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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat credited the Sangh’s organisational strength for the BJP’s success and said it played a crucial role in preserving Hindu dharma.
Mohan Bhagwat Addresses RSS Centenary Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur (Video screengrab)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday credited the organisation’s discipline and organisational strength for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) success, while asserting that the Sangh had played a crucial role in keeping Hindu dharma alive and resilient over centuries.
Addressing the RSS’s Vijayadashami Utsav at Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Bhagwat said the organisation’s sustained cultural and organisational efforts had helped preserve Hinduism, particularly in the aftermath of 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. Without that sustained cultural and organisational effort, the religion could have faced far greater erosion, probably death over centuries, particularly in the aftermath of Islamic invasions,” Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat said the past year had seen various programmes organised to mark the centenary, with the Vijayadashami gathering marking the conclusion of those events. He also noted that the year marked the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas Ji Maharaj.
Recalling the circumstances in which Sant Ravidas propagated his teachings, Bhagwat said India had faced persecution under foreign invaders and that an atmosphere of fear prevailed among people practising their faith.
“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. During this difficult period, Sant Ravidas Ji fearlessly propagated devotion to one’s faith, social harmony and spiritual devotion. Through the example of his own life, he inspired confidence and courage among the people of that era, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their values and preserve their dignity,” he said.
Bhagwat also referred to the birth centenary celebrations of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Maharaj, who, he said, dedicated his life to serving Vanvasi communities in Odisha.
At A Glance
Mohan Bhagwat spoke of the RSS’s discipline and organisational strength.
He said the Sangh played a crucial role in preserving Hindu dharma and recalled Sant Ravidas’ teachings.
Bhagwat performed Shastra Puja and paid tribute to RSS founder KB Hedgewar at the Vijayadashami celebrations in Nagpur.
“The birth centenary of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Maharaj is currently being celebrated. He dedicated his life to serving the Vanvasi communities in Odisha and sacrificed his life while awakening in them an awareness of the need to protect their own faith,” Bhagwat said.
He also mentioned the commencement of the 200th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, which began on April 11 last year, before referring to those who had fostered self-awareness in Bengal.
BHAGWAT PERFORMS SHASTRA PUJA AT RESHIMBAGH
Earlier on Tuesday, Bhagwat arrived in Nagpur to attend the RSS’s Vijayadashami celebrations at Reshimbagh ground. He performed Shastra Puja (weapons worship), offered a floral tribute to RSS founder Dr KB Hedgewar and watched the parade as part of the event.
The address followed Bhagwat’s visit to the Sri Sri Sarvajanik Durga Puja pandal in Dhantoli, Nagpur, on Monday, October 19, where he offered prayers on the occasion of Maha Ashtami.
Speaking at the pandal, Bhagwat said devotees seek the blessings of the Divine Mother because everything in the world functions through her grace.
“We all seek the blessings of the Divine Mother, as everything in this world functions through Her grace. It is Shakti that makes everything possible. The essence is that the Divine Mother resides in the hearts of millions, embodied in a wealth of noble virtues. Our task is to awaken these qualities within ourselves,” he said.
Bhagwat also drew a connection between the worship of the Divine Mother and India’s resurgence, citing Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda.
“When our nation began its resurgence, it was preceded by the worship of this very Divine Mother by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It was through her blessings that Swami Vivekananda embarked on his mission. Even today, Vivekananda’s influence can be seen in public endeavours across our country and in the thoughts of those who lead them,” he said.
“We should worship Her with deep devotion,” he added.
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Ask News18Speaking at the RSS Vijayadashami Utsav at Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat credited the organisation’s discipline and organisational strength for the BJP’s success while stating that the Sangh played a crucial role in keeping Hindu dharma alive and resilient over centuries.
Ask News18About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
October 20, 2026, 09:13 IST
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