Rashtra, dharma depend on each other, says Mohan Bhagwat at Vihar Seva conference
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated at the Vihar Seva conference that the nation and dharma are interdependent and essential for global balance. He highlighted India's vast knowledge tradition as a potential solution to modern global dilemmas.
Why it matters
Bhagwat's comments reflect the ideological framework of the RSS regarding the intersection of national identity and religious values in India.
Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressed the Vihar Seva conference on Friday (October 2, 2026). He said the nation and dharma depend on each other, and that the world faces dilemmas involving development and environment, freedom and family, and faith and conflict. He added that India holds a treasure of knowledge.
"Rashtra (nation) and dharma are not separate. The purpose of the nation is dharma, and dharma helps sustain the nation. The two depend on each other. If one exists, the other also exists; if one does not exist, the other also does not," Mr. Bhagwat said.
"The world faces trouble. Happiness lacks completion, aspiration brings loss, and loyalty ties to loyalty. Balance is absent; extremism exists," he said.
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