RSS Not a Paramilitary Body, Says Mohan Bhagwat
Sangh Cannot Be Understood Through BJP Lens
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said the organisation should not be seen as a paramilitary force. He said that uniforms, drills, and marches do not define the Sangh’s true nature.
Addressing a gathering of prominent citizens in Bhopal, Bhagwat said it would be a serious mistake to understand the RSS by looking at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He added that the same error occurs when people judge the Sangh through any of its affiliated organisations.
The RSS chief stressed that the Sangh is a unique social organisation with a broader purpose. He said it does not function like a political party or a structured force with command and control systems.
RSS Focuses on Social Unity and Values
Bhagwat said the RSS works to unite Indian society and strengthen its moral foundation. According to him, the goal is to ensure that India never again falls under foreign domination.
He said the Sangh focuses on building character and values among its volunteers, known as swayamsevaks. These values include discipline, patriotism, and service to society.
“The Sangh does not operate its workers through remote control,” Bhagwat said. He explained that swayamsevaks work independently in different fields while carrying shared ideals.
Responding to “False Narratives”
Bhagwat said misleading narratives about the RSS are being spread. He blamed superficial research and reliance on unreliable online sources for these misconceptions.
He said many people do not explore primary or authentic sources. Instead, they depend on secondary platforms that often provide incomplete or incorrect information.
Because of this, Bhagwat said it has become important to explain the Sangh’s mission and role in society. He noted that he travelled across the country during the organisation’s centenary year to engage with people directly.
RSS Is Not Reactionary, Says Bhagwat
The RSS chief rejected the idea that the Sangh was formed as a reaction against any force. He said the organisation does not compete with anyone.
According to Bhagwat, the Sangh exists to create a group of committed individuals who contribute to a positive national environment. He said its work aims at achieving Bharat’s “Param Vaibhav,” or highest potential.
He added that the RSS focuses on long-term social transformation rather than short-term political gains.
Lessons From India’s History
Bhagwat spoke about repeated foreign invasions in India’s past. He said several invaders defeated India despite being fewer in number and resources.
He said these invasions happened because society lacked unity and self-awareness. According to him, political freedom alone does not guarantee long-term independence.
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Bhagwat said mental slavery still exists even after the end of colonial rule. He urged people to rise above selfish interests and work together.
“If society becomes united and virtuous, the country’s future will change,” he said.
Call for Cultural Pride and Swadeshi
The RSS chief encouraged people to take pride in Indian traditions. He spoke about cultural practices such as devotional songs and traditional food.
He also advocated the use of Swadeshi products. Bhagwat said self-reliance requires self-respect and confidence in domestic production.
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He clarified that Swadeshi does not mean cutting off trade with the world. He said imports should be limited to essential goods that India cannot produce.
Trade, he added, should happen on India’s terms and not under external pressure.
RSS Financial Independence and Resilience
Bhagwat said the RSS is financially stable and does not depend on external funding. He recalled the financial struggles the organisation faced over the past century.
He said the RSS faced opposition from the British government and continued to face challenges after Independence. These included bans, pressure, and violent attacks.
However, Bhagwat said such attempts to suppress the organisation have reduced over time.
Invitation to Visit RSS Shakhas
Concluding his address, Bhagwat invited people to visit RSS shakhas to understand the organisation better.
He said direct experience is the best way to judge the Sangh. Explaining its work in words alone, he said, has limitations.
“You cannot explain the taste of sugar by talking about it. You have to taste it,” Bhagwat said.
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