Guwahati: Everyone who loves Bharat and takes pride in identifying as Bharatiya is a Hindu, irrespective of his/her personal modes of worship, said Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Addressing a gathering of intellectuals, scholars, editors, writers, and entrepreneurs on 18 November 2025 at Sudarshanalaya in Barbari locality of Guwahati, the Sarsanghchalak clarified that Hindu is not merely a religious term, but a civilizational identity rooted in thousands of years of cultural continuity.
“Bharat and Hindu are synonymous,” said Dr Bhagwat, adding that Bharat does not need an official declaration as a Hindu Rashtra, because its civilizational ethos always reflects it. During the interactive session, the RSS chief elaborated on the Sangh’s civilizational vision, contemporary national concerns, and the ongoing programs reflecting the organization’s centenary celebrations. He urged people to understand the Sangh by visiting a Shakha, rather than depending on preconceived narratives.
Addressing concerns about demographic changes and cultural protection in Assam, Dr Bhagwat called for confidence, vigilance, and firm attachment to one’s land and identity. He spoke about issues such as illegal infiltration, the need for a balanced population policy including a three-child norm for Hindus, and the importance of resisting divisive religious conversions. Emphasizing on the responsible use of social media, especially by youth, Dr Bhagwat also spoke in detail about the five key social transformations namely harmony, family awakening, civic discipline, self-reliance, and environmental protection.
The Sarsanghchalak addressed a youth conclave on Wednesday, where he appealed to them not to create any opinion about the RSS on the basis of pre-conceived notions or motivated propaganda. He urged the youth of far eastern Bharat to observe and understand the RSS closely. Beginning his address, the Sarsanghchalak commented that the RSS has now become a subject of public discussions. ‘But those discussions should be based on factual information,’ he stated, adding that the information available in different global and digital platforms delivers more than 50% wrong facts relating to the RSS. A deliberate misinformation campaign against the RSS is observed in different media outlets as well, he stated.
Referring to the vision of RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the Sarsanghchalak stated that the primary aim of the Sangh is to make India a ‘Vishwaguru’ (teacher to the world). Stating that the nation can rise only when the society rises, Dr Bhagwat added that ‘only when a united and quality-driven society can be created to lead a progressive nation’. Urging the youth to study the history of developed nations, he highlighted that the first hundred years of their growth were focused on building unity and qualitative strength within their societies.
The Sarsanghchalak said that Bharat’s greatness as a nation lies in its long-standing tradition of respecting and accepting linguistic, regional, and belief-oriented diversities. The mindset of respecting diversity is not found in many other countries, he said, adding that those who separated from Bharat eventually lost their diversities. Dr Bhagwat reminded that great spiritual leaders like Guru Nanak and Srimanta Sankardeva had full respect for the country’s diversity and they spread the messages of unity through their teachings.
Reiterating the RSS’s primary goal to build a stronger Bharat, Dr Bhagwat commented that once the country becomes stronger, the different concerns regarding the north-eastern region with the rest of India, will automatically diminish. He insisted that there is no alternative to strengthening Bharat under the principle of ‘India First’. Finally, the Sarsanghchalak called upon the youth to engage with the RSS activities according to their time, interest, space and abilities. He also pointed out that the foundation of the RSS in the far eastern region is gradually becoming stronger.
Dr Bhagwat, who arrived in Guwahati on Monday to review the progress of various centenary-linked activities and also interact with civil society members of Assam, is leaving for Manipur on Thursday with a three-day visit schedule. It will be his first trip to the Myanmar bordering State since ethnic violence (between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities) broke out there in May 2023. The RSS chief is expected to interact with the youth leaders, entrepreneurs, representatives of Janajati samaj and common citizens during his stay in Manipur too, which currently remains under the President’s Rule.
