RSS Chief Begins Northeast Tour Amid Centenary Celebrations
by Nava Thakuria
Guwahati: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat on 18 November 2025 asserted that “anyone who loves Bharat and proudly identifies as Bharatiya is a Hindu”—irrespective of individual modes of worship. Speaking at an interaction with scholars, intellectuals, editors, writers and entrepreneurs at Sudarshanalaya, Barbari, he underlined that “Hindu” is a civilizational identity rooted in thousands of years of continuity, not merely a religious tag.
“Bharat and Hindu are synonymous,” Dr Bhagwat said, stressing that the country does not need a formal declaration as a Hindu Rashtra because its civilizational ethos already reflects it.
Civilizational Vision, National Concerns Discussed
During the interactive session, the RSS chief spoke at length on the Sangh’s centenary-year programmes, national issues, and its long-term civilizational vision. He urged people to visit a Shakha before forming opinions about the organisation, rather than relying on “preconceived narratives.”
Touching upon demographic concerns and cultural preservation in Assam, he called for vigilance, self-confidence, and deep attachment to one’s land and identity. He highlighted issues such as:
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illegal infiltration,
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the need for a balanced population policy, including a three-child norm for Hindus,
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and resisting divisive religious conversions.
Dr Bhagwat also emphasized responsible social media use, especially among youth, and discussed the Sangh’s five key societal focus areas—harmony, family awakening, civic discipline, self-reliance, and environmental protection.
Youth Conclave: ‘Don’t Judge RSS Through Propaganda’
Addressing a youth conclave on Wednesday, Dr Bhagwat urged young people not to form opinions about the RSS based on “motivated propaganda.”
“The RSS has increasingly become a subject of public debate,” he said, “but more than 50% of the information circulating globally and digitally about the Sangh is incorrect.” He described it as part of a deliberate misinformation campaign.
‘Nation Rises When Society Rises’
Recalling the vision of RSS founder Dr K.B. Hedgewar, the Sarsanghchalak said the Sangh’s mission is to help make India a Vishwaguru. A nation can progress only when its society is united and quality-driven, he added, urging youth to study how developed nations invested their first 100 years in building social unity and strength.
He said Bharat’s greatness lies in its ability to respect and absorb linguistic, regional, and faith-based diversity. Those who separated from Bharat lost their inherent pluralism, he said, drawing references to Guru Nanak and Srimanta Sankardeva, who championed unity within diversity.
‘Strengthen Bharat, Resolve Northeast Concerns’
Dr Bhagwat reiterated that once Bharat becomes stronger, concerns regarding the Northeast’s integration with the rest of the country “will automatically diminish.” The only sustainable national model, he stressed, is the principle of ‘India First’.
He invited young people of the region to engage with RSS activities “as per their interest, time and ability,” noting that the organisation’s foundation in the far-eastern region has been steadily strengthening.
Manipur Visit Begins Thursday
Dr Bhagwat arrived in Guwahati on Monday to review various centenary-linked programmes and interact with civil society members. He will leave for Manipur on Thursday for a three-day visit—his first trip to the state since ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023.
During his stay in the President’s Rule-affected state, he is expected to meet youth leaders, entrepreneurs, Janajati representatives and common citizens.
