Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday (26 August) said that shared cultural and ancestral traditions have bound people across the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years, stressing that “the DNA of everyone living here for over 40,000 years is the same.”
Speaking at “100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Bhagwat argued that the term Hindu should not be understood in narrow religious terms but as a broader reflection of geography, culture, and tradition. “Some people know but do not acknowledge themselves as Hindus, while some others do not yet realize it,” he said.
He said that true identity lies not just in territory, but in devotion to Bharat Mata and continuity of ancestral heritage. “Living in harmony is our culture. Unity has always been India’s strength,” Bhagwat added.
Reflecting on India’s post-independence journey, the RSS chief said the country has yet to claim its “rightful place in the world” even after 75 years. He reiterated the RSS vision of India as a Vishwaguru (global teacher) and said this transformation must come from society itself, not only governments or political leaders.
“Politicians, governments and parties may assist, but the real driver will be the transformation of society itself,” he said.
Bhagwat underlined India’s spiritual outlook, which he said recognizes divinity in all human beings without discrimination. He noted that the word Hindu was originally given by outsiders to describe the people of this land, and that Hindus, by nature, are not defined by conflict but by respect for diversity.
The lecture marked the start of a three-day series where Bhagwat will engage with eminent personalities from different fields. RSS publicity head Sunil Ambekar said the platform would allow Bhagwat to share perspectives on contemporary social issues.
