Bhagwat on nation and dharma

Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, addressed the Vihar Seva conference on Friday, October 2, 2026. He said nation and dharma depend on each other.

The inseparable bond

Bhagwat said the purpose of nation is dharma, and dharma sustains the nation. If one exists, the other also exists; if one does not exist, the other also does not.

“Rashtra (nation) and dharma are not separate. The purpose of the nation is dharma, and dharma helps sustain the nation.”

The world's dilemmas

The world faces dilemmas involving development and environment, freedom and family, and faith and conflict. Bhagwat said happiness lacks completion, aspiration brings loss, and balance is absent.

India's knowledge treasure

Bhagwat said India holds a knowledge tradition comprising the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Jain Agamas, Tripitaka, Guru Granth Sahib, and teachings of saints.

What the world needs

Bhagwat said India had shared knowledge without seeking to conquer countries or convert people. The world knows the path will come from India, he added.

“The world knows that the path will come from India.”

Protecting knowledge carriers

Bhagwat said preserving the lives and traditions of those who carry knowledge is a service to humanity, not merely a duty of faith. You protect the safety of humanity's future.

“You do not protect just a life. You protect the safety of the future of humanity.”