Mohan Bhagwat Urges Shift to Bharatiya Education Model for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Kochi | July 27, 2025 — Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday called for the creation of an alternative education system deeply rooted in Indian culture and values, stating that such a model is essential to build a Viksit Bharat or developed India.
Bhagwat was addressing the national Chintan Baithak (contemplative meeting) held in Kochi as part of an education conclave organized by Shiksha Samskriti Utthan Nyas, an organization advocating reforms in India’s education system. The event gathered key education thinkers, reformers, and policy influencers from across the country.
“The educational system in India today is largely the result of long-standing Western influence. But if we are to realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat, we must move toward an education framework that is intrinsically Bharatiya in nature,” Bhagwat stated.
A Call to Rediscover India’s Educational Roots
The RSS Sarsanghchalak emphasized that India’s current academic institutions and curricula, though modernized over time, continue to reflect colonial legacies that often overlook India’s civilizational knowledge systems, philosophical depth, and indigenous practices.
“Our children must grow up learning not only technology and science but also the rich values of Indian tradition. The Western system lacks the spiritual and cultural core that Bharat’s ancient systems provided,” he said.
The Chintan Baithak focused on developing a vision for education that integrates moral values, character-building, and deep knowledge of Indian civilization. Sessions explored the possibility of evolving curriculum models that incorporate Sanskrit texts, Indian sciences, and ethical education grounded in India’s spiritual traditions.
Collaborative Effort Required: Bhagwat
Bhagwat stressed that this transformation would not be possible through isolated efforts. “A joint initiative of educators, institutions, policymakers, and society is required to shape this Bharatiya model. It must not be a return to the past, but a reimagining of education through our own cultural lens,” he said.
He also pointed out that this does not mean rejecting global knowledge systems. “We must not turn our back on global science or technological advances. But the lens through which we educate must be our own. That is true self-reliance in education,” he added.
Shiksha Samskriti Utthan Nyas Pushes for Reforms
The Shiksha Samskriti Utthan Nyas, the organizing body behind the conclave, has long argued that India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a step in the right direction but still leaves room for deeper reforms that reintroduce Indian philosophies into mainstream pedagogy.
“The NEP provides a framework, but what we need now is implementation that includes India’s cultural, linguistic, and spiritual diversity,” said a representative of the Nyas during the event.
The Nyas is closely aligned with RSS-affiliated ideologies and has been instrumental in pushing for vernacular education, inclusion of Indian epics in school curricula, and the teaching of yoga and value education from a traditional perspective.
Reactions from Academics and Educators
While the event was largely aligned with the RSS worldview, many educators and academic experts in attendance acknowledged the need for rethinking India’s education model. Some, however, raised concerns about potential politicization and the exclusion of scientific temper.
“There’s merit in building a model that reflects Indian identity. But it should not come at the cost of critical thinking, rationality, or inclusiveness,” said a university professor who attended the conclave but did not wish to be named.
Others welcomed the initiative, stating that Indian education has long suffered from disconnection with its own heritage.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople
Mohan Bhagwat’s call for an education system rooted in Bharatiya philosophy marks another significant moment in India’s ongoing cultural and intellectual reawakening. As the debate over the direction of education reform intensifies, his remarks will likely find resonance among those who seek to reconnect education with Indian civilizational values. However, ensuring that such a transformation remains inclusive, future-oriented, and balanced will be critical to shaping an education model that truly contributes to a Viksit Bharat.