“Division Has Always Weakened Us; Our Ancestors Are the Same”: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Key Message at Vijayadashami Event

Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a strong message on national unity and India’s cultural identity during the organisation’s Vijayadashami celebration and Shastra Pujan ceremony in Nagpur. The event also marked the beginning of the RSS’s centenary year, commemorating 100 years since its foundation in 1925.

Bhagwat performed the traditional worship of weapons, a longstanding Dussehra ritual observed by the Sangh. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that India’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division, asserting that the country has suffered whenever its people have been divided.

“India’s Diversity Must Not Become a Source of Division”

Speaking about India’s rich social and cultural diversity, Bhagwat noted that the country is home to numerous religions, sects, castes, languages, regions, cuisines and customs. Despite these differences, he said, the nation must remain united and continue progressing collectively.

He explained that diversity is a natural feature of creation, while the underlying unity of existence remains eternal and unchanging. According to Bhagwat, India’s historical experience demonstrates the importance of unity in strengthening society and safeguarding its cultural foundations.

Bhagwat Recalls Saint Ravidas’s Message of Social Harmony

During his address, the RSS chief highlighted the contributions of Saint Ravidas, recalling his teachings of devotion, social harmony and commitment to dharma.

Bhagwat said that during periods of foreign invasions and widespread suffering, Saint Ravidas helped strengthen society by spreading a message of faith and harmony. Through his teachings and personal example, he offered people reassurance and helped sustain their morale during difficult times.

Rajnarayan Basu’s Contribution to Cultural Awareness Highlighted

Bhagwat also referred to Rajnarayan Basu of Bengal, whose 200th birth anniversary is being commemorated. He highlighted Basu’s role in establishing the Hindu Mela, an initiative intended to encourage awareness of indigenous culture, traditions and national identity.

The RSS chief connected these historical contributions with the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage and strengthening awareness of the country’s own traditions.

Swadeshi and Cultural Identity Among RSS’s Key Priorities

Bhagwat stated that the RSS has spent the past century working towards organising society and strengthening the country on the basis of its cultural identity and traditions.

He also underlined the importance of swadeshi, encouraging people to give greater preference to indigenous products. Promoting cultural awareness and the use of locally produced goods, he indicated, remain important priorities as the organisation enters its centenary year.

RSS Marks Centenary with Traditional Vijayadashami Rituals

The Vijayadashami celebration featured traditional Sangh activities, including Shastra Pujan. Before the ceremony, Bhagwat paid floral tributes at the Smriti Mandir, the memorial dedicated to RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

Founded in Nagpur on Vijayadashami in 1925, the RSS has maintained the tradition of organising path sanchalan (march-pasts or processions) on Dussehra. These events are held in different parts of the country and form an integral part of the organisation’s annual celebrations.

As the RSS enters its centenary year, Bhagwat’s address placed particular emphasis on national unity, cultural identity, social harmony and the promotion of indigenous products.