“RSS Not Driven by Political Power,” says Mohan Bhagwat

• Mohan Bhagwat says RSS has no political power ambitions
• Addresses 950 national and international sportspersons in Meerut
• Calls sports a powerful medium for social unity
• Outlines five guiding principles for those associating with RSS

GG News Bureau
Meerut, 21st Feb: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said the organisation is not driven by any desire for political power and is solely committed to organising the entire Hindu society and fostering character-building among individuals.

Addressing around 950 national and international sportspersons at Madhav Kunj in Shatabdi Nagar, Bhagwat emphasised that the RSS does not function in opposition to or competition with any group. According to participants, he spoke for nearly 50 minutes, highlighting the Sangh’s almost 100-year journey since its founding in 1925.

“RSS is not driven by any desire for political power. Its sole objective is the organisation of the entire Hindu society and character-building of individuals,” a participant quoted Bhagwat as saying.

Idea of India Beyond Geography
Explaining the idea of India, Bhagwat said the nation cannot be confined merely to geographical boundaries but draws inspiration from traditions associated with Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayanand and Mahatma Gandhi.

He described “Hindu” as a term denoting unity in diversity rather than caste identity, adding that differences in worship or deities do not alter the shared cultural foundation of harmony. Whenever social unity weakens, he said, the nation faces crises.

Bhagwat outlined four pillars of society — value inculcation, Sanatan culture, spirit of dharma and embodiment of truth — and reiterated that the Sangh’s mission is to organise the entire Hindu society through individual development. He added that volunteers are active across various sectors and place national interest above all else.

Sports as a Unifying Force
Speaking to athletes, Bhagwat said nation-building is the responsibility of society as a whole and not any single organisation. He described sports as a powerful medium to bring people together.

Recalling Meerut’s role in the First War of Independence in 1857, he said that historical events later inspired Keshav Baliram Hedgewar to establish the RSS in 1925.

He also shared five guiding principles for those wishing to associate with the RSS: understanding the organisation from within, connecting with affiliated bodies, supporting its programmes, maintaining dialogue and working selflessly for the nation. He later answered questions from the athletes.

Athletes Respond
Arjuna Award-winning wrestler Alka Tomar termed the event “grand” and praised the arrangements made by RSS volunteers. She said nation-building is the responsibility of every sportsperson and described the interaction as beneficial.

Para Cricket Club of India player Surya Pratap Mishra said Bhagwat assured support for para athletes to help them bring pride to the country. Kabaddi coach Pintu Malik called the session inspiring, especially the message encouraging players to support one another.

Bhagwat is currently on a tour of Uttar Pradesh as part of RSS centenary celebrations. Earlier this week in Lucknow, he briefly met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath before travelling to Meerut.

The outreach programme is part of a nationwide series marking 100 years of the RSS. Bhagwat is scheduled to interact with members of the intelligentsia, including representatives from education, industry, medicine, literature and trade, in a closed-door session on Saturday.