Bhopal: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday rejected the perception that the organisation functions as a paramilitary force, asserting that such an interpretation is a misunderstanding of the Sangh’s nature, purpose and functioning. Speaking at a gathering of prominent citizens in Bhopal, Bhagwat said that despite the RSS having a uniform, conducting marches and practising physical exercises, it cannot be equated with a paramilitary organisation.

“We wear a uniform, take out marches and do stick exercises. If someone thinks it is a paramilitary organisation, it will be a mistake,” Bhagwat said. He described the RSS as a unique organisation that is often misunderstood because people fail to study its origins and objectives in depth.

According to Bhagwat, the core mission of the RSS is to unite society and instil values and virtues that strengthen the nation. He said the Sangh works to ensure that India does not once again fall prey to foreign domination, something he argued had happened repeatedly in the country’s history.

“A false narrative is being built against the Sangh,” Bhagwat said, adding that superficial understanding and reliance on easily accessible but unreliable sources have contributed to misconceptions. “Nowadays people do not go deep to gather the right information. They do not go to the origin. They go to Wikipedia. Everything written there is not true,” he remarked. He said those who consult authentic and reliable sources would gain a clearer understanding of the RSS.

Bhagwat noted that these persistent misconceptions made it necessary for the organisation to explain its role and mission more clearly to society. He referred to his extensive travel across the country during the Sangh’s centenary year, during which he sought to engage with different sections of society and address doubts about the RSS.

“There is a common feeling that the Sangh was born as a reaction or opposition to something. This is not the case,” Bhagwat said. “The Sangh is not a reaction to anyone, nor is it an opposition to anything. The Sangh is also not competing with anyone,” he added, underlining that the organisation’s work is focused on social cohesion rather than political or ideological rivalry.

Placing the RSS’s philosophy in a broader historical context, Bhagwat said India’s repeated experiences with foreign invasions should serve as a lesson. He argued that the British were not the first foreign rulers of India, but rather the eighth in a long series of invaders who managed to defeat Indian society despite being, in his words, less prosperous and less virtuous.

“Not rich like us, not virtuous like us… they came from far-off places and did not know the country’s nitty-gritty, but they defeated us in our own land,” Bhagwat said. “This happened seven times before, and the Englishmen were the eighth invaders. So what is the guarantee of Independence?” he asked, urging people to reflect on the deeper reasons behind these repeated defeats.

Bhagwat suggested that internal divisions, selfishness and a lack of social unity made the country vulnerable in the past. He argued that political freedom alone is not a permanent safeguard against domination unless society itself is strong, cohesive and guided by shared values.

“We should understand ourselves and rise above selfishness,” he said. “If society stands united with virtues and qualities, the fate of this country will change for good.”

Reiterating the RSS’s self-image as a socio-cultural organisation, Bhagwat emphasised that its activities, including physical training and disciplined routines, are aimed at character-building and fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens, rather than preparing people for armed or militant roles.

His remarks come at a time when the RSS continues to be a subject of political debate and scrutiny, with critics often questioning its structure and influence. Bhagwat’s speech sought to counter these criticisms by presenting the organisation as one focused on social unity, national character and long-term civilisational strength, rather than force or confrontation.

By calling for a deeper understanding of the Sangh’s origins and philosophy, Bhagwat appealed to the public to move beyond stereotypes and engage with what he described as the RSS’s foundational goal: creating a united, value-driven society capable of safeguarding India’s independence and future.