‘RSS not a reactionary force’: Dr Mohan Bhagwat at ‘RSS 100 Years of Sangh Journey – New Horizons’ in Tiruchirappalli

Speaking at the “RSS 100 Years of Sangh Journey – New Horizons” event in Tiruchirappalli, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said the organisation has completed a century of its work, yet continues to be widely discussed “often on the basis of perceptions rather than facts”. Addressing a large audience, he remarked that both criticism and praise of the Sangh are frequently shaped by incomplete understanding.

Dr Bhagwat said several misconceptions had been deliberately cultivated to malign the Sangh, while others arose naturally because “there is no comparable organisation in the world”. He noted that for the last thousand years, there has been no institution with a structure or functioning similar to the RSS, which leads to confusion when it is viewed only externally.

He stated that the Sangh can be understood only through direct experience. Drawing on the analogy “Gaganam Gaganākāram”, he observed that just as the sky is understood only by looking at the sky, and the sea only by seeing the sea, the Sangh too must be experienced to be comprehended. The ongoing nationwide outreach, including the Tiruchirappalli event, is meant to bring the authentic working of the Sangh directly before society, he said.

Dr Bhagwat emphasised that the Sangh is not a reactionary force. “RSS was not founded against Muslims, Christians or the British,” he said. He asserted that the organisation does not seek political power and prefers to work quietly in the background. While its work centres on strengthening Hindu society, he clarified that “being for something does not mean being against others”. He added, “Just as exercise is for health, not for attacking someone, Sangh works to organise society—not to oppose anyone.”

Tracing the historical context, Dr Bhagwat described how four major streams of thought emerged after the 1857 defeat: the revolutionary movement, political awakening through Congress, social reform, and cultural revival led by Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda. He noted that RSS founder Dr K.B. Hedgewar was deeply involved in all four streams, from revolutionary activity to participation in Gandhiji’s movements. Hedgewar, who was imprisoned for sedition after declaring British rule illegal, concluded through experience that India repeatedly fell to smaller foreign forces due to lack of unity, discipline and national consciousness—not lack of bravery.

Identifying the root problem as the disorganised condition of Hindu society, Dr Hedgewar decided to focus on building lasting national strength through unity, equality, social cohesion and character. This led, after years of experimentation, to the formal founding of the RSS on Vijayadashami in 1925.

Explaining the Sangh’s method, Dr Bhagwat said the organisation prioritises “man-making”, not issue-based activism. Ideals inspire society only when represented by individuals who embody them through conduct. RSS training, he said, is built on character, discipline, transparency and close engagement with society—an approach that has drawn interest even from international observers.

He clarified that the Sangh directly runs only one activity—the shakha, which prepares the swayamsevak. All institutions established by swayamsevaks operate autonomously. “Sangh guides through values, not control,” he said, adding that while its philosophy is rooted in Sanatan tradition, its distinctive innovation is its method of cultivating individuals.

Dr Bhagwat also elaborated on the meaning of “Hindu”, describing it as a civilisational worldview based on inclusiveness rather than a single scripture or ritual. He reiterated that Hindu identity is cultural, civilisational and rooted in Sanskriti, Bharat and shared values. He outlined four groups of Hindus—from those who assert their identity openly to those who have been conditioned to forget it.

On the Bharatiya concept of Rashtra, he said nationhood in India is tied to culture, not the State. Even when India had many kingdoms, its civilisational unity made it a single nation.

Arguing for the need to organise Hindu society, he said those identifying as Hindu bear the responsibility to preserve dharma, protect society and ensure Bharat contributes spiritually to the world. “Sangh’s one-point programme is to organise Hindu society. Nothing else,” he said, adding that once society is organised, the Sangh will simply walk alongside it.

Reflecting on the Sangh’s century-long journey, he recalled that it began with no funds, no media support and constant opposition from British authorities. Despite being banned twice, the organisation emerged stronger. He stressed that the Sangh’s functioning relies only on voluntary contributions from swayamsevaks and annual Guru Dakshina, with no foreign funding involved.

Dr Bhagwat urged those wishing to understand the RSS to visit a shakha, meet swayamsevaks, observe their families and participate in Sangh activities. “Sangh is not the organisation started by swayamsevaks,” he said. “Sangh is man-making—nothing more, nothing less.”