Toronto, August 31: In a recent event in Greater Toronto, Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasized the responsibilities of people of Indian origin. He stated that their duty extends beyond their host countries to encompass all of humanity. More than two thousand Hindus and community members attended the gathering.
Bhagwat appealed to Indians living abroad to become honest and responsible citizens of their respective countries. He urged them to promote India’s message of unity, service, and humanity globally.
He remarked, “Regardless of where they reside or their citizenship, those connected to India should embody the qualities of honest and contributing citizens. They should convey the perspective that we are all one. Individuals, society, and the environment can progress together without causing harm to one another.”
His address centered on the idea that all of humanity is one family. He encouraged Indians abroad to exemplify this through their behavior and service. The theme of the event was “Embracing the World with Friendship.”
Bhagwat highlighted that India’s civilization respects diversity while recognizing the unity within it. He stated that the country has been taught to see unity hidden within diversity. Thus, diversity never poses a problem for unity in India. Our tradition speaks not just of “unity in diversity” but also of “varied expressions of unity.” Diversity is natural, while unity is the ultimate truth.
He noted that throughout history, India has shared knowledge but has never sought to conquer other nations or change their people. “Wherever Indians have gone, they have taken knowledge with them, sharing mathematics, astrology, Ayurveda, and their civilizational values with the world,” he said.
Bhagwat emphasized that whenever India has been strong, it has not aimed to become a superpower but has instead become a glorious nation. Due to its character, it has emerged as a world leader, not a superpower.
He pointed out that today, the world faces numerous challenges, including conflicts, environmental crises, and the use of new scientific discoveries. According to him, India’s traditional thinking offers a unique path to address these issues, allowing individuals, society, and nature to advance together.
He acknowledged the various conflicts present in the world and the environmental threats we face. Countries exist, yet they often conflict with one another. There is a need for a third path, which is, in fact, an ancient path of India.
Bhagwat rejected the notion of limiting Hindu identity to a single worship practice, language, or lifestyle. “When I say Hindu, it cannot be defined by just one language, one worship method, or one lifestyle. Hindus respect and accept everyone,” he stated.
He called upon Hindus living in different countries to create societies that exemplify responsible and ideal living. “We are leaders who lead from within and show the way through our examples. Therefore, we must build a society in every country that inspires the entire world,” he said.
He concluded by stating that mere material success cannot define a person’s true identity. A successful life is not enough; love for humanity should guide our actions. We are all one, and our interests cannot conflict. Since we are one, we must live with that spirit and think of others.
Bhagwat urged people to make small positive changes in their lives, saying, “Make some small improvements so that you can become a better and more aware person, serving others.”
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The organization will celebrate its centenary in 2025. According to the RSS, character building, social organization, and service are its primary areas of focus.
Mohan Bhagwat has been the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS since 2009. This event in Toronto was part of his North American tour, which included a public address in New York prior to this gathering.
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