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| Let us all set ideal examples of “Hindu Living” across the world: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji |
The Delhi-based Sri Vishwa Niketan Trust is organising the 7th Vishwa Sangh Shibir (VSS) at the serene and expansive Kanha Shanti Vanam, near Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad). For this five-day global-level congregation, 1,610 karyakartas, swayamsevaks and delegates from 79 countries across all continents attended. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat attended the closing ceremony.
On this occasion, Dr Bhagwat said “Because of deviation from dharma, an imbalance arose, due to which extremism spread. The course of history went astray. We forgot compassion. Because of this, all problems are arising. There is a desire to regain all these. This discussion is present everywhere; we too are doing it. But how should this happen?
It is said that Columbus discovered America. Is it true? Is it false? There is no need to go into that debate. After returning to his homeland, the king organised a felicitation assembly for him. Intellectuals also came. However, at that time, others developed jealousy towards Columbus who is known as a pirate, and this became known to the king. Then he assigned a task to all of them. He ordered them to make a hen’s egg stand, against the law of nature. Everyone was astonished. No one came forward saying how this could be done. At that moment, Columbus came forward, broke the egg slightly and then made it stand. Then the other intellectuals said that even a small child could do this. The king counter-questioned: then why did you not do it? What no one else could do, Columbus demonstrated. All this had to happen. But who should do it?
The mice thought of tying a bell around the cat’s neck. If the cat runs, the bell would ring, and by that they could escape. But till today, no one has tied a bell around the cat’s neck. Therefore, tying a bell around the cat’s neck has still not been possible.”
“But whatever tasks have to be done for the country must begin with oneself—this was what Keshav Baliram Hedgewar thought. He felt that people should be prepared who begin work from themselves. That is why there are Sangh Swayamsevaks. They start work from themselves. They do work only with a spirit of service. ‘Shiva bhāve jīva sevā’—Ramakrishna Paramahamsa defined the meaning of service with this idea, he said.
Service is done in many ways. Some do service even for selfish reasons. Once every five years, people who do ‘service’ come like a flood. They go to every house and plead in many ways, asking people to give them an opportunity to serve. After that, they are not seen again until another five years. They desire returns in the name of service. This is not service; it is expectation of reward.
When police stand at a red-light signal, some people stop; otherwise they cross and go. We see this. Only when police stand holding a baton do we follow the signal. This too is not service; it is fear. Sometimes some people do service forcibly; this too does not feel like service. Some do service but desire name and fame; some do service to show others. All this is ego. Those who serve only for the sake of service do service activities. Some think that through service their sins will be cleansed. Some think service is a sacred duty and want nothing in return. There are those who do it with integrity, selflessly, without expecting anything. There are those who make service their ultimate goal. They alone are swayamsevaks.
As the Sangh grows, Swayamsevaks also increase. Some Swayamsevaks have gone abroad as well. But they did not forget their vow. They did not forget the all-round upliftment of the Hindu nation, nor the protection of Hindu dharma.”
“All those living in other countries should see our history, our culture, our tradition, our practices, and learn how to live,”—this is how our ancestors instructed that we should live. By placing such an example before the world, dharma must be established in every corner of the world. We will lead the world, but only through our own methods. That too is our way. We do not think of rising by displaying military power or by suppressing others through our economy. We will lead only through our way of life. We will place our way of life before the world.
The very first varsh-varg related to the Vishva Vibhag was held in Bengaluru. Thirty-four swayamsevaks who were born and brought up abroad came. Before them, Bhede ji introduced the subject. Through the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindus began Sangh work abroad. On this occasion, the first generation decided that Sangh shakhas could be conducted anywhere abroad. They decided that this method of work could function in every country, time and circumstance. Then the second generation came. Though living abroad and amidst a life of comforts, they resolved to stay away from bad habits and to attend the daily shakha.
Now the third generation is sitting here. You must conduct yourselves in such a way that the people of those countries also feel that they too should have a volunteer organisation like the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. Such a vast responsibility has now fallen on your shoulders. Because they should feel that they too should have such a way of life. Just as there is Sangh work in Bharat, there is an intense discussion that there should be an organisation exactly like that, and such a way of life, for them as well. We are hearing this. People are asking whether the swayamsevaks in Bharat will teach them to live like that and whether they will train them too. This discussion is going on. You must tell all such people that there is an organisation called the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and that they should receive training through it,” he said, calling upon them.
Krishna Ella: Innovation, democracy, and civilisational confidence
The Chief Guest, Krishna Ella, Founder and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, spoke at length on India’s democratic ethos, civilisational confidence, and the urgent need for innovation rooted in social responsibility.
Describing RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat as “a symbol of truth”, Ella said India’s democracy must be understood beyond institutions alone. “India is much more than a democracy. Here you can speak freely, debate anything, yet remain anchored in Dharma,” he said.
He argued that India’s historical choice not to invade other nations stemmed from its cultural depth and civilisational maturity, invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “Because of our culture and inner richness, we did not invade others,” he said.
Highlighting India’s ancient tradition of innovation, Ella referred to early surgical practices, metallurgy, sound engineering as seen in Golconda Fort, and symbolic knowledge traditions. He cautioned against a lingering colonial mindset that pushes Indians to blindly imitate the West in consumption and lifestyle, instead of rediscovering indigenous knowledge and solutions.
Sharing his personal journey, he recalled returning to India in 1997 at his mother’s insistence to establish Bharat Biotech, despite initial rejection by venture capitalists. “Our aim was not to make money, but to solve social problems,” he said.
He spoke about Bharat Biotech’s work on rotavirus, typhoid, and COVID vaccines, collaborations with Indian Council of Medical Research, and ensuring that innovation remains accessible to all, including developing and neighbouring countries. “Innovation is not done by government alone. Society must take responsibility,” he said.
Daaji: Inner transformation and balance
The gathering was also addressed by Kamlesh D. Patel (Daaji), President and Spiritual Guide of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, who guided participants on meditation techniques and inner transformation.
Daaji emphasised that sustainable social change requires inner balance, clarity of mind, and values-based living, aligning spiritual growth with social responsibility. His meditation sessions during the Shibir were attended by participants across age groups.
Vishwa Sangh Shibir 2025: Scale, diversity, and discipline
Organised by Shri Vishwa Niketan Trust, Vishwa Sangh Shibir 2025 was a five-day international organisational conclave, held continuously since 1990.
This edition brought together 1,610 karyakartas and swayamsevaks from 79 countries, representing organisations such as Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sewa International, Friends of India Society International, and Samskrit Bharati.
Participants followed a rigorous daily schedule from 5.30 am to 10.30 pm, engaging in Sangh sanchalan (discipline drills), bauddhik sessions on Hindu civilisation and contemporary challenges, cultural programmes, exhibitions, and country-focused discussions.
The Shibir reflected remarkable demographic diversity, with participants ranging from one-year-old children to a 92-year-old swayamsevak, including 122 teenagers and 120 children. More than 50 languages, including sign language, were used for coordination and communication. Around 300 volunteers ensured seamless organisation throughout the five days.
Women karyakartas from Rashtra Sevika Samiti also played an active role in deliberations and activities.
Banwarilal Purohit: A historic and transformative experience
Patron and Mananiya Shibiradhikari Banwarilal Purohit described the Shibir as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his five-decade-long public life.
“This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have attended many programmes earlier, but this Shibir immersed me completely. It has gone far beyond my expectations,” he said, calling it a historic confluence of ideas, cultures, and commitment.
Drawing inspiration from interactions with participants, including a couple from the United States who spoke passionately about Swami Vivekananda, Purohit said Hindus everywhere must carry confidence in their identity. He urged participants to steadily expand outreach, suggesting that each family connect with two more families every year, creating a growing network by the next Shibir.
A roadmap ahead
As Vishwa Sangh Shibir 2025 concluded, organisers said the event reaffirmed global coordination among Sangh-inspired organisations and renewed the resolve to strengthen cultural confidence, service orientation, and unity within Hindu society worldwide.
With its scale, discipline, diversity, and centenary symbolism, VSS 2025 was positioned not merely as a gathering, but as a roadmap for global Hindu engagement in the coming years, anchored in the ideal of leading the world through example rather than assertion.
