New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh sarsanghchalak (chief) Mohan Bhagwat’s tenure will be considered the most transformative period in the 100-year journey of the RSS, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday.
In a piece written by the Prime Minister on the Sangh chief’s 75th birthday, he said that several significant changes took place under Bhagwat’s leadership.
“From the change in uniform to the modifications in the Shiksha Vargs (training camps), several significant changes occurred under his leadership,” the PM wrote.
Bhagwat, he said, assumed the responsibility of Sarsanghchalak in 2009 and continues to work with “great vibrancy”. However, being a Sarsanghchalak is more than an organisational responsibility, the PM explained.
The PM also credited Bhagwat for the increased use of technology to continue the work of the RSS during the COVID-19 pandemic and address the society’s evolving needs.
Modi described Bhagwat as an “extraordinary” individual who has always put the nation first and highlighted continuity and adaptation in his working style.
“Inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji has dedicated his entire life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity.”
On the special occasion of his 75th birthday, penned a few thoughts on Mohan Ji and his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2025
The PM said 11 September evokes two contrasting remembrances, with the first dating back to 1893, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic Chicago address. “He introduced the timeless spiritual heritage of India and the emphasis on universal brotherhood to the world stage.”
The second, he said, is the “gruesome 9/11 attacks, when this very principle came under attack, thanks to the menace of terrorism and radicalism.”
However, he pointed out that there is something else about this day which is noteworthy.
“Today is the birthday of a personality who, inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (a Sanskrit phrase meaning ‘the world is one family’), has dedicated his entire life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity. Yes, I am referring to Shri Mohan Bhagwat ji, whose 75th birthday is, incidentally, falling in the same year when the RSS marks its centenary. I would like to convey my best wishes to him and pray for his long and healthy life,” said the PM, who will turn 75 on 17 September.
The Sarsanghchalak, Modi said, has always steered the Sangh through complex currents without ever compromising the organisation’s core ideology and mentioned “continuity” and “adaption” as the two attributes that Bhagwat has held close to his heart and imbibed in his workstyle.
Terming him having a “natural connect” with the youth, Modi said Bhagwat has always focused on integrating more youngsters with the Sangh Parivar. “He is often seen engaging in public discourse and interacting with people, which has been very beneficial in today’s dynamic and digital world.”
“I particularly remember Mohan ji’s efforts during the COVID period, when humanity battled a once in a lifetime pandemic. In those times, continuing the traditional RSS activities became challenging. Mohan ji suggested increased usage of technology. In the context of the global challenges, he remained connected with global perspectives while developing institutional frameworks,” he recollected.
The PM also praised Bhagwat for encouraging the RSS family to add vigour to the government-initiated mass movements, including the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
Being Sarsanghchalak is more than an organisational responsibility, he said. “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,” he added.
PM also noted that Bhagwat’s another “admirable quality” is his “soft-spoken nature”.
Bhagwat, he said, is blessed with an exceptional ability to listen, a trait that ensures a deeper perspective and also brings a sense of sensitivity and dignity to his persona and leadership.
The PM recounted his association with Bhagwat while terming it as deep and hailed the work done as a pracharak in the rural and backward areas of Maharashtra, especially in Vidarbha, which, he said, shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by the poor and downtrodden.
Modi said over the years, Bhagwat held various positions in the RSS and performed each and every one of those duties with great dexterity.
“My association with Mohan ji’s family has been very deep. I have had the good fortune of working closely with Mohan ji’s father, the late Madhukarrao Bhagwat ji. I have written extensively about him in my book, Jyotipunj. Along with his association with the legal world, he devoted himself to nation-building. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the RSS across Gujarat,” he explained.
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, Modi said that 2 October would mark a historic milestone for lakhs of people associated with the Sangh in India and the world.
The PM also praised 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.
“Beyond his busy schedule, Mohan ji has always found time to pursue passions like music and singing. Few people know that he is very versatile in various Indian musical instruments. His passion for reading can be seen in several of his speeches and interactions,” Modi said.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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