Bhagwat: India’s Heritage Built on Fraternity, Not Conflict
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlights India’s tradition of harmony and stresses practical wisdom as the foundation of a meaningful life
Mumbai, Nov 29: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday underscored that engaging in disputes is not part of India’s inherent nature, asserting that the country’s tradition has always prioritised fraternity and collective harmony.
Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Bhagwat contrasted India’s concept of nationhood with Western interpretations. “We do not have any argument with anyone. We stay away from disputes. Having a dispute is not in our country’s nature. Being together and fostering fraternity is our tradition,” he said, noting that other parts of the world evolved amid conflict.
He added, “Once an opinion is formed, anything apart from that thought becomes unacceptable. They close doors to other thoughts and start calling it ‘…ism’.”
Bhagwat emphasised that India’s understanding of a ‘rashtra’ is distinct from Western notions of nationalism. “They do not understand our views about nationhood, so they started calling it ‘nationalism’. Our concept of a ‘rashtra’ is different from the Western idea of a nation. There is no difference of opinion amongst us about whether it is a nation or not — it is a ‘rashtra’, and has existed since ancient times,” he said.
He explained that Indian nationhood is rooted in interconnectedness among people and harmony with nature, rather than pride or arrogance. “Excessive pride about the nation led to two world wars, which is why some people fear the word nationalism,” he added.
Bhagwat also highlighted the value of knowledge that leads to wisdom, emphasizing practical understanding and living a meaningful life over mere accumulation of information. He said that true satisfaction comes from helping others — a lasting fulfillment that outlives temporary personal success.
