Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that ‘Dharm,’ not religion, represents the true spirit of India. Speaking at the Vijaya Dashami celebrations in Nagpur, Bhagwat underscored that while many religions exist, it is the underlying spirituality that connects them all and defines ‘Dharm.’ He described ‘Dharm’ as universal, eternal (Sanatan), and intrinsic to the fabric of the universe.
“Dharm is the essence of India, not religion. Religions may vary, but the spirituality that runs through them, what we call ‘higher religion,’ is what Dharm represents. Dharm is the lifeblood of India, our source of inspiration, and the reason for our history and sacrifices,” Bhagwat explained.
The RSS chief further elaborated, stating that ‘Hindu Dharm’ is not a recent invention but a recognition of something that belongs to all of humanity. “Hindu Dharm is universal, Sanatan, existing alongside the universe. It is not something we discovered or created, but something we identified—making it a religion for the world.”
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Bhagwat also addressed concerns about efforts to create divisions in society, suggesting that such actions weaken the country and play into the hands of foreign powers. “Despite living in a large, diverse society, there are deliberate attempts to foster divisions. Some push the narrative that we are different, creating distrust in the government, law, and administration, which only serves to weaken the nation.”
He also touched on regional issues, expressing concern over anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh and the increasing alignment of the country with Pakistan. “Discussions in Bangladesh suggest that aligning with Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation, is necessary to counter India. We know who is behind such narratives. Their intent is to destabilize India as well,” Bhagwat remarked.
