This event mirrors the RSS’ mission: to bring people from all walks of life under the banner of a shared civilisational legacy.
The words readily attributed to renowned Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, “The world will ask you who you are, and if you don’t know, the world will tell you,” resonate deeply with the idea of Bharat and its indefatigable defender, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). For nearly a century, the RSS has been an unwavering force, tirelessly weaving together the threads of India’s civilisational essence to create a national tapestry that celebrates unity amidst unparalleled diversity. Yet, its legacy seems defined more by those not part of RSS, leaving a tragic rendition of this patriotic and cultural organization.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj offers not just a sacred confluence of rivers but also a spiritual and cultural emblem of Bharat’s enduring identity. This event, the most significant spiritual congregation on earth, mirrors the RSS’ mission: to bring people from all walks of life under the banner of a shared civilisational legacy. In the face of relentless persecution and distortion by ideological adversaries, the Sangh remains steadfast—a beacon of resilience, hope, and purpose in an often-fractured world.
MISUNDERSTOOD BUT DETERMINED
Few organizations have endured vilification with the grace and strength of the RSS. Over the decades, it has been branded as divisive, regressive, and militant—labels that crumble under the weight of its actions. These critiques, fuelled by Leftist narratives and a Nehruvian state that feared the power of cultural unity, ignored the Sangh’s transformative work in uniting Bharat above the barriers of caste, class, creed, and gender.
Mohan Bhagwat, the current Sarsanghchalak, said earlier in 2022, “…caste system has no relevance now. Everything that causes discrimination should go out lock, stock and barrel.” Such a statement is not made out of the blue; instead, it stands as a representative of countless initiatives by Sangh over the decades that aimed at fostering social harmony, from empowering marginalized communities to promoting inter-caste marriages. In its relentless pursuit of “Samajik Samarasata” (social harmony), the RSS has demonstrated that Hindutva is not a divisive ideology, but a deeply inclusive philosophy rooted in the shared ethos of Bharat.
Even during the Emergency, when the RSS was banned and its leaders imprisoned, it chose the path of dialogue and service over retaliation. Balasaheb Deoras, upon his release, urged Sangh members to win over their detractors through selfless acts of nation-building. In his 1977 address, he noted, “The credit for the victory has been given to the RSS. It is time for us to be large-hearted. We need to bring change in the hearts of those who did not treat us well.” This quiet resilience and a profound sense of purpose have been the Sangh’s hallmark—a lesson in rising above hostility with dignity and determination.
CULTURAL PATRIOTISM AND NATIONALISM
At the heart of the RSS’ mission lies cultural patriotism, a vision of Bharat as a civilisational entity that transcends the artificial constructs of colonial-era nationhood. This patriotism is not confined to grand gestures; it is reflected in everyday actions—helping a flood-affected family in Assam, teaching a child in a remote tribal village, or preserving a dying art form in Tamil Nadu.
The Sangh’s grassroots initiatives exemplify what can only be described as “humanitarian patriotism.” During disasters such as the Uttarakhand floods and the Gujarat earthquake, RSS volunteers were among the first to arrive, providing relief and rebuilding lives. These acts of service are not exceptions; they are the norm for an organization that sees sewa (service) as the highest form of worship.
Cultural patriotism and inclusive nationalism also involve preserving Bharat’s identity in a rapidly homogenizing world. The RSS’s efforts to promote regional languages, folk traditions, and indigenous crafts are a counter to the waves of cultural flattening brought by globalization. By celebrating diversity within the framework of unity, the Sangh ensures that Bharat’s pluralistic ethos remains vibrant and resilient.
MAHA KUMBH 2025: A SACRED METAPHOR FOR UNITY
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set against the sacred backdrop of Prayagraj, is more than a religious gathering; it is a living testament to Bharat’s civilisational strength. At the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers meet, millions of pilgrims immerse themselves in rituals of purification. But beyond the physical act lies a more profound significance: a collective reaffirmation of shared values and spiritual unity.
The Kumbh Mela’s grandeur—its processions of saints, vibrant cultural performances, gatherings of scholars and seekers—is a microcosm of Bharat itself. Just as the rivers at Prayagraj flow together without losing their individuality, so does Bharat thrive on the convergence of its myriad identities. This spirit is what the RSS strives to nurture, not by enforcing uniformity but by celebrating the harmony of differences.
One cannot ignore the symbolism of this sacred gathering in a world often torn by division. The participation of international pilgrims, underscores Bharat’s universal appeal as a civilisation that offers not just spiritual solace but also a timeless philosophy of coexistence.
EMBRACING BHARAT’S ETERNAL IDENTITY
The RSS’ vision of Bharat as a civilisational state challenges the reductionist narratives that view India as a mere political entity. As RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale remarked, “Nation is a cultural concept. Bharat is already a Hindu Rashtra.” This statement reflects the organization’s worldview, which is not predicated on exclusion but on inclusivity—an assertion that Bharat’s identity is rooted in its shared civilisational values, which transcend the boundaries of religion, language, and region.
Sangh’s approach also resonates with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who envisioned India as a spiritual and cultural guide for the world. This vision is being realized through the RSS’ tireless efforts, from its educational initiatives like “Ekal Vidyalayas” to promoting sustainable living practices rooted in traditional wisdom. The centennial celebrations of the RSS, coinciding with the Maha Kumbh, are a moment to honour this legacy of service and unity.
A CivilisATIONAL OUTLOOK
As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 takes place, it serves as a poignant reminder of Bharat’s civilisational essence—a force that unites even as it embraces diversity. The RSS, through its century-long journey, has been the custodian of this essence, steadfastly working to preserve and promote the values that define Bharat. In a world increasingly dominated by cynicism and fragmentation, the Sangh stands as a beacon of hope, showing that unity is not achieved through coercion but through connection. Its emphasis on cultural patriotism and inclusive nationalism, social harmony, and selfless service [Seva] offers a path forward, not just for Bharat but for humanity. As the sacred waters of Prayagraj welcome millions of pilgrims, they reflect the spirit of Bharat itself—ancient yet timeless, diverse yet united, resilient yet ever-evolving. And in the RSS’ century of Seva, we find an enduring answer to Jung’s assertion: Bharat knows who it is, and through the Sangh’s efforts, so does the world.
* Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.