Unite, Uplift, Transform: Mohan Bhagwat’s Call to Action

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief (Sarsanghchalak) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressing a large gathering of volunteers gathered at South Point School in Guwahati's Barasparalocality, emphasised the critical role they play as catalysts for societal welfare and urged them to foster friendship across diverse groups, transcending barriers of caste, creed, region, and language.  The occasion was an intellectual (Bouddhik) program organised by the RSS’s Guwahati Mahanagar unit, part of Bhagwat’s six-day tour of Assam, coinciding with the organisation’s centenary celebrations (1925–2025).

Bhagwat’s visit to Assam, which began on February 21, was marked by a series of engagements aimed at strengthening the RSS’s grassroots presence in the Northeast. His Sunday address in Guwahati stood out for its focus on what he termed “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations), social harmony, family values, environmental conservation, Swadeshi (indigenous) practices, and civic responsibility. At the heart of his speech was a call for unity, a theme he believes is essential for India’s progress. “Enhance friendship among different sections of society, irrespective of their castes, creeds, regions, or languages they possess,” he urged, framing this outreach as a cornerstone of a harmonious and progressive nation.

The RSS chief went further, painting a vision of inclusivity within the Hindu community itself. He insisted that all Hindus should share temples, crematoriums, and water resources, bound by mutual respect and cooperation. “Sustained communal harmony among various ethnic groups and goodwill among relatives and clans will lead the nation toward a positive direction,” he said, positioning this unity as a counter to divisive forces. His remarks come at a time when India’s socio-political landscape is often polarised, making his emphasis on bridge-building particularly resonant.

Bhagwat’s message wasn’t limited to social cohesion. He wove in practical calls to action, urging the volunteers to champion environmental stewardship, conserving water, planting trees, and shunning plastic utensils, and to embrace Swadeshi by prioritising local languages and traditions over foreign influences. “Every Bharatiya should pursue food, housing, travel, and even languages that match their self-expression,” he said, advocating for the use of mother tongues in daily life. He also stressed the importance of adhering to traditional social norms alongside state laws, arguing that such values, though not always codified, are vital for societal health.

The event saw the presence of senior RSS figures, including Dr. Bhupesh Sharma, Sanghchalak of Uttar Assam Prant, and Guruprasad Medhi, Sanghchalak of Guwahati Mahanagar, underscoring its significance. For the assembled swayamsevaks, Bhagwat’s words were both a directive and an inspiration. He portrayed the RSS as more than an organisation, a movement safeguarding Sanatan culture and the nation, driven by volunteers who persevere through challenges. “A healthy, strong, and progressive society should be our collective strength,” he declared, rallying them to embody this ethos in their outreach.

The timing of Bhagwat’s visit, amidst the RSS’s centenary Prabas (nationwide tour), amplifies its context. Assam, with its rich ethnic diversity, has long been a focus for the RSS’s efforts to promote national integration and cultural preservation. His six-day itinerary includes further interactions with volunteers and discussions on organizational growth, with plans to depart for Arunachal Pradesh on February 26. The Guwahati address, however, has already sparked conversations, with local media and observers noting its blend of idealism and pragmatism.

Bhagwat’s appeal for friendship across societal divides aligns with the RSS’s broader narrative of unity but also reflects a nuanced acknowledgment of India’s pluralistic fabric. Whether this call will translate into tangible shifts in community dynamics remains to be seen, especially in a region as diverse as Assam. For now, his words have set a tone urging RSS volunteers to lead by example, building bridges where differences once stood, and nurturing a society rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. As the centenary unfolds, Guwahati’s swayamsevaks carry forward a mandate that’s as ambitious as it is timeless.