‘RSS helped preserve Hindu Dharma’: Mohan Bhagwat at Vijayadashami event in Nagpur

New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said the organisation had played an important role in preserving Hindu dharma over the centuries. He also credited the Sangh’s discipline and organisational strength for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s success.

Former vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the event as the chief guest. While addressing the RSS’s Vijayadashami Utsav at Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Bhagwat said the organisation’s cultural work had helped keep Hinduism alive, particularly after Islamic invasions.

“The BJP’s success owes much to the discipline and organisational strength of the Sangh. The Sangh has also played a crucial role in keeping Hindu dharma alive and resilient,” Bhagwat said.

He added that the RSS had organised several programmes during its centenary year with the Vijayadashami gathering marking the conclusion of the celebrations.

Bhagwat recalls Sant Ravidas, Swami Laxmanananda

Bhagwat referred to the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas Ji Maharaj, highlighting his contribution to social harmony and devotion during a period of persecution under foreign invaders.

“At a time when India was suffering under oppressive foreign invaders and people practising their own faith were subjected to persecution, an atmosphere of fear prevailed across the country,” he said.

Bhagwat added that Sant Ravidas encouraged people to remain committed to their faith and values while promoting social harmony.

He also spoke about Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Maharaj, whose birth centenary is being observed. Bhagwat said the spiritual leader had dedicated his life to serving tribal communities in Odisha and raising awareness about protecting their faith.

RSS chief stresses India’s diversity, OTT regulation

Speaking about India’s cultural identity, Bhagwat said the country had traditionally accepted and protected diversity.

“India is a land of diversity; our traditional character has been to accept and protect this diversity,” he said.

He also described the RSS’s century-long work as an effort to awaken self-awareness and strengthen the country’s unity. Bhagwat raised concerns about OTT content, saying young people were consuming material without sufficient discretion. He called for regulation of such content.

Earlier, Bhagwat performed Shastra Puja at Reshimbagh ground, paid floral tribute to RSS founder Dr KB Hedgewar and watched the parade during the Vijayadashami celebrations. On Monday, he had visited a Durga Puja pandal in Nagpur and spoken about the importance of devotion and the role of spiritual values in India’s resurgence.