Toronto: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that India’s global influence should be understood through its tradition of service and humanitarian values rather than its status as a superpower.
Speaking at the “Hindu Vishwa Bandhu – Embrace the World in Friendship” gathering in Toronto, Bhagwat said India became a Vishwaguru, a world teacher because of its civilisational character and its willingness to help others, rather than by seeking power or territorial dominance.
“One may call Bharat a superpower, but it was not one. It served the world and by its own character, it became Vishwaguru, not Mahashakti,” Bhagwat said.
India’s Tradition of Helping Others
Bhagwat highlighted what he described as India’s long-standing tradition of offering refuge and assistance to people facing persecution and conflict.
He recalled the example of Polish refugees during World War II, when the Maharaja of Jamnagar provided them shelter and protection until they were able to return home.
He also pointed to more recent international crises, saying Indian military aircraft have evacuated not only Indian citizens but also nationals of other countries from conflict zones.
According to Bhagwat, this willingness to help reflects what he called the “DNA of Bharat”.
“India Never Conquered Countries”
Bhagwat also spoke about the historical spread of Indian knowledge and culture, arguing that India’s civilisational influence was not built through military conquest.
He said Indian travellers historically reached regions stretching from Southeast Asia to areas around Central Asia and beyond, carrying knowledge in fields such as astronomy and Ayurveda along with cultural and civilisational values.
“They conquered no country,” Bhagwat said, stressing that the objective was to share knowledge rather than establish political control.
Diversity as a Form of Unity
The RSS chief also spoke about India’s approach to diversity, saying that differences in language, caste, creed and culture should not be viewed as obstacles to unity.
He described diversity as a natural expression of reality, while calling unity the underlying foundation.
Bhagwat linked this philosophy to the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the belief that the entire world is one family.
He said recognising the fundamental unity of humanity creates a responsibility to respect and serve others.
“Hindu” Beyond Religion, Language or Lifestyle
Bhagwat also offered his interpretation of the term “Hindu”, saying it should not be restricted to a particular language, form of worship or way of life.
According to him, the underlying philosophy is one of respecting and accepting diversity.
“Those who are open-minded and knowledgeable embrace the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he said, adding that despite differences in appearance and identity, people are fundamentally connected.
Bhagwat concluded that serving others is a central responsibility arising from this understanding of unity and shared humanity.
