RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday alleged that attempts were being made to weaken India's unity by encouraging smaller identities and provoking divisions within society, drawing a parallel with the British-era policy of divide and rule.
Speaking at the 'Maru Ninad-2026' Ghosh Shivir, organised by the RSS Jodhpur Prant at Rajaram Ashram in Shikarpura, Bhagwat said India was progressing in the right direction but some global forces did not want the country to emerge as a great power.
"India is the treasure trove of everyone's hopes. But the state of the world is very strange. For their own selfish reasons, they don't even want India to become great. India moves forward; efforts are underway to create divisions by magnifying smaller identities and provoking conflict among people—tactics he compared to those used during British rule," the RSS Sarsanghchalak said.
Bhagwat invokes Mahabharata to stress unity
Calling for greater social cohesion, Bhagwat urged people to rise above personal interests, ego and minor differences. He cited the Mahabharata to illustrate how internal divisions can undermine even a powerful force.
Referring to the Kauravas and Pandavas, he said the Kauravas lost despite having 11 Akshauhinis and prominent warriors such as Bhishma, Dronacharya, Karna and Ashwatthama. The Pandavas, who had seven Akshauhinis, emerged victorious because they remained united and resolved their differences, he said.
Bhagwat also underlined the importance of local leadership, saying every village, street and neighbourhood needed 25 to 100 selfless people with strong character. Such individuals, he said, should stand by residents through their moments of joy and sorrow and remain committed to the nation.
He described character as a person's real strength, explaining that actions shape habits, habits shape nature and nature ultimately builds character.
RSS music rooted in Indian traditions
Speaking about the Ghosh programme, Bhagwat traced the tradition of martial music to ancient texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, and referred to sacred conches such as Panchajanya and Devadatta.
He said RSS volunteers initially learnt band tunes from British military bands but later developed original martial compositions based on Indian classical music theory as a mark of self-respect.
He added that RSS band performers do not seek individual recognition or applause. Their performances, he said, are intended to promote discipline, selflessness, teamwork and collective progress.