Mumbai, January 18, 2026: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday emphasized the enduring significance of dharma as the guiding force of India, asserting that as long as the nation remains anchored in these principles, it will continue to hold the position of a “Vishwaguru”—a spiritual and moral leader for the world.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Bhagwat elaborated on the unique spiritual heritage that India has inherited from its ancestors. He said that while many nations excel in material or technological advancement, India’s spiritual wisdom and adherence to dharma set it apart. “As long as such dharma drives Bharat, it will remain Vishwaguru. The world does not possess this kind of knowledge because it lacks spirituality. This is the heritage of our ancestors that has come to us,” he said.
Dharma as the Universal Driver
Bhagwat underscored that dharma is not limited to religious rituals or practices; rather, it is the underlying principle that governs the entire universe. “Whether it is Narendra bhai, me, you, or anyone else, there is one single force that drives all of us. If the vehicle is driven by that force, there will never be an accident. That driver is dharma,” he said, using a metaphor to explain the universality of these principles.
According to Bhagwat, from the moment of creation, the universe has functioned according to rules that constitute dharma. Everything—from rivers and fire to the duties of a son or a ruler—is governed by this inherent principle. “Water has its dharma to flow, fire has its dharma to burn. A son has his duty, a ruler has his duty, and every creation follows its path. Our ancestors understood these laws through spiritual research and great effort,” he explained.
Spiritual Heritage and Guidance from Saints
Bhagwat highlighted that India’s spiritual legacy is not static; it continues to be nurtured by guidance from saints, seers, and spiritual thinkers. This, he said, ensures that dharma remains a living, guiding force, shaping the conduct of individuals and society alike. Even a person leading a simple life, perhaps in a hut, is bound by dharma, which “flows in his veins,” Bhagwat remarked.
He stressed that dharma provides a framework for discipline, ethical conduct, and societal harmony. It defines responsibilities and duties that extend to every element of nature and human society. In his view, the observance of dharma is essential not only for spiritual progress but also for maintaining order and stability in the world.
Dharma Beyond Religion
A key point in Bhagwat’s address was that dharma transcends religion. He noted that a state may choose to be secular, but every individual and every creation in the universe is bound by its dharma. From natural phenomena to human behavior, adherence to these inherent duties ensures harmony and balance. “Dharma is the driver of the entire universe,” he emphasized.
Bhagwat’s remarks reinforced the idea that India’s role as a global leader—Vishwaguru—is deeply tied to its spiritual and ethical traditions. By adhering to dharma, he argued, the nation can provide moral and spiritual guidance to the world, serving as a beacon of knowledge that is absent in countries that focus solely on material advancement.
India’s Global Role Anchored in Dharma
Concluding his speech, Bhagwat stated that India’s spiritual knowledge is a unique inheritance, unmatched anywhere else in the world. It is this wisdom, he said, that enables the country to maintain its role as a global teacher of ethics, morality, and universal values. “As long as dharma guides Bharat, the country will remain Vishwaguru,” he affirmed, reiterating that spiritual knowledge and adherence to dharma are inseparable from India’s identity and future.
Through this perspective, Bhagwat positioned dharma not only as a personal or societal principle but also as the foundation of India’s global moral leadership. By following these timeless principles, he suggested, India can continue to influence the world in ways that transcend mere politics, economics, or military might.
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