RSS Chief Bhagwat urges Hindus to embody Dharma before inspiring world
New Delhi, Apr 26: At the launch of The Hindu Manifesto: A Blueprint for Civilizational Resurgence in New Delhi, RSS Chief or Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat reflected on the global crisis caused by materialistic development models. “The world is facing dissatisfaction and environmental degradation because it pursued purely material progress,” he said. “Bharat offers a third path — a harmonious balance between material well-being and spiritual wisdom.”
However, Dr Bhagwat cautioned that Hindus must first live by these ideals before they can offer guidance to the world. “Before we inspire others, we ourselves must walk the path shown in Swamiji’s book, which is deeply rooted in the timeless truths of our shastras,” he emphasised. Tracing Bharat’s historical influence, Dr Bhagwat said, “Our ancestors spread knowledge, culture, and prosperity without conquest. But when we became complacent and narrow-minded, we lost touch with our true Dharmic values.”
Referring to a recent gathering of Hindu saints at Udupi, he remarked, “Our acharyas have reaffirmed that discrimination has no place in Dharma. Where there were deviations, they must be corrected in light of eternal principles.”
Dr Bhagwat said The Hindu Manifesto aims to rekindle an authentic Hindu worldview. “It is a worldview that holds no hatred, not even towards adversaries,” he noted. “True Dharma teaches us to act righteously, to work for societal prosperity, and to pursue all four purusharthas, dharma, artha, kama, and moksha without rejecting our worldly duties.”
He further stressed that Dharma is much deeper than religious observance. “Dharma is not about rituals alone,” he said. “It embodies universal truths, righteousness, and spiritual wisdom — what we call adhyatmikta.” Calling The Hindu Manifesto a vital resource, Dr. Bhagwat urged, “Scholars, researchers, and the common people must engage with this book. It will help foster a vibrant and contemporary understanding of our ancient, yet ever-relevant, traditional knowledge.”
The event began with a solemn two-minute silence to honour the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Dr Prerna Malhotra, Joint Director of the Centre for Hindu Studies, introduced the author Swami Vigyananand, describing him as “a modern-day Rishi who walks in the footsteps of Adi Shankaracharya and embodies the spirit of the RSS tradition.” She emphasised that The Hindu Manifesto is a product of “years of rigorous scholarship,” synthesizing insights from dozens of sacred texts and reference works to offer a comprehensive blueprint for civilizational resurgence.
Speaking next, Swami Vigyananand said, “The Hindu Manifesto captures the eternal wisdom of Rishis, distilled into powerful Sutras that address both contemporary challenges and timeless truths.” He emphasised that unlike Western capitalism or socialism, Hindu thought promotes a balanced economic model, where wealth creation goes hand-in-hand with fair distribution.
“True Dharma includes the courage to eliminate enemies, when necessary,” he added, stressing the importance of strength in both moral and material spheres. Highlighting the colonial destruction of India’s indigenous education systems, he underlined the manifesto’s focus on rebuilding a quality education system rooted in Indian values. He also detailed the eight foundational sutras of the manifesto, emphasising prosperity for all, national security, education reform, responsible democracy, dignity for women, social harmony, environmental reverence, and the sacredness of Bharat’s cultural unity.
The second half of the book lays down frameworks for safeguarding women’s safety and dignity, promoting a non-discriminatory society based on Dharma, conserving the environment, and respecting Bharat’s sacred geography. “We must remember,” Swamiji said, “that every mountain, river, and forest in Bharat is infused with sacredness in our worldview.” Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, praised the book’s emphasis on a blend of knowledge and wisdom. “True education must prepare a nation not only intellectually but also spiritually and materially,” he said, adding that a strong treasury and defence were essential pillars of a resilient state.
Swami Krishnashah Vidyarthi, Mahant of Rashtriya Valmiki Mandir, described The Hindu Manifesto as “a transformative document” that distils the very essence of Dharmic civilization. “This book is a call to return to our roots, correct historical distortions, and move forward with confidence,” he said. The event concluded with a collective call for scholars, policymakers, and youth to seriously engage with The Hindu Manifesto as a guiding document for India’s civilizational future.
