राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ का शताब्दी वर्ष: भारत को विश्वगुरु बनाने का संकल्प, ‘समग्र विकास’ पर बल

नई दिल्ली, 2 अक्टूबर 2025:
विजयादशमी के शुभ अवसर पर आयोजित राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ (RSS) के प्रमुख कार्यक्रम में संघ ने अपने शताब्दी वर्ष का गौरवशाली उत्सव मनाया। इस वर्ष संघ के 100 वर्ष पूर्ण हो रहे हैं। इस अवसर पर संघ के सरसंघचालक ने राष्ट्र और समाज को संबोधित करते हुए भारत के समग्र विकास, सांस्कृतिक एकता, और आत्मनिर्भरता पर आधारित "विश्व के लिए भारतीय दृष्टि" की आवश्यकता पर बल दिया।

उन्होंने अपने भाषण में कहा कि यह विजयादशमी केवल उत्सव नहीं, बल्कि "कर्तव्य और आत्मचिंतन" का अवसर है। इस वर्ष का विशेष महत्व इसलिए भी है क्योंकि यह वर्ष गुरु तेग बहादुर जी के 350वें बलिदान वर्ष, महात्मा गांधी और लाल बहादुर शास्त्री जी के जन्मदिवस के साथ मेल खाता है। इन महापुरुषों के आदर्शों को संघ ने देश के नैतिक और चारित्रिक उत्थान के लिए अनुकरणीय बताया।

वर्तमान परिदृश्य और चुनौतियाँ

संघ प्रमुख ने कहा कि बीते वर्ष में भारत ने अनेक उपलब्धियाँ अर्जित की हैं — प्रयागराज महाकुंभ की विश्वस्तरीय सफलता, सीमा पर दृढ़ सुरक्षा नीति, तथा नक्सलवाद पर नियंत्रण इसका प्रमाण हैं। लेकिन साथ ही उन्होंने आगाह किया कि आतंकवाद, पर्यावरण संकट, आर्थिक असमानता और सांस्कृतिक विघटन जैसी चुनौतियाँ अभी भी हमारे सामने हैं।

उन्होंने कहा,

“स्वावलंबन और स्वदेशी का कोई विकल्प नहीं है। हमें विश्व की परस्पर निर्भरता को समझते हुए, आत्मनिर्भर भारत की दिशा में कदम बढ़ाना होगा।”

भारतीय दृष्टि और वैश्विक संदेश

संघ प्रमुख ने स्पष्ट कहा कि आधुनिक विश्व की भौतिक दृष्टि अधूरी है।

“भौतिक विकास आवश्यक है, परंतु बिना मानसिक और आध्यात्मिक विकास के यह प्रगति अधूरी और विनाशकारी है।”

उन्होंने भारत की सनातन, एकात्म और समग्र दृष्टि को मानवता की समस्याओं का शाश्वत समाधान बताया।

संघ का चिंतन और दिशा

संघ ने अपने शताब्दी वर्ष में "पंच परिवर्तन कार्यक्रम" घोषित किया, जिसमें पाँच प्रमुख क्षेत्र शामिल हैं:

1. सामाजिक समरसता

2. कुटुंब प्रबोधन

3. पर्यावरण संरक्षण

4. स्व-बोध और स्वदेशी

5. नियम, कानून व संविधान का पालन

इनके माध्यम से समाज के आचरण में परिवर्तन लाने और “एकात्म मानव दर्शन” के अनुरूप जीवन शैली अपनाने की प्रेरणा दी गई है।

संघ प्रमुख ने कहा,

“व्यक्ति निर्माण से समाज परिवर्तन और समाज परिवर्तन से व्यवस्था परिवर्तन संभव है।”

भारतीय एकता और हिंदू समाज की भूमिका

संघ प्रमुख ने भारत की सांस्कृतिक एकता को राष्ट्र की आत्मा बताया।

“हमारी विविधताएँ हमारी विशेषताएँ हैं, भेद नहीं। हिन्दू समाज सर्वसमावेशक है, ‘वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्’ की भावना से प्रेरित है।”

उन्होंने कहा कि संगठित और शील-संपन्न समाज ही भारत की एकता, अखंडता और विकास की गारंटी है।

समापन संदेश:

संघ प्रमुख ने भारत के विश्व में पुनः नेतृत्व की भूमिका निभाने का आह्वान किया।

“अब समय आ गया है कि भारत अपनी समग्र दृष्टि से विश्व को नया मार्ग दिखाए। यही हमारा कर्तव्य और नियति है।”

कार्यक्रम का समापन पारंपरिक सीमोल्लंघन और विजयादशमी उत्सव के साथ हुआ, जिसमें हजारों स्वयंसेवकों ने सहभागिता की।

In English

We have gathered today on Vijayadashami. Today is the centenary of the initiation of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s activities. Coincidentally, this year also marks the 350th anniversary of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur ji Maharaj’s martyrdom. He became a shield and sacrificed himself to protect the Hindu society from the atrocities of invaders from a foreign religion. According to the English calendar, today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He was not only one of the foremost among those who fought for our freedom but also has a special place among those who envisioned a post-independence Bharat based on Bharat’s Swa (selfhood). Today is also the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastriji, an embodiment of simplicity, humility, integrity, and determination who sacrificed his life for the nation.

They are exemplary icons of devotion, dedication and service to the nation for us. They teach us how a person can become human in the real sense and live life accordingly.

The present national and global circumstances require Bharatiyas to lead a similar life enriched with personal and national character. This is evident in a review of our collective progress as an independent nation over the past year.

Current Scenario: Hope and Challenges

The recent past has, on the one hand, strengthened our faith and hope, while on the other hand, presented us with both old and new challenges in greater clarity. It has also determined our future duties.

The Maha Kumbh mela, held in Prayagraj earlier this year, set a new world record by breaking all past records of the number of pilgrims from across Bharat and surpassing all benchmarks of excellent management. It roused a wave of faith and unity across Bharat.

On 22 April, in Pahalgam, cross-border terrorists killed 26 Bharatiya civilian tourists after asking them about their Hindu faith. The attack led to a wave of grief, sadness and anger across Bharat. After careful planning, the government of Bharat gave a fitting response to this attack in the month of May. During this entire period, we witnessed heartening scenes of the firmness of the country’s leadership, the valour and war-readiness of our armed forces, as well as the determination and unity of our society. However, at the same time, it has become evident to us that, while maintaining a policy and spirit of friendship with everyone, we must remain as vigilant as possible and further develop our security capabilities.

The policy responses of other countries around the world to this entire episode, who our friends are in the global arena and to what extent they are willing to stand by us was also tested.

The extremist Naxalist movement has been largely brought under control due to the firm actions of the government and the realisation among people about the hollowness of their ideology and cruelty. The root of Naxalites’ popularity in these areas lay in exploitation and injustice, lack of development, and absence of sensitivity about these matters in the administration. Now that these obstacles have been removed, a comprehensive action plan is required to ensure justice, development, goodwill, empathy, and harmony in these regions.

In the economic sphere, one can say that our situation has been improving as per the prevailing indicators. The enthusiasm among ordinary citizens to make our nation a global leader is clearly visible in our industry, and especially among the younger generation. However, the flaws of the prevailing economic system, such as: the widening gap between rich and poor, the concentration of economic power, the strengthening of new mechanisms that enable easier exploitation by exploiters, degradation of the environment, and the rise of transactionalism and inhumanity instead of genuine interpersonal relationships, are globally exposed.We will need to reconsider our approach on some issues to ensure that these flaws and the tariff policy adopted by America, based solely on its self-interest, do not pose a challenge for us. The world operates through mutual interdependence. By becoming Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) and being cognizant of global unity, we must ensure that this global interdependence does not become a compulsion for us, and we are able to act according to our own will. There is no substitute for Swadeshi and Swavalamban.

The harmful consequences of the materialist and consumerist development model adopted worldwide, based on a materialist and compartmentalized approach, are increasingly becoming evident everywhere. In Bharat too, due to the same model, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, landslides, drying up of glaciers, and other similar effects have intensified over the last 3-4 years. The entire water supply of Southwest Asia originates in the Himalayas. The occurrence of these disasters in the Himalayas should be considered as a warning bell for Bharat and other countries of South Asia.

In recent years, there has been considerable turmoil in our neighbouring countries. The regime change in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and more recently Nepal due to violent outburst of public anger is a concern for us. The forces wanting to create such disturbances in Bharat are active inside as well as outside our country. The natural and immediate causes for discontent are the disconnect between the government and the society and the lack of able and people-oriented administrators. However, violent outbursts do not have the power to bring about the desirable change. The society can achieve such transformation only through democratic means. Otherwise, in such violent circumstances, there is a possibility that dominant powers of the world try to find opportunities to play their own games. These neighbouring countries are linked with Bharat on the basis of both culture and long-standing ties between citizens. In one way, they are part of our own family. Peace, stability, prosperity, and ensuring comfort and wellbeing in these countries is necessity arising out of our natural affinity with these countries, going beyond the consideration for protection of our interests.

Across the globe, scientific progress, the ability of technology to make many aspects of human life more convenient, and greater interconnectedness between countries due to communication and global trade present a positive picture. However, there is a considerable difference between the pace of scientific and technological progress and the pace at which humans adapt to these. Due to this, ordinary people may end up facing numerous problems. Similarly, we are also witnessing other problems, such as the ongoing wars and conflicts (both large and small) across the globe, the fury of nature due to environmental damage, weakening of social and family bonds, and growing misconduct and hostility towards others in everyday life. Efforts have been made to address all these problems, but they have failed in stopping their progression or providing a comprehensive solution.All countries are facing a threat from perverted and hostile forces that believe that the complete destruction of all bonds that unite, such as culture, faith, tradition and the like, is necessary for resolving these problems. These forces will aggravate the social ills, conflict and violence affecting humanity. In Bharat too, we are experiencing all these circumstances in various ways. The world is eagerly awaiting solutions that are based on Bharatiya philosophy.

What strengthens our hope and reassures us is the consistent rise of the nationalist spirit and belief and confidence in cultural belonging across the country, especially in the younger generation. In addition to Swayamsevaks, various religious and social institutions, as well as individuals, are coming forward to selflessly serve underprivileged sections of society. Consequently, the society’s self-reliance, ability to solve problems encountered, and capacity to fulfill the deficiencies, have improved. Swayamsevaks are observing an increased desire in society to engage directly in Sangh activities and social work. Among intellectuals, there is a growing reflection on exploring models of development and public administration that are based on our country’s worldview, nature, and needs, instead of following prevailing global models.

Philosophical Vision of Bharat

All our modern thinkers - from Swami Vivekanand to Mahatma Gandhi ji, Deendayal Upadhyaya ji, Ram Manohar Lohia ji- and other greater leaders in our society, who have tried to reflect on Bharat and the world based on a Bharatiya worldview, have all pointed in the same direction while addressing all these problems. The modern worldview is not entirely misplaced, but it is incomplete. This is why some countries and classes have experienced an improvement in material development. This has not happened for all. Leave aside others, some researchers have observed that if Bharat were to live a so-called prosperous and advanced material life like that in America, it would require resources equivalent to five more Earths. This is why new problems are arising for humanity and nature alongside progress, which are becoming existential crises. The root cause of this is – incompleteness of the prevailing approach.

Our Sanatan, spiritual, holistic and integral approach has the power to ensure the material wellbeing of an individual, alongside the development of the mind, intellect, and spirituality; maintain collective progress and environmental sustainability alongside individual development; and nurture a sense of duty and a sense of belonging and oneness towards others while aspiring for economic wellbeing according to individual needs. This is because we have realized the principle that unites all. Through that, for thousands of years, we had evolved a beautiful, prosperous, and peaceful lifestyle, which recognizes the importance of interpersonal relations and respects the cooperative coexistence of humans and the nature. The world requires a new model based on this holistic and integrated outlook, one that meets the needs of today’s world and provides a permanent solution for the problems which humanity is facing today. Destiny demands that Bharatiya citizens provide a model worthy of emulation through their own example.

The Sangh’s Vision

The RashtriyaSwayamsevak Sangh has completed 100 years of its work. After imbibing the values and Samskaras of the Sangh, Swayamsevaks have actively engaged in various aspects of social life, as well as diverse organizations and institutions. This includes both local and national level organizations. Swayamsevaks continue to cooperate and engage in dialogue with numerous individuals who are actively working in society. The Sangh has drawn certain observations and conclusions based on its collective experience.

1) Resurgence of Bharat is gaining momentum. However, we are still operating within those policies and frameworks whose inadequacies have been exposed to us. It is also true that, alongside the world, we have moved ahead in those ways to such an extent that it won't be possible to make sudden changes. In the long run, we will need to make gradual shifts. However, there is no other way to protect ourselves from the challenges that we and the world are currently encountering or will encounter in the future. We need to create a successful development model based on our holistic and integrated outlook and present it to the world. A world blindly running after material wellbeing and desires needs to be shown the path of Dharma, which transcends the paths of worship and customs and traditions, which connects all, which takes all together, and which ensures collective progress.

2) The task of creating an ideal model of the country for the world is not the sole responsibility of the system. This is because the systemic structures have a limited capacity and desire to bring about change. The inspiration and ability to do so ultimately come through the strong will of society. Thus, social awareness and change in societal conduct are necessary for bringing about social change. Changes in society’s behaviour do not come through speeches or texts. We need to create active social awareness, and those undertaking this need to become living examples of change. At every level, there should be persons who can become role models, who are devoted to society, who embody transparency and selflessness, and who consider the entire society as their own and conduct themselves with good behaviour towards it. We need local social leadership that can inspire society as role models while staying with them. This is why: social transformation through Character building (Vyakti Nirman) and systemic change through social transformation is the correct path for bringing about change in the world. This has been the collective experience of Swayamsevaks.

3) In every society, the system for creating such individuals remains in place. This system was destroyed in our society during the long period of foreign invasion. They must be re-established in a manner suited for the present time, within our homes, our education system, and various dimensions of society. We need to create individuals who can undertake this work. Even after mentally accepting this idea, actually bringing it into practice requires changing habits of mind, speech and action. A system is needed for this. The Sangh Shakha is such a system. For the past 100 years, Sangh Karyakartas have consistently sustained this system in all kinds of circumstances. We must continue to do so in the future as well. This is why Swayamsevaks must undertake the discipline of changing their own habits by actively participating in the daily Shakha activities. The Shakha exists to nurture individual and collective qualities and spirit to create a favourable atmosphere for better basic human values and solidarity within the society, while actively engaging and cooperating in social activities.

4) The most important factor in any nation’s progress is its social unity. Our country has immense diversity. Many languages, multiple religions, diverse lifestyles and a variety of cuisines due to geographic diversity, caste and sub-caste - all these diversities have existed since inception. Over the past thousand years, some foreign communities have also entered Bharat from outside our borders. While foreigners have left, our own brothers who accepted these religions and continue to follow them are still present in Bharat. According to Bharatiya traditions, all are welcome and accepted. We look at them as ours rather than as the ‘other’. We regard these diversities as specialties and understand the tendency to take pride in them. However, these distinct identities should not cause division. Despite all our distinct identities, we are all parts of a larger society. As a society, a country, a culture, and a nation, we are united. We must remember that this larger identity is above everything else for us. Because of this, our attitudes towards each other in society are required to be harmonious and respectful. Everyone has their own beliefs, icons and places of worship. We should be careful not to disrespect these in thought, word, or action. Awareness must be created for this. All of us should follow rules, maintain order, and demonstrate harmonious behaviour. Taking the law into one's hands and coming out on the streets or engaging in hooliganism and violence, on a small matter or merely out of suspicion- this tendency is not correct. Show of strength is deliberately done to provoke a particular community. The consequences of falling into their trap are evil, both in the short and long term. It is necessary to curb such tendencies. The government should operate in accordance with the law, rather than being influenced by bias or undue pressure from anyone. However, the good people of the society (Sajjan Shakti) and the younger generation also needs to be vigilant and organized, they will also have to intervene if necessary.

5) Dr. Ambedkar Sahab referred to the foundation of this unity as ‘inherent cultural unity’. Bharatiya culture has been a special feature of Bharat since ancient times. It is completely inclusive. It teaches us to respect and embrace all forms of diversity as it is rooted in Bharat’s spiritual truth and qualities such as compassion, purity and discipline - that is, in Dharma. As this nation’s children, Hindu society has adopted this in their way of life as a tradition; which is why it is also called Hindu Sanskriti. It has originated through the penance of Rishis of Bharat. The prosperous and secure environment of ancient Bharat allowed them to do so. This Samskriti has flourished, remained unbroken and reached us today because of the perseverance, sacrifices and dedication of our ancestors. Rashtriyata (or nationalist spirit) is conducting ourselves according to our Bharatiya Sanskriti, cherishing the memory of our ancestors by having a sense of pride and following their conduct, and by devoting ourselves to our divine motherland which has enabled everything. This Hindu Rashtriyata always keeps us together while accepting and respecting all diversities. We don’t have a conception of ‘nation state’. States are formed and decline, while Rashtra remains eternal. We should never forget this foundation of our unity.

6) The strength, virtue and organized character of the Hindu society guarantee national unity, oneness and development. The Hindu society is accountable for Bharat. It is an inclusive society. It is free of and will remain free from a mentality ‘us and them’ which creates divisions on the basis of superficial differences of many names and forms. The Hindu society is upholder and guardian of the noble idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. This is why it is the duty of the Hindu society to make Bharat prosperous and a country that contributes immensely to the entire world. The Sangh has been working to organize the entire Hindu society which on the basis of its organized strength, safeguarding its Dharma, which can offer a new path to the world, will make Bharat prosperous. An organized society can fulfill all its duties on its own. No separate effort will be needed from outside.

7) If we need to fulfill this vision of the society, then both individual and national character will have to be strengthened, within Individuals and communities alike. Sangh Shakha provides a clear conception of our national identity and pride.Through the daily programmes conducted in the Shakha, Swayamsevaks develop their personality, capability, leadership, devotion and wisdom.

Therefore during the Shatabdi Varsh (centenary year), the Sangh will attempt to ensure that its work of Vyakti Nirman spreads across the country and the Panch Parivartan programme, which aims to bring gradual changes in social conduct, is adopted by all sections of the society through the examples of Swayamsevaks. This is a programme for ensuring that individuals and families incorporate these five initiatives into their own conduct: social harmony, preservation of family values, environmental protection, selfhood and self-reliance, and adherence to legal, civic, and constitutional duties. Doing so will set the examples for the entire society. The expected actions in this programme are simple and easy to incorporate into daily life. These have been discussed in detail during various Sangh programmes in the last 2-3 years. Apart from Sangh Swayamsevaks, other organizations and individuals are also conducting similar programmes in the society. Sangh Swayamsevaks are trying to coordinate and assist with them.

From time to time in world history, Bharat has played a significant role - it has restored the lost balance of the world, providing a global Dharma that instills a sense of restraint and discipline in global life. Our ancient ancestors organized the diverse society living in Bharat as a Rashtra to fulfill this responsibility. This was the vision of the auspicious outcome of the prosperity and development of the capabilities of independent Bharat that was before the pioneers of our freedom struggle and national resurgence.

Former Sanghchalak of Bengal Prant Late Keshab Chandra Chakraborty ji has described this beautifully in a poem:– 

बाली सिंघल जबद्वीपे

प्रांतर माझे उठे ।

कोतो मठ कोतो मन्दिर

कोतो प्रस्तरे फूल फोटे ।।

तादेर मुखेर मधुमय बानी

सुने थेमें जाय सब हानाहानी ।

अभ्युदयेर सभ्यता जागे

विश्वेर घरे-घरे ।।

Bharatiya Sanskriti had spread as far as Sinhal (Sri Lanka) and Java. There were Mutts and temples everywhere, where fragrance of life was like flowers. Enemity and conflict in countries also used to get resolved after listening to Bharat’s sweet and wisdom-filled voice.

Let us come together and once again establish this true identity of Bharat in the world, in tune with the present time, space and circumstances. To fulfill this duty given by our forefathers — a duty that is also the need of the world today — let us all unite, walk together, and proceed on our path of duty. On this auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, let us perform Simollanghan with this resolve.