India must become a ‘Vishwaguru’ for global welfare: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday said India must once again emerge as a “Vishwaguru” - a guide to the world - for the welfare of humanity. He stressed that this leadership should come through values, conduct, and way of life, not through power or domination.

Addressing the concluding session of the Vishwa Sangh Shibir (VSS) international meet at Kanha Shantivanam near Hyderabad, Bhagwat said the Hindu community should set an example through its actions and lifestyle, showing the world a path based on dharma (righteous living).

Bhagwat said technological progress is inevitable - social media will grow, and artificial intelligence will advance - but warned that technology should never control human beings. “Humans must remain the masters of technology, not its slaves,” he said, adding that human intelligence should use technology for global welfare. This, he noted, must be demonstrated in practice, not just spoken about.

He observed that many countries have failed to truly implement the principle of “maximum good for the maximum number,” which is why the world is now looking towards India with hope. People of Hindu origin across the world, he said, should live in a way that inspires others and reflects balance, compassion, and responsibility.

Bhagwat made it clear that India’s leadership of the world does not mean military force or economic dominance. “Our path is not power or coercion. Our path is example, conduct, and dharma,” he said.

According to Bhagwat, India becoming a Vishwaguru is not just an aspiration of the Hindu community, but a necessity for the world. He said this goal cannot be achieved overnight and requires sustained effort across many fields. The RSS, he added, is one such effort contributing to this larger journey.

He highlighted the work of RSS volunteers across the country in social service and personality development, saying their work has earned public trust and appreciation.

“We do not seek certificates or recognition. This is our country, our society, and our responsibility,” he said.

Recalling India’s ancient heritage, Bhagwat said Hindus spread knowledge such as mathematics, Ayurveda, and civilization across the world for thousands of years - without conquering lands or forcing religious conversions. He warned that the decline of dharma has led to imbalance, extremism, and conflict globally, and said restoring balance is now India’s responsibility.

The three-day Vishwa Sangh Shibir began on December 25 and was attended by around 2,000 delegates from organisations such as the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindu Sewa Sangh, and Vishva Hindu Parishad, along with their families.

Held once every five years, the event has previously taken place in cities including Bengaluru, Vadodara, Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Pune, and Indore. The theme for the 2025 meet was “Dharme Sarvam Pratishthitam” (Dharma is the foundation of everything).

The event was organised by Sri Vishwa Niketan, a New Delhi-based registered trust that works to promote Indian culture and heritage among the global Indian diaspora.