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Mohan Bhagwat: Service Purifies Mind, Not a Favor But a Sacred Duty

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that true service is a duty, not a favor, and has the power to purify the mind by overcoming self-interest. He cautioned that service motivated by personal gain, fear, or political compulsion is neither sustainable nor truly beneficial for others. Speaking in Nagpur, he highlighted the need for selfless and continuous commitment to serving others. Bhagwat also urged people to understand the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh from a humanistic perspective rather than a purely political one.

Key Points: Mohan Bhagwat on Selfless Service as Duty, Not Favor

  • Service is a duty, not a favor
  • Selfless service purifies the human mind
  • Warns against service driven by self-interest or fear
  • Urges viewing Sangh from humanistic, not political, angle
2 min read

'When we serve, we purify ourselves': Mohan Bhagwat says 'service not favour, but duty'

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat defines service as a duty that purifies the mind, cautioning against acts driven by self-interest or political motives.

"Service isn't a favour; it's a duty. When we serve, we purify ourselves. - Mohan Bhagwat"

Nagpur, March 23

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat deliberated that 'service' should not be seen as a favour but as a duty, emphasising that selfless service helps purify the human mind.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Gangadharrao Fadnavis Memorial Diagnostic Centre here, an initiative named after CM Devendra Fadnavis' late father, Bhagwat, elaborated on the deeper meaning of service, stating that it involves rising above self-interest and working for others.

"We have a different concept of the word 'service'. Service isn't a favour; it's a duty. When we serve, we purify ourselves, as the human mind is naturally filled with various vices, both good and bad. Service purifies the mind, as it involves forgetting oneself and serving others. This is called service," the RSS chief said on Sunday.

Bhagwat also drew attention to the varying motivations behind acts of service, cautioning against practices driven by personal gain or temporary interests.

"Sometimes, we see a large number of people serving. We assume there's an election nearby, prompting many to join in. But how many of them are still seen after the election, or even after winning? Self-interest is also a motivation behind service. It's not necessarily for the benefit of others, nor is it sustainable, because once their selfish desires are fulfilled, people abandon their work. Fear is also a factor behind service. Such service exists, and service is also performed out of compulsion," he added.

Earlier, the RSS chief urged that the 'Sangh' should be viewed from a humanistic angle rather than a political one for better understanding.

"Don't view the Sangh from a political angle, but rather from a humanistic approach to understand it better. The Sangh is an integral part of the process of uplifting Sanatan Dharma," he stated while visiting the Swaminarayan Temple in Gujarat's Vadtal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Beautifully said. In our culture, 'seva' has always been a spiritual practice, not just social work. Whether it's at a temple langar or helping a neighbour, the intent to purify oneself through selfless action is key. Hope more people, especially the youth, internalize this.
R
Rohit P
The point about service during elections is so accurate! We see so many 'social workers' appear from nowhere just before voting. Real service is consistent, not seasonal. It's a duty we owe to our society every day.
S
Sarah B
While the philosophy is commendable, it's important that the practice matches the preaching. Service should be inclusive and free from any agenda. The call to view the organization from a 'humanistic angle' is interesting, but actions on the ground speak louder.
V
Vikram M
True seva is what our mothers and fathers do every day for their families without expectation. It's the auto-wallah who returns a forgotten phone, the colleague who stays late to help. Bhagwat ji has articulated the Indian ethos of 'paropkar' perfectly. 👏
K
Karthik V
The part about service out of fear or compulsion really makes you think. How many of us do things just to fit in or avoid criticism? Real purification happens only when the action is voluntary and from the heart. Food for thought.

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