Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has asserted that Bharat's identity as a Hindu Rashtra is inherent and does not require a formal declaration. He argued that public perception has already evolved to accept this reality.
Bhagwat's Remarks on Hindu Rashtra
Speaking at a ceremony at Smruti Mandir for those associated with the Ayodhya movement, Bhagwat said, "Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra. At first, people used to laugh at that. Even until the Ram Mandir was built." He added, "Today, those very people are saying that Hindustan is the country of Hindus. They tell us to declare it formally. We say there is no need for a formal declaration. The sun rises in the east. Should that be declared?"
Ram Mandir as a Turning Point
Bhagwat framed the construction of the Ram Mandir as a turning point shaped by both faith and collective effort. "The temple was built by the will of Shri Ram, but His will bears fruit only after we contribute as He waits and watches," he said. He described the temple as "only the beginning," linking it to a broader question of national identity.
He noted that debates over India's identity persisted long after Independence. "We attained Independence, but it came in a fragmented form. Bharat was acting, but in darkness," he said, adding that confusion over "what is Bharat" shaped discourse for decades. Referring indirectly to political changes in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhagwat suggested it marked a clearer assertion of identity. Citing international commentary, he said, "Technically, we did get Independence on August 15, 1947. But even then, we were not certain about ourselves."
Role of Public Mobilisation
Bhagwat credited the Ram Mandir movement as a convergence of public mobilisation and political will. "Had there not been such a massive movement, would the temple have been built?" he asked, underscoring the role of both society and leadership. He also cautioned against complacency: "Opposition and neglect often generate energy and resolve, but favourable conditions can bring complacency."
Vision of Ram Rajya
He stressed that the vision of "Ram Rajya" cannot rest solely with leadership. "It should not be assumed that the work will be done by Modiji. Ram Rajya does not happen only because of the king; it also happens because of the subjects," he said, referring to ideals drawn from the Ramayana. Describing the next phase as one of societal transformation, Bhagwat said, "Now, we must build Ayodhya in every heart and raise the temple of the nation in society."
