Mohan Bhagwat’s Dussehra Address 2026
RSS Chief Calls for Caution Against Social Divisions; Emphasises Youth Welfare, Environmental Protection and Responsible Use of Technology
Nagpur, October 20, 2026
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat called for vigilance against attempts to deepen social divisions and create instability in the country. He said public movements should focus on resolving problems rather than creating hostility among individuals, communities and ideological groups for political gains.
Addressing the Vijayadashami celebrations at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur on Tuesday, Bhagwat spoke about national unity, India’s cultural diversity, social harmony, political developments, youth welfare, drug abuse, digital media and environmental protection. His address came at a significant moment as the RSS marked the conclusion of its centenary celebrations.
He urged citizens to contribute to nation-building and said India could emerge as a global guiding force only through collective responsibility and sustained social efforts.
Protests Should Focus on Solutions, Not Political Hostility
Bhagwat said social problems were inevitable in a diverse society and that protests and public movements could be legitimate responses to shortcomings in the system. However, he stressed that the primary objective of such movements should be to find solutions.
He cautioned against attempts to exploit public grievances to promote political interests or create hostility towards particular individuals, communities or ideologies. Such tendencies, he said, could increase mistrust and weaken social cohesion.
Political leaders, protest organisers and government authorities should exercise restraint and operate within the framework of the Constitution and the law. He also cautioned against creating divisions among people for electoral gains or short-term political advantages.
Referring to developments in countries such as France, Albania, Nepal and Bangladesh, Bhagwat expressed concern over what he described as attempts by international forces to create political instability in India. He alleged that certain external forces sought to weaken the country and asserted that efforts to destabilise India’s political system would not succeed.
These observations reflected Bhagwat’s political assessment and allegations concerning external interference.
India’s Diversity Must Remain the Foundation of National Unity
Emphasising India’s pluralistic character, Bhagwat said people belonging to different religions, castes, linguistic groups, regions and cultural traditions should develop a shared sense of national belonging.
He described respect for diversity and mutual acceptance as essential foundations of national unity. Differences in food habits, languages, religious practices and traditions should not become reasons for hostility, he said.
While acknowledging the importance of understanding historical developments, he cautioned against using past events to create fresh divisions in contemporary society. He called for avoiding unnecessary controversies and provocative campaigns that could inflame public sentiment.
He also urged governments and public officials to treat citizens with dignity and courtesy.
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Bhagwat maintained that efforts to organise Hindu society, as advocated by the RSS, should not be viewed as incompatible with respecting other communities or preserving national unity. He highlighted values such as humanity, fraternity and spiritual understanding as potential forces for social cohesion.
Concern Over Drug Abuse Among Young People
Bhagwat expressed concern over drug abuse, describing it as a serious challenge to the future of the country’s youth.
He called for coordinated action involving governments, law enforcement agencies, social organisations and families to address the problem. Parents and elders, he said, had an important responsibility to instil sound values and help young people develop the ability to distinguish between beneficial and harmful influences.
He indicated that RSS volunteers would work towards building a broader social campaign against drug addiction.
Referring to the growing influence of social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, Bhagwat observed that young people had access to vast amounts of information but needed greater awareness and judgement to assess its reliability and impact.
He also called for the government to examine appropriate regulatory measures concerning digital and OTT platforms, particularly in relation to potentially harmful content.
Technology Must Be Guided by Ethical Values
Bhagwat welcomed advances in science and technology but emphasised that their impact depended on how they were used.
Referring to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, he said they should be deployed for public welfare and social progress. At the same time, he warned of the possibility of their misuse to spread misinformation or mislead people.
Technological advancement, he argued, must be accompanied by ethical responsibility, discipline and sound judgement.
He also called for a development model that went beyond material consumption and the expansion of physical infrastructure. Environmental protection, ecological balance and human welfare should be integral to the country’s growth strategy.
Referring to environmental concerns in the Himalayan region, he stressed the need for balanced development that takes ecological vulnerabilities into account.
Five Areas of Social Transformation
Highlighting the RSS’s centenary initiatives, Bhagwat outlined the importance of the organisation’s Panch Parivartan, or five areas of social transformation.
These include:
- Social harmony: Promoting mutual respect and reducing divisions based on caste, religion and social background.
- Family awareness: Strengthening family relationships, values and a sense of responsibility.
- Environmental protection: Encouraging environmentally responsible lifestyles and conservation.
- Swabodh and Swadeshi: Promoting awareness of India’s cultural identity, self-reliance and the use of indigenous products.
- Civic duties: Encouraging discipline, responsible citizenship and respect for social obligations.
He said these initiatives should extend beyond centenary celebrations and become part of people’s everyday lives. Lasting social transformation, he argued, required changes in individual behaviour, habits and attitudes.
Collective Participation Is Essential to Solving Social Problems
Bhagwat said governments alone could not resolve every social problem and that protests, by themselves, were not a solution to every challenge.
He emphasised the importance of public participation, dialogue and community-led initiatives, particularly at the village level.
Referring to examples of community participation in rural education, he said collective efforts involving villagers and volunteers could help improve school attendance, learning outcomes and parental involvement.
He called for similar cooperation in other areas of rural and community development, stressing that social progress depended on people taking responsibility for the welfare of their communities.
India Should Emerge as a Guiding Force for the World
Bhagwat said India should preserve its national values while remaining open to learning from other countries.
He called for improvements in national security, social justice, economic development and public institutions, arguing that the country needed to demonstrate high standards of performance across sectors.
Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, environmental crises and geopolitical tensions, he suggested that India’s approach to life and development could offer lessons for the wider world.
However, achieving this ambition would require the active participation of every citizen. He urged people to contribute through responsible conduct in their personal lives, families, workplaces and communities.
RSS Activities to Continue Beyond the Centenary
Reflecting on the RSS’s hundred-year journey, Bhagwat referred to outreach initiatives and public programmes organised during the centenary period.
The organisation had undertaken public-contact activities, social harmony meetings, youth gatherings and community discussions in different parts of the country. These initiatives, he said, were intended to strengthen public engagement and social responsibility.
He made it clear that the completion of the centenary celebrations would not mark the end of the organisation’s activities.
The RSS would continue working towards an organised and disciplined society, with greater emphasis on social service, self-reliance, civic responsibility and national unity.
Conclusion
Mohan Bhagwat’s 2026 Vijayadashami address placed emphasis on national unity, social harmony, restraint in political movements, youth welfare, the responsible use of technology and environmentally balanced development.
At the same time, he alleged that international forces were attempting to create instability in India and urged citizens to remain vigilant against such efforts.
Delivered at the conclusion of the RSS centenary celebrations, the address also outlined the organisation’s priorities for continued social engagement and community-level transformation.
Source for verification: The RSS’s official website and the full Vijayadashami address, where available.