it,” he said, calling for a collective effort to protect and propagate the values of Sanatan Dharma.

In another poignant moment, Dr Bhagwat condemned the rising incidents of violence against women in India, specifically referring to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College. He described the incident as “shameful” and criticised the delayed justice and apparent collusion between crime and politics. “This is not a single incident… We should be vigilant to prevent such incidents from happening,” he urged, stressing that the protection of women should be a national priority.

Dr Bhagwat warned that the growing nexus between crime and politics is a serious challenge, hindering justice and contributing to a culture of impunity. He called for a collective societal effort to ensure the safety and security of women, as well as a crackdown on political corruption that protects criminals.

Dr Bhagwat also expressed pride in India’s growing global standing, citing the peaceful conduct of elections in J&K as a significant achievement. “The elections in J&K were completed peacefully, which has increased India’s reputation globally,” he remarked, noting that the successful elections demonstrated India’s ability to maintain peace and stability despite challenges.

In the context of global affairs, Dr Bhagwat commented on the escalating Israel-Hezbollah-Hamas conflict in the Middle East, expressing concern about the potential for widespread violence and its repercussions on global peace. He cautioned that India must remain vigilant about such conflicts and their possible impact on regional security.

At the centenary celebrations of Pandit Ramkinkar Upadhyay in Chitrakoot, Dr Bhagwat further elaborated on the role of unity in India’s diverse cultural landscape. He acknowledged that India’s strength lies in its ability to unite its diverse peoples under the shared banner of Dharma. “Our country’s dharma is to unite and progress together,” Dr Bhagwat stated, emphasizing that despite the country’s many forms and faces, India remains one at its core.

He credited the great pandits and seers of India for preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. “Since ages, the structure of our culture could not be diminished as it was always upheld by the great saints who not only protected it, but also propagated it,” Dr Bhagwat said. He called upon all Indians to uphold and propagate the teachings of Sanatan Dharma, which he believed was the bedrock of India’s cultural and spiritual identity.

Dr Bhagwat stated the RSS’s role in ensuring that the teachings of Sanatan Dharma remain undisturbed, even in challenging times. He spoke of how RSS Karyakartas serve as guardians of religious spaces and ensure that the sacred messages of seers are delivered uninterrupted. “When the seers are telling the stories of Sanatan Dharma, we, the volunteers of the Sangh, sit outside with sticks to ensure that no disturbance reaches their discourse. We may not know what’s going on inside, but we know that what is happening is of utmost importance,” he explained.

In closing, Dr Bhagwat reiterated the RSS’s commitment to safeguarding the cultural and spiritual values of Sanatan Dharma. He emphasised that the truth of India’s spiritual heritage will never be suppressed, no matter the challenges it faces. “Truth can never be suppressed. Propaganda and lies may cause confusion, but eventually, truth wins,” Dr Bhagwat concluded, reaffirming the RSS’s mission to protect and propagate the eternal values of Sanatan Dharma for the well-being of India and the world.

Finally, Dr Bhagwat outlined the RSS’s ambitious plan to expand its influence across every village in India by 2025, in time for the Sangh’s centenary celebrations. He encouraged volunteers to build a stronger foothold in India’s political and social spheres through selfless service. He also addressed challenges in setting up RSS branches in Muslim-majority areas, calling for dialogue and understanding to resolve any potential issues.