Hindu Society Must Awaken Now: RSS at 100, Bhagwat Calls for a Dharmic Future

Nagpur: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) approaches its 100th anniversary on Vijayadashami this year, the organisation stands as a unique, nationwide force rooted in the ideals of dharma, culture, and national unity.In the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), held from March 21–23, and just before the launch of Operation Sindoor, RSS chief Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat sat down for an in-depth, in-house conversation. A part of the interview is reproduced here.Q: As a Swayamsevak and the Sarsanghchalak, how do you view this 100-year journey of the Sangh?Dr Hedgewar initiated this mission with deep thought and clarity. The challenges before the nation were assessed, and through experience and experimentation, a suitable course of action was developed — one that proved effective. By 1950, there was growing confidence in the Sangh's methods, and it was clear the work could move forward despite all obstacles.What followed was a nationwide expansion and the integration of Swayamsevaks into various walks of life. Over the next four decades, their character, actions, and spirit of belonging earned the trust of society. After the 1990s, it became evident that the country could be governed with these very values. The next step is ensuring that this spirit spreads across society — sincerely, selflessly, and in unity — to elevate Bharat to its highest potential.Q: What were the major milestones in this 100-year journey?Initially, the Sangh had nothing. There was no recognition of its ideology or availability of means of propagation. There was nothing except neglect and opposition in society, not even Karyakartas. If you fed this data into a computer, it would predict a premature death for this entity.Yet, it endured. During Partition, the RSS played a vital role in protecting Hindus. It survived a govt ban and emerged stronger by 1950. The Emergency of 1975 became a turning point when the Sangh's constructive role in restoring democracy made society realise its strength. Later, through movements like the Ekatmata Rath Yatra, Kashmir-related awareness campaigns, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan, and Vivekananda Sardhshati (150th birth anniversary), along with large-scale Sewa (service) work, the Sangh's credibility spread across all layers of society.Q: In the Sangh's centenary year, what is the aim of ‘Panch Parivartan' (Five Transformations), and how will it be put into action?‘Panch Parivartan' is the Sangh's centenary vision for deep-rooted societal change through everyday behaviour. It's not about symbolic gestures but reshaping mindsets and habits at the grass roots. The goal is to build a society anchored in unity, discipline, and cultural identity — led by individuals who live these values, not just speak of them.Samajik Samarasta (Social Harmony) stresses genuine inclusivity. Unity must be lived — temples, cremation grounds, and public resources should be equally accessible to all. Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment) Relief for the world lies in our traditional values, found in family customs and national practices. Family enlightenment means reflecting together, agreeing, and living these values. The family must be re-established as a global model rooted in sanskaras (values).Paryavaran (Environmental Awareness) focuses on daily habits: saving water, cutting single-use plastic, and planting trees. Swa (Selfhood) Conduct must reflect national selfhood — living our traditions at home in food, dress, language, and worship. Use Swadeshi products until self-reliance is complete. Trade globally, but on our terms, not under pressure. This is true self-based living.Lastly, Civic Duties underline the importance of lawfulness, constitutional respect, and public decency. Swayamsevaks will lead by example, spreading these changes through Shakhas. When practised consistently, these transformations aim to build a more harmonious, self-aware, and responsible society.Q: What is the resolve for the next 25 years?The aim is to unite the entire Hindu community and build a strong, self-reliant nation. But the vision goes beyond national boundaries. Since the time of Dr Hedgewar, the goal has also been to shape a world guided by dharmic values. As early as 1920, he urged the Indian National Congress to declare that complete independence for India also meant working to liberate the world from the grip of capitalism. This broader mission — to uplift humanity through an Indian worldview — has been part of the Sangh's thinking from the very beginning.Q: The Sangh turns 100 and Bharat will mark 100 years of independence in 2047. How will Bharat become a Vishwaguru, and how should we respond to those trying to divide society?The Sangh's process already counters these threats. We've moved forward by confronting self-oblivion, selfishness, and divisiveness. Today, we have society's trust. If we continue working with unity and dedication, the impact will be far greater than the sum of individual efforts. If we stay organised and dedicated, what is usually ‘1 + 1 = 2' will become ‘1 + 1 = 11'. A strong, united Bharat will set an example that the world will follow.In fact, a senior Karyakarta said in 1992 that the world would form its own versions of RSS. After 2047, this global transformation will begin and it won't take a century, just 20–30 years.Q: What is your final message to well-wishers, thinkers, and the Hindu society in this centenary year?The Hindu society must awaken now. Leave behind selfishness and divisions. Live a personal, family, social, and professional life rooted in Dharma and Hindutva. That alone will lead to a self-reliant, righteous, and powerful Bharat.The world is waiting for a new path and Bharat, which means Hindu society, has to provide it as a divine duty. We've had agricultural, industrial, and scientific revolutions. Now, we need a Dharmic revolution — I am not talking about religion, but based on human life has to be reorganised based on Truth, Purity, Compassion, and Austerity. Sangh's work must be understood as a divine responsibility. Let us rise above ‘me and mine' and live together as an example for the world to follow.