Opinion | Sangh's Call For Collective Strength And United India

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Vijayadashami address reflects a profound understanding of India's current socio-political environment. Delivered during one of India's most significant cultural festivals, this address is not merely a commentary on present challenges but a call to action for both individuals and society at large. Bhagwat touches upon several critical themes—national character, societal unity, cultural heritage, the threat of divisive forces, environmental issues, and the growing need for both inner and outer strength.

At the heart of his address is the concept of national character, a notion deeply embedded in India's civilisational ethos. Bhagwat draws upon the lives of historical figures such as Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlighting their unwavering commitment to dharma, selflessness, and service to the nation. These figures, according to Bhagwat, represent ideals of Indian culture that modern society must strive to emulate. The essence of Bhagwat's message is his assertion that Bharat is not just a modern nation-state but a civilisational entity that has withstood centuries of invasion, colonisation, and ideological assault. This civilisational identity, he argues, is the source of Bharat's strength and resilience, built on the principles of dharma (righteousness), spirituality, and a collective consciousness that transcends political boundaries. The idea of Bharat as a civilisational nation is crucial to Bhagwat's argument. By framing India in these terms, he positions the nation's struggles as part of a larger historical and spiritual battle. Bharat, according to Bhagwat, has always been a target for those seeking to impose foreign ideologies—whether colonial rulers, Marxists, or global capitalists. Yet, despite these attempts, Bharat has survived because of its deep-rooted spiritual tradition and adherence to dharma. In his speech, Bhagwat calls for a reawakening of this civilisational identity, urging Indians to take pride in their heritage and resist the forces that seek to dilute or erase it. This, he argues, is the only way Bharat can continue to thrive in a world increasingly hostile to traditional cultures and values.