‘RSS Runs On Social Support, Not Foreign Funding’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath On How Sangh Operates

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. (X/@myogiadityanath)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat attended the Divya Gita Prerna Mahotsav in Lucknow, where the former said that RSS continues to work solely on social support, without any foreign or institutional funding.

While addressing the event in the presence of Bhagwat, Adityanath said diplomats and foreign envoys often ask how the Sangh operates. “We tell them that we have worked as ‘swayamsevaks’ (volunteers). They ask about funding… We say there is no funding pattern. No OPEC country or international church funds it. RSS stands on the strength of society and works with a spirit of service,” he added.

The CM said the organisation serves every distressed person, irrespective of religion, language or region. “RSS teaches that the nation comes first, and anyone who can contribute to taking India to greater heights must be supported,” he said.

‘Dharma Not Just Worship For Us But…’

Yogi Adityanath further said that ‘dharma’ was not just worship for Hindus, but a way of life. He called the Bhagavad Gita a “divine mantra” for all 140 crore Indians, offering them guidance during challenging times and a path to success.

“When we speak of the Divya Gita Prerna Mahotsav, we remember the 700 verses of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, which every follower of Sanatan Dharma considers a mantra for life and tries to absorb with great purity and reverence,” he said.

RSS chief Bhagwat also addressed the event, where he said that India was once the ‘vishwaguru’ of the world. “For a 1000 years, it was trampled under the feet of invaders. We had to live under slavery. Religious places were destroyed. Forced conversions started taking place. All this was there. It was Bharatvarsh even then. Those days of glory are no more,” he said.

“Those days of aggression went on. Now the flag has been hoisted on Ram Mandir. (Those days of invasion are gone. Now we are going to hoist the flag on the Ram temple).It was India even then; it is India even now,” he added.

“We are people of Bharat, a Hindu society and a Hindu Rashtra. We must follow dharma, perform our duties and give the message of service and sacrifice to the world. The essence of all traditions and knowledge, past and future, across the world has been given by Bhagwan Vyas in 700 shlokas of the Gita.”

He also criticised people who have turned service into a tool of “deals and influence”, claiming they attempt to change India’s demographic character through pressure and greed.

(with inputs from agencies)