Nagpur, Oct 20 — Addressing the annual Vijayadashami rally of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday articulated the organisation’s core ideological perspective, highlighting India’s rising global stature and its potential to solve complex international crises through its traditional wisdom.
Bhagwat emphasised that India’s enduring ideological heritage will play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory as a leading world power.
Highlighting the nation's foundational values, the RSS chief noted that the spirit of self-awareness (swabodh) is vividly reflected in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. "The Constitution's Preamble serves as our emotional bond. It is this very bond that has maintained the country as a single nation since ancient times, despite vast diversity. Our ancestors experienced this sense of unity; whenever we forgot it, we faced decline - so much so that we endured centuries of foreign rule," he remarked.
He added that India eventually broke free through the intense sacrifices and struggles of numerous national icons. "We must continuously strengthen this emotional bond, understand it deeply, and actively practice it in our daily lives," he urged.
Bhagwat also called upon citizens to make extraordinary efforts, stating that the present times require even greater dedication than the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle.
Addressing India’s immense cultural, regional, and social differences, Bhagwat outlined the framework needed to keep the country unified. "India possesses diverse geographic features, castes, languages, regions, and food habits. To move forward as one, the nation requires a foundational value system that respects every form of diversity. No other ideological framework in the world offers such an approach, but fortunately, India has inherited it through ancient traditions," he said.
He reiterated that unity in India is eternal, unavoidable, and deeply embedded within its traditional philosophy. Reflecting on global geopolitical and socio-economic challenges, Bhagwat asserted that the world is looking at India with renewed curiosity and expectations. "Wealthy and technologically advanced nations are struggling with environmental degradation, managing diversity, weakening family structures, and destruction caused by power struggles. The world knows that India holds the answers to these modern dilemmas. That is why the global community is listening attentively to what India has to say," he noted.
Outlining priorities following 100 years of the Sangh's existence, he stressed social harmony (Samajik Samrasata), individual character building (Vyakti Nirman), and collective social responsibility rather than relying solely on the state for societal transformation.
Reiterating India’s civilisational values, he urged citizens to reject divisive narratives ("us vs. them"), maintain law and order, and work together towards national unity and self-reliance (Swadeshi).
The annual Vijayadashami address by Bhagwat took place at the Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur. The event carried special significance as it marked the culmination of the RSS' centenary year (founded on Vijayadashami in 1925).
He said it is important to ensure that the new generation is healthy, strong, and prepared -- both physically and mentally -- necessary for building a capable society. Bhagwat emphasised that national strength relies heavily on the well-being, character, and discipline of the youth, viewing them as a core pillar (demographic dividend) for India's future.