Kolkata, India | December 21, 2025
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, currently on a four-day visit to West Bengal, stated on Saturday that understanding the RSS through the perspective of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a serious mistake.
Addressing a gathering at Science City auditorium in Kolkata, Bhagwat said comparisons often lead to misconceptions about the Sangh. “If you try to understand the RSS by comparing it with other organizations, misunderstandings will arise. If you see it merely as another service organization, you will also be mistaken,” he said.
‘RSS Is Not a Political Organization,’ Says Bhagwat
Bhagwat emphasized that many people attempt to interpret the RSS solely through the BJP’s political lens, which he described as incorrect. He explained that the essence of the RSS can be summed up in a single slogan — “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
According to him, India is not just a geographical entity but a civilization defined by its culture, traditions, and collective nature. He said the RSS aims to preserve these values while preparing society to help India reclaim its position as a global leader.
Historical Context Used to Explain RSS Role
Clarifying the Sangh’s origins, Bhagwat said the RSS was not formed for political competition, opposition, or electoral purposes. He stressed that the organization is dedicated entirely to the organization, progress, and protection of Hindu society.
To illustrate his point, Bhagwat cited historical examples, noting that while armed resistance against British rule declined after Subhas Chandra Bose, the social reform movement that began during Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s era continued uninterrupted. He compared this continuity to an island standing firm amid a vast ocean.
‘India Must Strengthen Society,’ Says RSS Chief
Focusing on nation-building, Bhagwat said India possesses a great civilizational heritage and must prepare itself for global leadership. He acknowledged historical setbacks, including defeats during colonial rule, but stressed that the present priority is to strengthen and organize society.
His speech revolved around the RSS’s 100-year journey, its guiding philosophy of “nation-building through individual development,” and the vision of a united Hindu society leading to a prosperous India.
