RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Defines ‘Hindu Rashtra’ as Inclusive, Not Linked to Political Power

At an event marking the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) in New Delhi on Tuesday, the organisation’s chief Mohan Bhagwat reiterated that the idea of a “Hindu Rashtra” is about cultural identity and unity, not political dominance.

Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan during a lecture titled “100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons”, Bhagwat said:

“Justice is the same for everyone. ‘Hindu Rashtra’ does not mean excluding or opposing anyone. Unity does not come from uniformity, but from diversity.”

He described “Hindu” as an identity rooted in geography and traditions, noting that while some people may not recognise themselves as Hindu, “our DNA is the same… living in harmony is our culture.”

The RSS chief stressed that the term “Hindu” was historically used by outsiders for people of “Akhand Bharat” (undivided India) and that devotion to Bharat Mata and shared traditions formed the core of identity.

Bhagwat also said India had not achieved its full potential in the 75 years since Independence, but added that the time had come for the country to become a “vishwaguru” (world guide)—a phrase frequently used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The centenary event, attended by union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Anupriya Patel, actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, yoga guru Ramdev, and JDU leader KC Tyagi, also saw participation from representatives of 25 embassies, including those of the US, China, Russia, Denmark and Israel.

As part of its 100-year celebrations, the RSS plans to hold more than one lakh Hindu Sammelans nationwide, beginning with Bhagwat’s address at its Nagpur headquarters on Vijaya Dashami, October 2.