RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his Vijaya Dashami address at the organization's headquarters in Nagpur, delivered a wide-ranging speech touching on the universal nature of 'Dharma,' the dangers of societal division, regional geopolitics, and domestic issues related to law and order. He began by explaining that 'Dharma'—often misunderstood as religion—is, in fact, something much deeper and more encompassing. Bhagwat described 'Dharma' as the guiding principle that sustains the universe, universal and eternal, not confined to one religion or sect. He emphasized that 'Hindu Dharma' is not something that was invented or discovered by any one group but is intrinsic to the very fabric of humanity and the cosmos.Â
According to Bhagwat, 'Hindu Dharma' should be recognized as a global religion, as it belongs to everyone, transcending borders, languages, and cultures. This makes it different from the concept of religion in the conventional sense, as it is more about universal principles that sustain life, society, and the natural world. He stressed that this is why India, rooted in this 'Dharma,' has historically been a land of inclusivity and spirituality, where multiple religions and philosophies have flourished side by side. Bhagwat articulated that while religions may vary in their practices and beliefs, 'Dharma' serves as the underlying spiritual force that connects all people, guiding humanity toward righteousness and harmony.
Shifting focus to contemporary concerns, Bhagwat warned about the deliberate attempts to create divisions within Indian society. He said that some forces are working hard to sow discord, fostering a sense of alienation among different groups in India, despite the country's long history of coexistence and pluralism. He explained that these forces push the narrative that different communities are separate and incompatible, weakening the social fabric and eroding trust in the government, law enforcement, and the justice system. This, Bhagwat suggested, opens the door for foreign interference, allowing outside powers to control the nation without even being physically present.
Touching on geopolitics, Bhagwat expressed concern over recent developments in Bangladesh, where anti-India rhetoric has been gaining momentum. He pointed out that Bangladesh is increasingly aligning with Pakistan, especially in terms of its military posture, citing discussions in the country about how Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities serve as a counterweight to India. Bhagwat attributed this shift to external influences that are actively trying to destabilize the region. He also voiced his dismay at the ongoing persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, saying that the fundamentalist forces in the country continue to threaten and oppress non-Muslim communities. He urged Hindus to remain united and vigilant in the face of such persecution, noting that an organized community can stand up against injustice.
The RSS chief also touched on a deeply troubling incident from Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was raped and murdered in a case that shocked the nation. Bhagwat called the crime "shameful" and lamented the delay in justice, pointing to the political-criminal nexus that often leads to criminals being protected by powerful figures. He stated that this incident is not an isolated one, but part of a larger problem where politics and crime are intertwined, leading to a breakdown in law and order. He urged society to remain alert and work together to prevent such heinous crimes in the future, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and transparency in the justice system.
On a more optimistic note, Bhagwat praised the successful and peaceful conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that this achievement has significantly enhanced India’s global reputation. According to Bhagwat, the peaceful elections send a strong message to the world that India is capable of maintaining stability and democracy even in its most challenging regions. He saw this as a testament to the strength of India’s democratic institutions and governance.
In his closing remarks, Bhagwat briefly discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalating violence between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas. He expressed concern about the broader implications of this conflict, including its potential to destabilize the region further and create a ripple effect across the globe. Bhagwat noted that while the situation may seem distant, global conflicts influence local realities, and India must remain vigilant in the face of such crises.
In sum, Mohan Bhagwat’s speech on Vijaya Dashami was a call to recognize the unifying power of 'Dharma,' stand firm against internal and external divisive forces, ensure justice and safety within the country, and remain alert to global developments. His message underscored the importance of unity, spirituality, and vigilance in maintaining India’s strength and stability in an increasingly complex world.
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