RSS chief says “India’s time has come” and calls for greater societal preparedness

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks during the closing ceremony of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Karyakarta Vikas Varg-II at Smriti Mandir Complex, Reshimbagh, in Nagpur on Thursday | Photo credit: ANI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday (June 4, 2026) argued that the world is increasingly mired in conflict, narrow vested interests and development models that come at the expense of nature, declaring that “India’s time has come” and calling for greater societal preparedness for the country to play a greater global role.

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Addressing a Sangh Shiksha Varga (volunteer training camp) held during the RSS centenary celebrations in Nagpur, Mr. Bhagwat said that Hindu society is becoming more organized and awakened, which will be crucial in shaping India’s future.

“We see that powerful nations often act arbitrarily. They can take over other countries if they want, bomb a country if they want, or even disrupt the world’s oil supply. India should be perceived that even if it becomes a powerful nation, it will not act in this way; rather, it will move forward by taking everyone with it,” he said.

Balanced development

Mr. Bhagwat argued that India alone can envision a development that simultaneously balances individual freedom, social welfare and the support of creation. He said that while many countries understand these aspects separately, few are able to reconcile them together.

Arguing that India possessed a rich heritage of culture, civilization and scientific knowledge, Mr. Bhagwat noted that the country had still withstood nearly a millennium of foreign rule. According to him, the problem was not that the attackers were superior in numbers or ability, but that the Indians failed to maintain a certain strength and readiness in society.

“We’ve lost readiness. We’re going to have to rebuild it,” he said.

Published – 04 June 2026 23:30 IST