Mohan Bhagwat Says Awakening ‘Sva’ Is Key to Uniting and Strengthening India

At the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Vijayadashami celebrations, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the importance of ‘sva’ (self-awareness and indigenous identity) in uniting India and strengthening the nation.

He said the Sangh’s work over the past 100 years has focused on awakening this sense of ‘sva’ and building a stronger, united India based on its civilisational ethos.

Bhagwat referred to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, particularly the words “We, the people of India,” to explain the idea of ‘svabodh’ (self-awareness). He said the sense of collective belonging has historically helped India remain one nation and one society despite its immense diversity.

He also observed that when this shared identity weakened, the country became divided and vulnerable, eventually enduring centuries of colonial rule.