Mohan Bhagwat, Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, delivered a robust message on the occasion of the organisation’s customary Vijayadashami Utsav and centenary year of the Sangh. Bhagwat urged “self-reliance but at the same time, without dependence”. He also warned that dependence on the world standards should not be compulsion. The notion came during his address to the swayamsevaks assembled on the historic Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur.
The event, which is symbolic to the RSS, saw the assembly of former President Ram Nath Kovind, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Self-Reliance in Changing World Order
Bhagwat referred to the recent new tariff regime in the US, pointed out that while global interdependence has to take place naturally, India has to be cautious regarding the weakness of dependence.
“No country can live in isolation, but dependence should not be compulsion. Let us depend on swadeshi, keep diplomatic relations with friendly nations while building self-reliance — on our terms, and not compulsion,” he said.
This comes at a time when India is reassessing its economic and foreign policy, amidst growing concern about trade disputes, the energy-security aspect.
Internal and External Threats
The RSS leader was adamant in his comments about national security, referring to recent terror strikes, and promising a warning about “unconstitutional forces” in the nation that seek to destabilize India.
“While we are by nature open, we should stay aware and be capable of defending our country. He said, We must firmly deal with enemies outside and forces of division within.
Bhagwat said India’s response to terror attacks showed that there was an alliance among the state, armed forces and society. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rss-centenary-mohan-bhagwat-speech-us-trump-tariffs-india-swadeshi-atmanirbhar-isolation-helplessness-2796584-2025-10-02
Climate and Development Issues
Bhagwat was stepping outside of strictly political issues to speak in an impressive shift of trend, about climate change and un-sustainable development. Using repetitive flooding and landslides as an example, he raised the question about ecological imbalance in the Himalayas.
The Himalayas are our security wall, and source of water for all of South Asia. The ongoing trends of development causing disasters will make us reconsider our decisions,” he said, calling it a “warning bell.”
Appeal for Sensible Governance
The RSS chief also underlined that citizens’ issues should engage the governments. When people-friendly policies are not enacted, he warned, that may exacerbate alienation and unrest.
“History demonstrates that violent revolutions never achieve their objectives. They provide the opportunity for some outside force to capitalize on the dissatisfaction inside,” Bhagwat observed.
India’s Global Responsibility
Bhagwat expressed his vision of India as a potential moral and cultural authority, recognizing how the world looks to lessons from India on how to deal with the problems currently facing the globe.
“The world is expecting India to lead by example and set the standard,” he said, explaining that the centenary of the Sangh should not be construed as a national event, but perhaps even as an international moment for reflection.
Centennial Significance
The ceremony featured “Shashtra Puja,” which introduced classic vehicles as well as replicas of modern ones, including indigenous systems (the Pinaka rocket system) and drones, as a merging of ancient and contemporary times.
Bhagwat further invoked the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, and the spiritual wave of the Maha Kumbh to draw cultural unity.
The RSS was established in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, and on this occasion, it celebrates 100 years of being a part of the Indian stage—this particular ceremony is a marker of its excellent status as one of India’s most significant socio-cultural organizations and the ideological fountainhead of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Importance of the Speech
The speech provides a tapestry of home politics, global economy, environmental change, and governance.
Bhagwat’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) amid the US tariff war approximately indicates how the RSS frames India’s position in the world economy.
His vantage of threats within the country, national integration, and caring for the environment demonstrates how the Sangh is working to weave nationalism with contemporary issues.
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