Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is an ‘extraordinary’ individual who has always put the nation first and emphasised continuity and adaptation in his working style, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the occasion of Mr. Bhagwat’s 75th birthday on Thursday (September 11, 2025).
Showering praises on the “wise and hard working” Sarsanghchalak in an article shared with the media, Mr. Modi said he had dedicated his entire life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity. Mr. Bhagwat has always steered the Sangh through complex currents without ever compromising the organisation’s core ideology, the Prime Minister said.
“Being Sarsanghchalak is more than an organisational responsibility. Extraordinary individuals have defined this role through personal sacrifice, clarity of purpose and unshakable commitment to Maa Bharti. Mohan Ji, in addition to doing full justice to the enormity of the responsibility, has also brought to it his own strength, intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, all of which is inspired by the principle of Nation First,” Mr. Modi said.
‘Most transformative’
The Prime Minister termed Mr Bhagwat’s tenure as the “most transformative” period in the 100-year journey of the RSS, citing changes made in the RSS uniform and training camps, as well as the increased use of technology to continue the work of the RSS during the COVID-19 pandemic and address society’s evolving needs.
Recalling his association with Mr. Bhagwat’s father, the late Madhukarrao Bhagwat, Mr. Modi said that he had also devoted himself to nation-building and played a pivotal role in strengthening the RSS across Gujarat. “Such was Madhukarrao Ji’s passion towards nation-building that it groomed his son, Mohanrao, to work towards India’s regeneration. It is as if Parasmani Madhukarrao prepared another Parasmani in Mohanrao,” he said.
Connected to people
The Prime Minister hailed the work done by Mr. Bhagwat as a pracharak in the rural and backward areas of Maharashtra, especially in Vidarbha, which has shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by the poor and downtrodden.
Mr. Bhagwat’s ability to naturally connect with people has drawn many youngsters to join the Sangh, Mr. Modi said. He also praised the RSS chief for encouraging the Sangh’s volunteers to actively participate in government-initiated mass movements like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
‘Anchored in values’
Terming it a pleasant coincidence that Vijaya Dashami, Gandhi Jayanti, Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, and the RSS centenary celebrations fall on the same day this year, the Prime Minister said that October 2 would mark a historic milestone for lakhs of people associated with the Sangh in India and the world.
“Earlier this year, during the inauguration of the Madhav Netra Chikitsalaya in Nagpur, I had remarked that the RSS is like an Akshayavat, an eternal banyan tree that energises the national culture and collective consciousness of our nation. The roots of this Akshayavat are deep and strong because they are anchored in values. The dedication with which Mohan Bhagwat Ji has committed himself to nurturing and advancing these values is truly inspirational,” the Prime Minister said, wishing Mr. Bhagwat a long and healthy life in the service of India.
The PM hailed the concept of ‘Panch Parivartan’ introduced by Mr. Bhagwat, which includes social harmony, family values, environmental awareness, national selfhood, and civic duties. This five-fold concept can inspire Indians from all walks of life, he said.
“Every Swayamsevak dreams of seeing a strong and prosperous nation. To realise this dream, what is required is both clear vision and decisive action. Mohan Ji embodies both these qualities in abundance,” he added.
Celebrating diversity, brotherhood
He also parised Mr. Bhagwat for being a strong votary of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and a firm believer in India’s diversity which celebrates so many different cultures and traditions.
Noting that September 11 evokes two contrasting memories, the PM recalled the speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda in Chicago on that date in 1893.
“With the few words, ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’, he won the hearts of thousands present in the hall. He introduced the timeless spiritual heritage of India and the emphasis on universal brotherhood to the world stage. The second is the gruesome 9/11 attacks, when this very principle came under attack thanks to the menace of terrorism and radicalism,” he said.
Published – September 11, 2025 06:00 am IST
