Ali Zaroon

For almost a century Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) translated as National Volunteers Corps has remained one of the most influential, criticised and controversial organisations of India and at its helm is Mohan Bhagwat, the 6th and current Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who has often been portrayed by adversaries, opponents, radicles and opportunists as rigid, divisive and a face of a hardline ideology and biased hyper nationalism for their political leverage and vested interests by misinterpreting and misrepresenting his speeches. Even Hindu radicles have not spared him, Independent acts of hatred and communalism have been associated with him and RSS by hardcore Hindus to downgrade him and RSS. Yet if we examine and go through his speeches a common and consistent thread emerges that is a call for unity and brotherhood Time and again, he has spoken of social welfare, acceptance, tolerance, and the need to embrace diversity as the essence of Indian civilisation. From urging people to rise above caste divisions to emphasising harmony in times of crisis, his message has consistently underlined togetherness. Yet, paradoxically, both he and the RSS continue to be demeaned, criticised, and even branded as fascist by political opponents, intellectuals, and sometimes even voices within Hindu society. No doubt there have been miscreants and radicles who tarnished the image of RSS globally like Nathuram Godse and ND Apte or others who engineer communal violence, make hate speeches and subscribe to selective killings under the umbrella of RSS and incidents of such nature has led to banning, criticism and being suspicious in global lens in past and RSS’s history has not remained all hunky dory like that of any other organisation in any part of world but that does not reflect the ideology and constitution of RSS.RSS believes in world is a family and oneness of India. This duality of advocating unity while being accused of division makes Bhagwat an intriguing and contested figure in India’s public life. Understanding his vision, and the criticisms against him, offers insights into the larger ideological battle shaping the country.

Mohan Bhagwat Advocating for Unity and Brotherhood

It is evident through his statements, speeches and press conferences that the current RSS chief is a promoter of peace, unity and harmony, his one call for unity becomes a slogan overnight and his words acts as catalyst for social welfare that transcends boundaries of cast, creed and religion. In his most recent press conference on the commemoration of 100 years of RSS he emphasised on brotherhood, values, unity, development, education and all together betterment of country and its citizens, setting another example in his long list of calls for unity and brotherhood. Dwelling more into his advocacy for peace and prosperity over the years we will find numerous incidents and statements of such nature.

Unity Beyond Uniformity

The simplest call yet holds a profound meaning that echoes in the social landscape of the country. In August 2025, during the RSS centenary lecture series, Mohan Bhagwat made a powerful statement: “Unity does not require uniformity.” He explained that India’s cultural strength lies in accepting diversity while nurturing harmony. Emphasising the civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family) he reminded the audience that the people of India share the same ancestry going back thousands of years. This call was not for conformity but for a brotherhood that accommodates differences while striving for common goal that is unity.

Accepting Diversity as True Dharma (Religion)

In Nagpur, at the inauguration of the Dharmjagran Nyas office, Bhagwat declared that true dharma is accepting all diversities. While different paths may be followed, he argued, their ultimate destination remains the same that is togetherness and unity. His appeal was to move beyond narrow identities and embrace coexistence as a religious and cultural responsibility. This vision repositions dharma not as exclusion but as a bridge across divides.

Political Unity in Times of Crisis

Bhagwat has also extended his vision of unity to the political sphere. After the Pahalgam terror attack in June 2025, he praised leaders across parties for their rare display of solidarity. He urged that such consensus should not be temporary but a guiding principle for national politics and urged all parties to condemn such heinous act and remain steadfast for the fight against terrorism.

On Religious Conversions

RSS chief has often faced criticism on the issue of religious conversions, with his detractors alleging that he seeks to curb freedom of choice and faith. However, he has consistently spoken out against forced conversions, stressing that such practices endanger unity and mutual acceptance while creating fear and insecurity. At the same time, he has openly supported and welcomed conversions by choice, emphasizing that they fall within the ambit of constitutional rights and religious freedom.

Compassion and Brotherhood

In mid-2025, while speaking at a book launch in Pune, Bhagwat lamented that society is forgetting values of affection and compassion. He stressed that the RSS’s mission is to revive these sentiments to build unity, across communities. By returning to these values, he argued, India could once again serve as a model of universal brotherhood for the world.

Non-Hindus in RSS

Mohan Bhagwat and the RSS are often labelled by Western media as promoters of a pro-Hindu ideology. Yet, the organization has a notable number of non-Hindu volunteers, including Muslims and Christians. This reality itself reflects unity and brotherhood, reinforcing Bhagwat’s message while countering such labels.

Supportive for LGBT

Not only has he stressed for unity and resolve of social issues but also spoken for LGBTQ community too often, stressing on holistic inclusion and social tolerance. In January 2023, Mohan Bhagwat, in interviews published in Organiser and Panchjanya, said that LGBTQ individuals “have the right to live” and deserve "their own private and social space." He stressed that they are part of the human family and should receive humane social acceptance.
He has often repeated this message of unity on many occasions, saying that unity is the only way forward. In different forums, he reminds people that diversity is India’s strength, not a weakness, and that brotherhood is necessary for national progress. He also stresses that Hindus should rise above internal divisions and see all Indians as one family, rooted in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
He often reminds “A united society prospers, but divided it withers’’.

Criticism

Despite their unifying approach, Mohan Bhagwat and the RSS have repeatedly come under criticism. Detractors ranging from politicians and scholars to writers, liberal circles, sections of local and foreign media, and even Hindu radicals remain wary of Bhagwat’s influence and the weight his words carry. To weaken their image, critics often resort to narrative building, misrepresenting or twisting his statements to suit their political agendas and vested interests.
As a result, Bhagwat and the RSS have been unfairly labelled as promoters of hatred, division, and Hindu extremism. Independent acts of extremism, hate speech, and communal violence by individuals such as Pragya Thakur, Raja Singh, or Kapil Mishra are frequently linked to the RSS and its chief by opportunists seeking to downgrade them, even though the organization has consistently distanced itself from such behaviour. For example, the 2021 Delhi riots were blamed on the RSS without any substantial evidence to support such claims. Incidents like mob lynching, cow vigilantism, religion-based violence, and selective harassment are typically carried out by local radicals, yet the RSS is often targeted and accused of being the driving force behind them. In this cycle of blame, no group has held back Congress leaders, CPI members, foreign commentators, journalists, and even some scholars have repeatedly attacked both Bhagwat and the RSS, assigning them divisive labels and tarnishing their image in the public eye for political and personal gain.
Over the decades, the RSS itself has been a target of strong words and degrading portrayals:
Jawaharlal Nehru often dismissed it as a communal outfit.
Indira Gandhi banned the RSS during the Emergency, branding it subversive.
Rahul Gandhi repeatedly alleges that “RSS ideology killed Mahatma Gandhi.”
Communist leaders like Sitaram Yechury call it “fascist” and “more dangerous than British colonialism.”
Regional leaders such as Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin accuse it of undermining pluralism.
Intellectuals and writers from Arundhati Roy to Romila Thapar often describe RSS as authoritarian.
Even within sections of Hindu society particularly Brahmins , critics argue the RSS enforces regimentation, dilutes caste debates, or imposes cultural uniformity.
Yet with a tainted past downgrading and name shaming, RSS has found its credibility and trust among citizens again and its chief has remained convincingly a voice of unity and brotherhood for all Indians. Mohan Bhagwat’s words and actions reveal a consistent emphasis on unity, harmony, and social cohesion, despite the constant criticism he and the RSS face. His calls to rise above caste, religion, and political divisions echo India’s civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Yet, opponents and opportunists often misinterpret his speeches to paint him as divisive. Independent acts of extremism are unfairly linked to him and the RSS, further fuelling negative narratives. However, his repeated advocacy for compassion, acceptance, and togetherness continues to stand as a reminder that India’s strength lies in its diversity and shared brotherhood.

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