Modern ‘secularism’ is a western concept, not suitable for India: Mohan Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks during the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on September 18, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (Sep 18, 2026) warned young people against getting consumed by ego, saying that the belief that everything is in one’s control and should happen as per one’s wishes is a misconception.
“Take the example of the sun. Even if you don’t believe in the sun, it will still rise and set,” said Mr. Bhagwat while speaking at the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
He added that people should not live under the illusion that everything works according to their authority and control and “if there’s a rise, there’s a fall.”
As for the definition of secularism, the RSS chief called it a modern concept that does not fit the traditional Indian understanding of the relationship between religion, society and the state.
No discrimination
He said the Indian approach has traditionally been based on non-discrimination and equal respect for different religious paths, which he described as sarva-pantha-samabhava (equal respect for all religions).
Mr. Bhagwat also urged the youth to respect their own chosen form of worship while showing equal respect for the practices of others.
Sharing his understanding of the Western concept of secularism, the RSS chief said it emerged from the historical conflict between kings and religious authorities. “…there was a conflict between kings and religious authorities over who should have power. After much bloodshed, a compromise was reached that the king would take care of this world and the religious authorities would take care of the next. So secular came to mean the material or worldly realm,” he said, adding that the Indian tradition sought both material prosperity and freedom from anger, greed and jealousy and jealousy.
Therefore, “secular does not fit the Indian context”, he pointed out that “whenever India was ruled by Indians, the country followed the path of dharma”.
About global conflicts
Referring to India’s approach to international conflicts, Mr. Bhagwat, without naming Pakistan, said that the western neighbor has repeatedly troubled India and that the country responded when necessary but did not seek to interfere unnecessarily in global conflicts. He said that India helped even those who caused it trouble when they faced crises, irrespective of the ideology of the government in power.
The ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ is being held in Ujjain from September 17 to 19, and organizers say about 1,700 youth from across the country will participate.
Published – 18 Sep 2026 22:39 IST