India Aspires To Be 'Vishwaguru' Not 'Mahashakti', Clarifies RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat told a large gathering in Toronto that India earned its standing as a "Vishwaguru," or world teacher, through selfless service to humanity rather than by positioning itself as a "Mahashakti," or superpower, arguing that the country's civilisational identity rests on universal friendship, refuge, and respect for diversity. He was addressing the "Hindu Vishwa Bandhu — Embrace the World in Friendship" event, organised by the group Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue, which opened with cultural performances including folk songs performed by members of the Indian diaspora.

Ahead of his visit, members of Canada's Hindu community had gathered in Toronto to welcome him, describing the event as a significant moment for promoting peace and cultural values. "One may call Bharat a superpower, but it was not one. It served the world and by its own character, it became 'Vishwaguru', not Mahashakti," Bhagwat told the audience, framing India's global standing as a product of its conduct rather than its military or economic strength. He went on to cite both historical and contemporary examples of India stepping forward during international humanitarian crises to support this characterisation of the country.

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Among the historical examples, Bhagwat recalled how Polish refugees fleeing the Second World War were sheltered and protected by the Maharaja of Jamnagar until they could safely return home, describing it as one of many instances in a tradition he said continues today. He said that throughout history, anyone facing persecution anywhere in the world found asylum specifically in India. Turning to more recent events, he pointed to Indian military evacuation operations during conflict in the Middle East, in which Indian transport aircraft rescued not only Indian citizens but also nationals from seven other countries who were trapped in the war zone at the time.

Bhagwat also drew a contrast between India's historical outreach abroad and the expansionist ambitions of other civilisations, saying that Indian travellers who journeyed as far as Mexico and Siberia, crossed the Himalayas on foot, and sailed to Southeast Asia in small boats never sought to conquer territory. Instead, he said, they carried knowledge in fields such as astronomy and Ayurveda along with broader civilisational values, adding that ordinary Indians travelling abroad today are still often greeted warmly with a namaskara. He further noted that Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Parsis have historically found peaceful refuge and opportunities for learning in India without fear of persecution, presenting this as further evidence of the country's long-standing openness.

The RSS chief tied these examples to the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the idea that the entire world is one family, telling attendees that despite differences in appearance, people are fundamentally one and that serving others is therefore a duty. He said this understanding brings lasting contentment rather than being a burden. Bhagwat also addressed the broader meaning of Hindu identity, saying it cannot be confined to a specific language, form of worship, or lifestyle. He argued that diversity, far from posing a challenge to unity in India, is itself an expression of that unity, and he called on the wider global community to embrace this same outlook of interconnectedness as a path toward greater harmony.

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