Modern ‘secularism’ is a Western concept, does not fit India: Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (September 18, 2026) cautioned young people against getting consumed by ego, saying the belief that everything is under one’s control and should happen according to one’s wishes is a misconception.

“Take the example of the Sun. Even if you do not believe in the Sun, it will still rise and set,” Mr. Bhagwat said while speaking at the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh .

He added that people should not live under the illusion that everything operates according to their authority and control and “if there is a rise, there will also be a fall”.

Regarding the definition of secularism, the RSS chief termed it a modern concept that does not fit India’s traditional understanding of the relationship between religion, society and the state.