Mohan Bhagwat’s Remarks on Ram Mandir, Hindu Leadership, and India’s Path to Becoming a World Leader

Mohan Bhagwat, the Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stated, “The Ram Mandir has been constructed due to the identity of religion. This is absolutely right. However, the construction of the temple does not make anyone a leader of Hindus.” He made this statement while speaking on the topic “Vishwaguru Bharat” at the Sahajivan lecture series in Pune on Thursday.

Bhagwat emphasized that one cannot keep bringing up new issues every day out of excessive hatred, animosity, or suspicion due to the weight of the past. He also condemned the mockery of deities arising out of greed, malice, or jealousy. He stated that India will become a world leader not through material wealth but through moral principles. He expressed confidence that with moral progress alongside physical development, “Vishwaguru Bharat” will no longer remain just a declaration or dream, but will become a reality in the next 20 years.

He reiterated that the origin of the ancient, eternal Hindu nation is based on religious principles and truth, and that the nation was created with the desire to promote the welfare of the world, based on the science of creation. He also accused some people of trying to hide this history for their own benefit, and claimed that it is still being suppressed today.

Bhagwat clarified that India’s tradition is eternal. He stressed that they are not claiming to be the only true ones, but they do have faith in everyone. However, if anyone tries to convert others by attacking and mocking their deities, that will not be accepted. He raised the question of why supremacist language is necessary when living in an independent country, pointing out that some external forces are eager for dominance.