Nagpur, Oct 2: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday lauded the government of India for giving a “fitting response” through Operation Sindoor after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
Addressing the RSS’s annual Vijayadashmi rally, which this year also marked the centenary of the organisation, Bhagwat said the attack had triggered grief and anger across the nation but also revealed the real stance of different countries towards India.
“Even though we maintain friendly relations with other countries and will continue to do so, when it comes to security we must remain careful, watchful and strong,” he said. “After the Pahalgam attack, the positions taken by various countries revealed who our real friends are, and to what extent.”
Founded in Nagpur on Dussehra in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS has traditionally used the Vijayadashmi event to outline its national vision. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was present as the chief guest at this year’s rally.
Bhagwat said extremist elements had been isolated both by state action and social rejection. “They will be controlled. A major hurdle has now been removed in that area,” he asserted.
Turning to economic concerns, the RSS chief underlined the importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) amid the impact of global trade tensions, including US tariffs. “We must ensure that dependence does not become a compulsion, and we must act according to our own will. There is no substitute for Swadeshi and Swavalamban (self-reliance),” he said.
He explained that while interdependence among nations is a reality, India should engage in it from a position of strength rather than weakness. “By becoming self-reliant ourselves, we must live this interdependence not as compulsion but by choice,” Bhagwat stressed.
The RSS chief also reflected on the root causes of extremism, noting that the absence of justice, development, sensitivity, and inclusiveness often drives people toward radical groups. “When the system appears lethargic, people seek support from extremist elements. To counter this, the state and society must jointly ensure that people have faith in governance,” he said.
Expressing concern over political upheavals in neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Bhagwat warned of forces that seek to create similar unrest within India. “Such elements are active both inside and outside the country,” he cautioned.
The rally, steeped in symbolism, combined the celebration of Dussehra with a reflection on the RSS’s 100-year journey, underlining its continuing role in shaping nationalist thought and policy advocacy in India. (Agencies)
