In Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a powerful Vijayadashmi address on Thursday, marking the centenary celebrations of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He shared the organization’s vision for shaping India’s character and stressed the need for everyday “role models” in society to inspire people and drive national progress.
Speaking to a large crowd at the historic Reshimbagh grounds, Bhagwat highlighted how RSS volunteers, or Swayamsevaks, actively participate in social life. They work with various groups, institutions, and individuals to make a real difference, he said. He outlined seven key goals for the RSS and its members moving forward, focusing on building a stronger, united India.
### Bharat’s Resurgence
Bhagwat pointed out that India’s resurgence is picking up speed, but outdated policies and systems still pose big hurdles. “We’ve made strides, but we can’t flip everything overnight,” he explained. “We’ll need steady changes over time to tackle today’s challenges—and those coming down the road.” He called for creating a unique development model rooted in India’s holistic values and sharing it with the world as a blueprint for success.
### Making India an Ideal Growth Model
Turning India into a global example of progress isn’t just up to the government, Bhagwat emphasized. Systems alone can’t spark real change—they need society’s strong will to back them up. “Society must wake up and shift its habits. This doesn’t happen through talks or books; it comes from living examples,” he said. He urged creating local leaders at every level: selfless, transparent people who treat society like family and inspire others through their actions. “Social change builds character, which then transforms systems—and that’s how we change the world,” Bhagwat added, drawing from RSS volunteers’ experiences.
### Driving Social Transformation
Every society has ways to build better people, but invasions and outside influences can twist them, Bhagwat noted. To fix this, we must rebuild from homes and schools to all parts of daily life. He praised RSS Shakhas—the organization’s daily gatherings—as the perfect setup for this shift. “Shakhas build personal and group strengths, foster human values, and promote unity while encouraging active community work,” he said. The key is training people to change their thoughts, words, and deeds through consistent practice.
### Fostering Social Unity
Unity tops the list for any nation’s success, according to Bhagwat. India has always faced divides— from languages and religions to cuisines, castes, and lifestyles shaped by its vast geography. “Our unique identities shouldn’t split us; they’re all part of a bigger whole,” he said. Everyone has their own beliefs, symbols, and worship places, so we must respect them in every way. He strongly condemned violence and hooliganism, saying they only breed chaos. Good citizens, especially the youth, should stay alert, organized, and step in when needed to keep peace.
### Strengthening Bharatiya Culture
India’s Bharatiya culture stands out for its inclusivity, embracing all kinds of diversity with respect, Bhagwat remarked. “True nationalism means living by our Bharatiya Sanskriti. This Hindu spirit unites us while honoring differences,” he said. Unlike nation-states that rise and fall, our Rashtra—our eternal nation—forms the bedrock of unity. He reminded everyone to never lose sight of this shared foundation.
### Making Bharat Prosperous
Bhagwat rallied society to work hard and restore India’s prosperity. He highlighted the Hindu society’s role as guardians of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the idea that the world is one family. “Organized Hindu society, rooted in Dharma, can light a new path for the world and make India thrive,” he said. An united community handles its duties without needing outside help, he added.
### Building Individual and National Character
To achieve dreams like turning India into a superpower, we must strengthen both personal and national character, Bhagwat asserted. RSS Shakhas instill pride in our identity through daily activities. During this centenary year, the RSS aims to spread its character-building efforts nationwide via the “Panch Parivartan” program. This focuses on gradual changes in social behavior, led by Swayamsevaks as examples. Key values include social harmony, family preservation, environmental care, self-reliance, and following laws and civic duties—ones every person and family can adopt.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
