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HomeNewsIndiaMohan Bhagwat at RSS centenary celebrations: 'Call yourself Bharatiya or Arya if you don't want to be called Hindu'

Mohan Bhagwat at RSS centenary celebrations: 'Call yourself Bharatiya or Arya if you don't want to be called Hindu'

We have seen all kinds of rise and falls, we have seen slavery, and we saw independence, but we survived it all. This is why a strong and united Hindu society is the guarantee of the safety and integrity of the country, says RSS chief.

October 03, 2025 / 09:35 IST
Mohan Bhagwat was speaking at the RSS's annual Vijayadashmi rally, which also marked the centenary of the organisation.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said people who are uncomfortable with the term “Hindu” may call themselves “Bharatiya” or “Arya”.

He was speaking at the RSS's annual Vijayadashmi rally, which also marked the centenary of the organisation.

“Complete acceptance and respect of diversity and our culture that binds us all together in one thread, is nationalism, which we call Hindu Nationalism. This is Hindu Nationalism for us. Hindavi, Bharatiya, and Arya are all synonymous with Hindu... We have never had the concept of nation state. Our culture makes our nation,” he said.

According to him, states come and go but a nation remains forever. “This is our ancient Hindu Rashtra. We have seen all kinds of rise and falls, we have seen slavery, and we saw independence, but we survived it all. This is why a strong and united Hindu society is the guarantee of the safety and integrity of the country. Hindu society is a responsible society... Hindu society has always been free of this mentality of 'us and them'...,” he said.

He also called for social unity the foundation of national strength while underlining that India’s diversity of language, faith, caste and lifestyle must not become a source of division. “Despite our distinct identities, we are one nation,” he said. "Taking the law into one’s hands or provoking communities is not correct. The government must act according to law, but society too must remain vigilant and responsible.”

Quoting Dr B R Ambedkar, Bhagwat stressed “inherent cultural unity” as India’s foundation, rooted in compassion, purity and discipline. He said Hindu society, inclusive and rooted in the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, carries the responsibility of national prosperity and global contribution.

The RSS chief also called for increasing security capabilities, stating that the international response to the Pahalgam terror attack showed the true nature of India's global friendships.

"The attack on April 22, where cross-border terrorists killed 26 "Bharatiya" civilian tourists after specifically asking about their Hindu faith, "led to a wave of grief, sadness and anger across Bharat," he said.

The Sarsanghchalak asserted that the episode made it evident that the country "must remain as vigilant as possible and further develop our security capabilities." He praised the government for delivering a "fitting response" which showcased the firmness of the leadership, valour of the armed forces, and determination and unity of society.

The responses of other countries were a test of "who our friends are in the global arena and to what extent they are willing to stand by us." Bhagwat also expressed concern over the "turmoil" in India's neighbourhood.

 

Moneycontrol News
first published: Oct 3, 2025 09:29 am

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