The year 2025 marks a historic milestone in the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as it completes one hundred years since its founding. This centenary occasion was not only a celebration of the organization’s past achievements but also an opportunity to reflect upon its philosophical roots and cultural vision for the future. At Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi—an iconic venue symbolizing dialogue between state institutions, civil society, and the cultural-spiritual heritage of the nation—RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat delivered a significant address. His speech carried a depth that went beyond ceremonial recognition, presenting profound reflections on India’s civilizational ethos, inclusive philosophy, and cultural identity. The centenary address is particularly important because it was framed not merely as a narrative of organizational growth, but as an exploration of timeless philosophical ideas—dharma, unity, and harmony—that have shaped Indian thought across centuries. Bhagwat’s reflections reasserted India’s role as a civilization rooted in spirituality yet dynamically engaged with modern challenges. The significance of delivering such a vision at Vigyan Bhawan lies in the symbolism of state and society coming together in a shared recognition of cultural values and collective destiny. This study aims to analyse the philosophical and cultural dimensions of Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary reflections. By situating his ideas within India’s civilizational context, it seeks to highlight the intellectual depth of his approach and the relevance of his message in contemporary times. The focus is not on polemics but on appreciating how his address contributes to the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity, philosophy and practice, culture and governance in India.
Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary address at Vigyan Bhawan unfolded as more than a historical remembrance; it was articulated as a philosophical meditation on India’s cultural essence and the journey of the RSS as a value-driven institution. His reflections revealed a layered engagement with Dharma, unity, and inclusivity—framing the Sangh as a force grounded in ethical and civilizational principles rather than narrow political pursuits. Bhagwat opened the occasion by situating the Sangh’s century-long journey in the context of trials and resilience, remarking that the organization had withstood bans, hostility, and neglect yet emerged stronger and more widely accepted. This was not, he argued, a story of political conquest but of fidelity to moral values.
“The Sangh endured bans and hostility, but it survived and grew because it is founded upon truth and service, not ambition.”¹
This resilience, he suggested, illustrates a philosophical truth: institutions rooted in cultural values outlast transient political pressures. Another key element of the speech was his assertion of cultural and civilizational continuity. He stated that:
“Living in harmony is our culture… the DNA of people in undivided India has been the same for over 40,000 years.”²
In this framing, Indian unity is not imposed from outside nor constructed merely by political structures; it is an organic inheritance from a shared history and cultural evolution. This articulation resonates with the ancient Indian idea of Samanvaya (harmony), which treats difference as complement rather than conflict. Bhagwat thus located the philosophical foundation of national identity in the deep continuity of culture, rather than in ephemeral constructs of modern nationhood.
Perhaps the most striking philosophical insight of his reflections was the characterization of the RSS itself. By emphasizing that the Sangh’s centenary was the celebration of a “movement of values, not merely politics,” Bhagwat drew a sharp distinction between power-oriented organizations and value-oriented movements.³ In his analysis, the Sangh is not driven by the desire to rule but by the commitment to serve and uplift society. Its philosophical core lies in dharma-samajik sewa (ethical social service), which keeps it aligned with both civilizational ideals and constitutional principles. The centenary, therefore, is not just an anniversary but a philosophical milestone. It reaffirms that enduring relevance in Indian society arises from ethical universality, inclusiveness, and cultural rootedness. Bhagwat’s address demonstrated that the Sangh’s continuity is sustained by these deeper foundations, making it a cultural and philosophical force rather than a transient political institution. Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary remarks presented inclusivity not as a mere political slogan but as a fundamental moral and philosophical posture, rooted in India’s civilizational ideals and historical ethos. Bhagwat emphasized that inclusivity transcends caste, creed, religion, or political allegiance. He clarified that the Sangh does not aim to exclude anyone but to organize the entire society, rejecting exclusivity in favour of unity. As he put it:
“We do not want to create an exclusive group. Our purpose is to organise the entire society… The term ‘Hindu’ stood for inclusiveness.”⁴
This framing repurposes the term ‘Hindu’ as embracing rather than excluding, implying a philosophical commitment to holistic social cohesion extending to all communities living in India. Invoking a timeless spiritual idea, Bhagwat rooted his vision in the Upanishadic ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family.” He emphasized that India's cultural foundation has long been built on harmony, coordination, and universal brotherhood. His words recall this ancient spirit:
“For 40,000 years, the DNA of people living in Akhand Bharat is the same. Our culture and worldview is same — of living in coordination and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one family).”⁵
This philosophical anchor grounds contemporary inclusivity in India’s expansive and ancient worldview. Bhagwat went beyond mere tolerance, advocating for active acceptance and participation from all segments of society. He stressed that peace and harmony require continuous engagement and dialog:
“We need to see the diversity of sects and religions, castes and sub-castes, languages and provinces as expressions of unity. The entire society should own problems… through cordial dialogue.”⁶
Here, inclusivity becomes dynamic—social groups must not only coexist but recognize shared responsibility and contribute actively to collective well-being.
Mohan Bhagwat’s centenary reflections articulated the concept of Hindu not as a rigid religious label but as an expansive, civilizational ethos—rooted in culture, spirituality, and shared heritage. Bhagwat emphasized that Hindu transcends religion to signify a civilizational identity grounded in shared geography, history, and spiritual traditions.(To Be Continued)

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