During the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary celebrations in Kolkata, chief Mohan Bhagwat declared that India is inherently a Hindu nation, rooted in its enduring culture, without needing any formal constitutional recognition. He compared this reality to the sun rising in the east—self-evident and beyond debate.

Bhagwat spoke at the ‘100 Vyakhyan Mala’ program on December 20, 2025, commemorating 100 years since RSS’s founding in 1925. The program focused on the organization’s ideology, highlighting cultural pride over political strategy. His remarks come amid ongoing national conversations on identity, with India navigating diversity while engaging with global themes of self-reliance.

Bhagwat emphasized that India remains a Hindu nation as long as even one person values its cultural heritage. He framed “Hindustan” inclusively—as a homeland for anyone embracing its traditions, rather than excluding others. This reflects the RSS view that Hindu identity transcends religion, encompassing civilizational values like unity in diversity.

Responding to claims of anti-Muslim bias, Bhagwat encouraged the public to visit RSS shakhas to see their nationalist work firsthand. He clarified that the organization protects Hindus but does not foster hostility toward other communities. He has previously stated that “Hindu Rashtra” represents justice for all, not dominance, grounded in India’s historical principles of equity.

Bhagwat’s statements are likely to revive debates on secularism versus cultural nationalism. They also tie into RSS initiatives promoting self-reliance and societal resilience, linking Hindu cultural strength to national survival. In a modern, globalized context facing challenges like declining fertility rates, his remarks underscore the call for cultural revival as a means to preserve India’s legacy—raising questions about whether reclaiming heritage unites or divides the nation.