Mohanji a living example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: PM Modi

Today is September 11th. This day evokes two contrasting remembrances. The first dates back to 1893, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic Chicago address. With the 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 universal brotherhood to the world stage. The second is the 9/11 attacks, when this very principle came under attack, thanks to terrorism and radicalism.

Today is also the birthday of a personality who, inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, has dedicated his life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity. For lakhs of people associated with the RSS, he is referred to as Param Pujya Sarsanghchalak. Yes, I am referring to Mohan Bhagwatji, whose 75th birthday is falling in the same year when the RSS is marking its centenary. I would like to convey my best wishes to him and pray for his long and healthy life.

My association with Mohanji's family has been deep. I have worked with Mohanji's father, the late Madhukarrao Bhagwatji. I have written about him in my book, Jyotipunj. Along with his association with the legal world, he devoted himself to nation-building and helped strengthen 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.


Mohanji became a Pracharak in the mid-1970s. Upon hearing the word 'Pracharak', one may think it refers to someone who is doing Prachar or propagating ideas. But, the Pracharak tradition has been at the core of the organisation's work. Over the last hundred years, thousands of young people have dedicated their lives to realising the mission of India First.

His early RSS years coincided with a dark period of Indian history. This was the time the Emergency was imposed by the then Congress government. For every person who cherished democratic principles, it was natural to strengthen the anti-Emergency movement. This is what Mohanji and RSS Swayamsevaks did. He worked in rural areas of Maharashtra, especially Vidarbha, understanding the challenges of the poor.

Bhagwatji held various positions in the RSS. Mohanji's years as head of the Akhil Bharatiya Sharirik Pramukh during the 1990s are fondly remembered by many Swayamsevaks. During this period, he spent considerable time working in the villages of Bihar, deepening his grassroots connect. In 2000, he became Sarkaryawah, handling complex situations with ease.

In 2009, he became the Sarsanghchalak. Extraordinary individuals have defined this role through personal sacrifice, clarity of purpose and unshakable commitment to Maa Bharti. Mohanji has brought to it his own strength, intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, inspired by the principle of Nation First.

If I can think of two attributes of Mohanji, they are continuity and adaptation. He has steered the organisation through complex currents, never compromising on the core ideology. He has a natural connect with the youth, integrating many of them with the Sangh Parivar.

Bhagwatji's tenure will be considered the most transformative period in RSS' 100-year journey. From the change in uniform to modifications in the Shiksha Vargs (training camps), several changes took place under his leadership.

I remember Mohanji's efforts during the Covid period. Medical camps were organised in several places. We lost many hardworking Swayamsevaks, but such was the inspiration of Mohan Ji that their determination never wavered.

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 national culture and collective consciousness. The dedication with which Mohan Bhagwatji has committed himself to nurturing these values is inspirational.

Another admirable quality of Mohan Ji's personality is his soft-spoken nature and his ability to listen. This trait brings a sense of sensitivity and dignity to his persona and leadership.

He has shown a keen interest towards various mass movements. From Swachh Bharat Mission to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, he always urges the RSS family to add vigour through these movements. To further social well-being, Mohan Ji has given the 'Panch Parivartan', which includes social harmony, family values, environmental awareness, national selfhood and civic duties. Every Swayamsevak dreams of seeing a strong nation. To realise this, what is required is a clear vision and decisive action. Mohanji embodies both these qualities.

Mohanji has always found time to pursue passions like music and singing. Few people know that he is versatile in various Indian musical instruments. His passion for reading can be seen in his speeches and interactions.

In a few days from now, the RSS turns 100. It is a pleasant coincidence that this year, Vijaya Dashami, Gandhi Jayanti, Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti and the RSS centenary celebrations are on the same day. It will be a historic milestone for people associated with the RSS. And, we have a wise and hardworking Sarsanghchalak in Mohanji, steering the organisation.

Mohanji is a living example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, showing that when we rise above boundaries and consider everyone as our own, it strengthens trust, brotherhood and equality in society. I wish Mohanji a long and healthy life in service of Maa Bharti.