Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said there is no need to declare India a Hindu Rashtra, asserting that it already is one. He made the remarks while addressing a programme in Nagpur to felicitate those involved in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The event was organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti at Reshimbagh.
“Temple Built With Support of Entire Nation”
Speaking about the construction of the Ram Temple Ayodhya, Bhagwat credited both political leadership and public participation.
“The temple was built due to the commitment of those in power and the support of everyone in the country,” he said.
He added that the process was not just political but spiritual, saying, “The temple was built by Lord Ram’s own will. Just like Govardhan was lifted, such things happen only when everyone contributes.”
Link to National Resurgence
Bhagwat connected the temple movement to a broader idea of national and cultural revival. Referring to thoughts expressed by Sri Aurobindo, he said the resurgence of Sanatan Dharma is linked to the resurgence of India.
“This process began long ago. As people contribute, divine power guides the fulfilment of this resolve,” he said.
He also referred to the 2014 general elections, stating, “When the new government took oath, a foreign newspaper wrote that Indians had finally said goodbye to the British. Technically that happened in 1947, but we were not fully certain.”
“Committed Leadership Was Crucial”
The RSS chief questioned whether the temple could have been built without political will.
“If those in power were not committed, would the temple have been built?” he asked, pointing to both the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and government support as key factors.
He stressed that the movement alone would not have been enough without backing from those in authority.
“No Need to Declare What Is Already True”
On the idea of India as a Hindu Rashtra, Bhagwat said the concept is already a reality and does not require formal declaration.
“The Sun rises in the east—do we need to declare it?” he said. “Similarly, Bharat is a Hindu Rashtra. There is no need to declare what is already true.”
He added that earlier, such ideas were mocked, but now many people accept them.
Call for Nation Building
Bhagwat said the temple’s construction is just one step and urged citizens to contribute towards building a stronger nation.
“They have done their work; now we must do ours,” he said. “We must make the country more grand, more prosperous, and ensure that Dharma is established in the world.”
He concluded by saying that India’s rise is inevitable. “Bharat will rise and contribute to the world. If we all work towards it, it will happen sooner,” he added.
