‘Hindu Rashtra Has Nothing to Do with Power, It Means Justice for All’: Mohan Bhagwat
New Delhi, Aug 26 (TTP) – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday sought to clarify the meaning of Hindu Rashtra, saying it should not be equated with political control or governance. Instead, he asserted, it represents a vision of justice, inclusivity, and civilisational continuity that transcends the question of who holds power.
Delivering a keynote address at the centenary lecture series, “100 Years of Sangh’s Journey: New Horizons” at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Bhagwat underlined that the idea of Hindu Rashtra is rooted in India’s timeless cultural identity, not in political dominance.
‘Hindu Rashtra is About Justice, Not Power’
“When we talk about Hindu Rashtra, questions arise,” Bhagwat said. “In English, we translate Rashtra as ‘nation,’ but that is a Western concept which includes the idea of the state. Our Rashtra has existed for thousands of years, irrespective of who ruled. Hindu Rashtra has nothing to do with who is in power—it means justice for all, without discrimination.”
The statement comes at a time when debates over secularism, nationalism, and majoritarianism remain politically sensitive. Bhagwat’s emphasis on justice and inclusivity appeared aimed at addressing concerns that the Hindu Rashtra framework sidelines minority communities.
Tracing India’s Civilisational Continuity
Bhagwat pointed to India’s deep-rooted cultural legacy, asserting that the essence of Bharat’s identity had remained unchanged for millennia.
“For 40,000 years, the DNA of Bharat—of people living in Akhand Bharat—has remained the same. Hindavi, Bharatiya, Sanatan are synonymous terms, not merely geographical but civilisational,” he said.
The RSS chief stressed that this continuity is central to India’s identity, beyond political boundaries or changing rulers.
Hedgewar’s Vision and RSS Ethos
Reflecting on the founding of the RSS in 1925, Bhagwat noted that Dr. K.B. Hedgewar had conceptualised the organisation even before its formal establishment.
“Doctor Sahab envisioned an organisation for the entire Hindu community. Anyone who identifies as Hindu must also be a responsible citizen of the country. This responsibility comes from our timeless identity,” he said.
Rejecting allegations that the Sangh pursues political power or financial gain, Bhagwat added: “The Sangh has never stretched its hand into anyone’s wealth. It has remained self-reliant. Even when opposed, the Sangh never reacted in hostility.”
India’s Global Role: From Bharat to Vishwaguru
Positioning India in a global context, Bhagwat said that the Sangh’s mission is not limited to domestic organisation but extends to shaping India’s role in the world.
“The essence of the RSS lies in the last line of our prarthana—Bharat Mata ki Jai. Our mission is to make Bharat number one in the world, not for selfish reasons, but to contribute to global harmony. Swami Vivekananda said every nation has a mission; Bharat’s mission is to become Vishwaguru,” he said.
Unity Without Uniformity
In his concluding remarks, Bhagwat emphasised that India’s cultural philosophy values diversity and pluralism.
“Our culture teaches us to live together in harmony. Unity does not mean uniformity. The Sangh exists to organise and connect every section of Bharat,” he said, stressing inclusivity as central to the organisation’s outreach.
Why This Matters
Bhagwat’s remarks carry weight as the RSS marks its centenary at a time of shifting political, social, and cultural debates in India. His speech appeared aimed at reinforcing the RSS’s identity as a socio-cultural organisation rather than a political body, even though its ideological influence on the ruling BJP is widely acknowledged.
Analysts say his insistence that Hindu Rashtra is not about power but about justice could be interpreted as an effort to soften perceptions of majoritarianism and present the RSS as a unifying force. However, critics argue that the Sangh’s definition of inclusivity may still leave open questions about its practical application for minority rights.
Final Thoughts – TheTrendingPeople.com
Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary address highlights the RSS’s effort to frame Hindu Rashtra as a civilisational, inclusive, and justice-oriented idea rather than a political project. His emphasis on unity, responsibility, and India’s role as Vishwaguru reflects the organisation’s evolving narrative as it marks 100 years of its journey.
As debates around identity, secularism, and nationalism intensify, the RSS’s articulation of Hindu Rashtra will likely remain a focal point of India’s political and cultural discourse.