OPINION | Why ‘Bharat Mata’ is central to the RSS’s concept of patriotism

Bharat Mata

(RSSFACTS is a column that demystifies the functioning, organisational structure and ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.)

As a part of its outreach programme during the centenary year, the Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Mohan Bhagwat addressed eminent citizens from various walks of life in Bengaluru on 8-9 November, 2025.

Centrality of ‘Bharat Mata’ in Sangh Thought

One of the key issues that Bhagwat dwelt upon was the utmost importance of ‘Bharat Mata’ for the Sangh. He said that the RSS volunteers are told, “When you come to the shakha (a daily gathering of RSS volunteers at the local level), leave all worries and differences outside, think only of Bharat Mata. The sangh prarathana (prayer) begins with Bharat Mata—'Namaste Sada Vatsale'; God comes second, ‘Prabho Shaktiman Hindu Rashtranga Bhoota’ is later, and ends with “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (All glory to Bharat Mata). For that one hour, think only of Bharat Mata and her sons beside you, without regard to caste, province, language, or wealth. See them as your brothers, play together in the soil of Bharat, and forget everything else.”

A portrait of ‘Bharat Mata’ is an integral part of all major RSS programmes. To understand the Sangh’s concept of patriotism, it is important to understand the concept of ‘Bharat Mata’, which has its origin in the ancient history of Bharat.

Why ‘Bharat Mata’

Bipin Chandra Pal, a leading freedom fighter, has explained it aptly in his seminal work The Soul of India, published in 1911: “Our highest ideal of love and devotion to our country is to be found in our conception of our land as Mother.”

There have been several manifestations of the concept of ‘Mother’ in ancient Indian civilisation in both nature and society, which continue today without interruption, and it has nothing to do with any particular religion.

Spiritual Basis of the Mother Concept

Pal explains: “Is not the land we live in as much a symbol of the Divine Motherhood as our own mothers or the mothers of our children? We are born unto this land. It receives us into its bosom even as our human mothers do. It supports our life with its own substance, even as the nursing mother supports the growing life of her own baby. This land is literally the mother of our physical existence. It is indeed the physical body of the soul of our land and nation. Even so, is the Society to which we belong, of which this land is the geographical habitat, the vehicle and instrument of the intellectual and spiritual life of the Mother-God.”

‘From this Society, we receive all our mental and spiritual nourishment almost from day to day. And thus, in every way, we are nourished by, dependent upon, draw the strength and inspiration of our physical and mental life from, this complex Being, at once physical and spiritual, geographical and social, which we call and tenderly worship as Mother in our motherland. This Being is as much a revelation of the Motherhood of God as are our human mothers.’

A Spiritual Form of Patriotism

This is the spiritual basis of the concept of Bharat Mata. It becomes clear that the RSS’ concept of patriotism has a deep spiritual basis, unlike the Western concept of patriotism, which is primarily a manifestation of civic sentiment.

Thus, for the RSS, the concept of ‘Bharat Mata’ forms an integral part of our broader spiritual culture. It represents the idealisation and spiritual elevation of our collective social life and functions. It is, in essence, the manifestation of our national being, deeply intertwined with our loftiest vision of humanity—i.e. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (Happiness for all humanity).

Over the last 150 years, several Indian intellectuals and spiritual masters, including Bankim Chandra, BC Pal, Radha Kumud Mookerji, Sri Aurobindo, and all the six Sarsanghchalaks since 1925, have dwelt upon the importance of ‘Bharat Mata’ as a spiritual concept and established that it is not a political cult.

Universal Spirit of ‘Bharat Mata’

So, when the Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat talked about ‘Bharat Mata’, what he apparently wanted to convey was that, for the RSS, holding Bharat Mata at the highest pedestal is as much a celebration of nationality as it is of humanity. It is precisely because of this innate universal spirit that Bharat Mata holds such a central place for the RSS since its inception.

Conclusion

The idea of Bharat Mata that the RSS upholds is not a political slogan. It is a spiritual vision of national life. It integrates patriotism with a sense of sacred duty. The RSS doesn’t view the nation as a mere territorial entity; the nation is a living embodiment of the divine. Thus, love for the Motherland becomes indistinguishable from service to humanity. In other words, to serve Bharat is to serve creation itself. Hence, invoking “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is not just a slogan for the RSS; it is an affirmation of faith in a civilisation that believes in the divinity in collective life and the unity of diversity.

Earlier RSSFACTS columns can be read here.

(Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive.)

Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.