'India's time has arrived, but we must be prepared': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Nagpur, June 4
Delivering the keynote address at the valedictory ceremony of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's annual Karyakarta Vikas Varg-Dwitiya training camp in Nagpur, the RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday declared that India's era on the global stage has arrived.
Addressing a gathering -- which included noted industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla as the chief guest -- Bhagwat emphasised that while the world increasingly looks to India for direction, the nation must proactively build its collective strength to fulfill this historic role.
"India is destined to give the world a new direction, but simply waiting for the clock to turn is insufficient. The time has come, but to fully realise it, society must step up and be thoroughly prepared for the responsibility," the RSS Chief said.
"The Hindu society is becoming alert, active, and deeply aware of its identity. The tangible, positive results of this collective awakening are now clearly visible across the nation," Bhagwat added.
The RSS Chief said that the world is witnessing intense geopolitical and economic instability.
Several nations are facing severe financial crises, and international conflicts -- specifically citing the economic ripple effects of the US-Iran tensions -- are directly leading to a domestic surge in fuel and oil prices back home.
"India must stand firmly on its own foundational values, cultural heritage, and distinct vision. Those who historically colonised and enslaved the nation were by no means culturally or intellectually superior to us," Bhagwat noted.
The RSS Chief also remarked, "Global dynamics unfortunately favour raw power; the world typically listens only to those who wield a strong "lathi" (stick). Even when India speaks the absolute truth, its voice is often overlooked globally because international systems respect strength over mere rhetoric. Therefore, India must build undisputed strength."
Bhagwat said that India is fundamentally a 'Dharma-pran' (spiritually rooted) nation.
"Bharat (India) does not rise to dominate, exploit, or conquer others, but to offer the world a path of righteousness ('Dharma') and balanced living."
He added that the RSS does not carry out its grassroots activities for organisational fame, praise, or personal gains.
"The ultimate goal is the resurgence of the nation. It is entirely fine, and even preferable, if the work is successfully achieved without the name of the Sangh ever being highlighted," Bhagwat said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the vision but wish the RSS would focus more on inclusive development rather than just Hindu identity. Yes, cultural roots matter, but India's strength is also in its diversity. We need unity of purpose, not just of religion. 😊
Bhagwat ji ki baat mein dam hai. The US-Iran example shows how global conflicts directly impact our pockets. We need self-reliance in energy, defence, and economy. Atmanirbhar Bharat isn't just a slogan - it's survival. Time to build our own strength without depending on others.
Sitting in Canada, I can see how India is now being taken seriously. But the "lathi" comment is a bit too aggressive sounding - global perception matters. We should lead by example, not just strength. That said, the sentiment about our time being here is shared by many NRIs like me! 🇮🇳
Beautifully said about Dharma not being about dominating others. India's spiritual heritage is our greatest gift to the world. But we must ensure this vision translates to real action - better education for all, ending poverty, and genuine social harmony. Words alone won't change the ground reality.
I'm American but have been following Indian news closely. The confidence is inspiring, but the world is watching how India treats its minorities too. Strength with inclusivity would make India truly great. Just my two cents from across the ocean!
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