Nagpur, October 20, 2026: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat called for greater social unity, stronger commitment to national goals and changes in everyday conduct while addressing the organisation’s annual Vijayadashami gathering in Nagpur on Tuesday.
Reflecting on India’s history and social cohesion, Bhagwat said the country became weaker when people lost their sense of shared identity and allowed differences of language, caste, sect and community to take precedence over emotional unity and Indian national identity.
“When we forgot this, we also forgot our sense of connection and belonging to one another, and we became divided. As a result, we became weak,” Bhagwat said, according to the remarks provided from his address.
The speech covered social harmony, the freedom struggle, the teachings of Sant Ravidas, the RSS’s centenary-year activities and the organisation’s ‘Panch Parivartan’ initiative.
Bhagwat Performs Shastra Puja at Nagpur Event
Bhagwat performed Shastra Puja during the Vijayadashami celebrations and paid tribute to RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar by offering floral homage at his memorial in Nagpur.
The annual gathering took place as the RSS continued activities associated with its centenary year. The organisation was founded in Nagpur in 1925.
Bhagwat used the occasion to reflect on the responsibilities facing society and the importance of translating values into everyday behaviour.
Sant Ravidas’ Message of Devotion and Social Harmony
Bhagwat referred to the 650th birth anniversary year of Sant Ravidas, highlighting the saint’s emphasis on devotion, commitment to faith and social harmony.
He said Sant Ravidas offered reassurance and strengthened people’s morale during a period marked by conflict and fear. Bhagwat also highlighted the saint’s example as a source of inspiration for society.
The reference placed social cohesion at the centre of the address. Bhagwat’s remarks linked the teachings of historical religious figures with the need to maintain unity across differences in contemporary society.
Freedom Struggle Required Sacrifice and Commitment
Reflecting on India’s independence movement, Bhagwat said the country’s freedom fighters and the wider society had made substantial sacrifices to achieve the objectives of their time.
He argued that the challenges facing the country today require a similarly strong sense of dedication.
According to Bhagwat, citizens should adopt good values and incorporate them into their conduct and daily lives rather than treat them merely as ideals.
His remarks drew a connection between the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and the responsibility to work towards national goals under present circumstances.
‘Division Made Us Weak,’ Says RSS Chief
A central theme of Bhagwat’s address was the relationship between social unity and collective strength.
He said that when emotional unity and a shared sense of Indian national identity remained above narrower affiliations, the country was better positioned to present itself as an example to the world.
However, he argued that the loss of this shared outlook led to division, weakness and fear. He compared the resulting tendency towards isolation to a person who confines himself within walls because of insecurity.
The comments reflected Bhagwat’s view that a stronger sense of belonging across communities is necessary for social cohesion.
What Is ‘Panch Parivartan’?
Bhagwat also discussed the RSS initiative known as ‘Panch Parivartan’, which promotes five areas of social and personal change.
The initiative focuses on:
- Social harmony: Encouraging stronger relationships across social groups.
- Family awareness: Promoting constructive values and communication within families.
- Civic discipline: Encouraging responsible behaviour and respect for civic duties.
- Environmental protection: Building habits that support conservation and environmental responsibility.
- Self-reliance: Encouraging individual and collective efforts towards greater self-sufficiency.
Bhagwat said themes such as family awareness, civic discipline and environmental protection are readily understood because people across societies recognise their relevance.
He stressed that Panch Parivartan should not be treated as a one-year campaign. Instead, he called for its principles to become lasting habits through practical action.
Focus on Lasting Changes in Everyday Life
Bhagwat’s message placed particular emphasis on changing behaviour rather than limiting efforts to speeches, events or temporary programmes.
He said volunteers and citizens should understand Panch Parivartan as a way of life intended to influence daily conduct.
The address combined references to India’s historical experiences with a call for continued commitment to social cohesion and personal responsibility.
The bigger picture: Bhagwat’s Vijayadashami address presented social unity, civic responsibility, family values and environmental awareness as interconnected elements of his vision for society. His central argument was that collective strength depends not only on shared ideals but also on how people apply them in their everyday lives.
