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Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), delivered a compelling address advocating for the unification of India with its neighboring countries under the banner of “dharma,” which he defined as “religion at the top of religion.” This concept, according to Bhagwat, holds the key to achieving world peace, and he urged India to take a leading role in fostering unity and cooperation among nations that were historically part of “Bharat.” The RSS’s vision of “Akhand Bharat” encompasses a vast geographical area, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Tibet, a concept that Bhagwat alluded to without explicitly calling for unification. His message of peace and regional integration comes at a critical juncture, as India grapples with complex geopolitical challenges, including strained relations with Pakistan, which India accuses of sponsoring terrorism, and the imposition of steep tariffs by the United States, threatening economic stability and job security. Bhagwat’s three-day lecture, aimed at expanding the RSS’s influence and ideology, which has often been accused of fomenting polarization, sought to present a vision of India as a beacon of peace and harmony, capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the world today. He emphasized the shared cultural and traditional heritage of India and its neighbors, asserting that despite differences in religion and community, a common thread of cultural unity binds them together. Bhagwat's call for unity is deeply rooted in the RSS's ideological framework, which emphasizes the concept of Hindutva, a cultural and national identity that seeks to define India as a Hindu nation. While Bhagwat's message may appear conciliatory on the surface, it is essential to consider the historical context and the RSS's long-standing advocacy for a unified Hindu Rashtra, which has often been interpreted as exclusionary and discriminatory towards religious minorities. The notion of “Akhand Bharat” is a complex and contested one, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a pre-partitioned India while also raising concerns about territorial integrity and sovereignty. Whether Bhagwat's call for unity is a genuine attempt to foster regional cooperation or a veiled assertion of cultural dominance remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.
Bhagwat’s address underscored the importance of India taking the lead in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region. He argued that most of India's neighboring countries were once part of Bharat, sharing the same people, geography, rivers, forests, and cultural heritage. He acknowledged that political boundaries have been drawn, but emphasized that the sense of belongingness should transcend these artificial lines. He criticized “extreme individualism, crass consumerism, radicalism, and wokeism” as major threats to world peace and suggested that India, with its ancient wisdom and concept of “dharma,” can offer solutions to these modern challenges. He articulated “dharma” as a holistic and inclusive concept that respects diversity, including the environment, and promotes balance. According to Bhagwat, dharma is not merely a religion but a guiding principle for life, emphasizing ethical conduct, social responsibility, and harmonious coexistence. He further emphasized the importance of self-reliance (“aatmanirbhar”) for India, not as a means of isolation but as a foundation for engaging with the world on equal terms. Bhagwat stressed that “swadeshi” should be understood as prioritizing domestic production and avoiding the import of goods that can be easily manufactured locally. This approach, he argued, would not only strengthen the Indian economy but also protect local vendors from unfair competition. However, the practical implications of Bhagwat's vision of Akhand Bharat are fraught with challenges. The geopolitical realities of the region are complex, with long-standing border disputes, ethnic tensions, and religious differences. The relationship between India and Pakistan, in particular, has been marked by hostility and mistrust, making any prospect of unification seem highly improbable. Moreover, the sovereignty and independence of neighboring countries must be respected, and any attempt to impose a cultural or political hegemony would be met with resistance. Bhagwat's emphasis on shared cultural heritage, while not without merit, also runs the risk of overlooking the distinct identities and aspirations of different communities and nations.
Bhagwat highlighted the increasing influence of the RSS, attributing it in part to the BJP's rule in the country for over a decade. He claimed that the organization's views are now taken more seriously, inviting notable personalities to visit the Sangh's office and witness its work for the country and society. He used the backdrop of US tariffs to advocate for self-reliance, arguing that true “swadeshi” means engaging with other countries out of choice rather than under pressure. He encouraged the audience to instill Indian values and self-reliance in their children, promoting traditional practices like drinking “sikanji” (sweet and salty lemon water) over Western alternatives like Coke and Sprite. This emphasis on cultural preservation and promotion of indigenous products is consistent with the RSS's broader agenda of promoting a distinct Indian identity and countering the perceived negative influences of Western culture. The RSS has been actively involved in various social and educational initiatives aimed at promoting Hindu values and fostering a sense of national pride. However, its activities have also been criticized for promoting a divisive and exclusionary ideology that marginalizes religious minorities and undermines the secular foundations of the Indian state. Bhagwat's advocacy for Akhand Bharat and his emphasis on shared cultural heritage raise important questions about the nature of Indian nationalism and its relationship with its neighbors. While fostering closer ties with neighboring countries is undoubtedly a laudable goal, it must be pursued in a manner that respects their sovereignty, diversity, and independent identities. India has an important role to play in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region, but its leadership must be based on mutual respect, cooperation, and a commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
The call for unity under the banner of 'dharma' also warrants careful consideration. While Bhagwat defines dharma as a universal principle of ethical conduct and social responsibility, it is often interpreted within a specific Hindu context, which may alienate or exclude those who do not share this cultural or religious background. To be truly inclusive, the concept of 'dharma' must be broadened to encompass a wider range of ethical and moral values that are shared by people of different faiths and cultures. Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge and address the historical grievances and injustices that have contributed to the mistrust and animosity between India and its neighbors. A genuine effort at reconciliation and cooperation must be based on truth, justice, and a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes. The complex legacy of partition, the unresolved border disputes, and the ongoing human rights concerns in the region must be addressed in a transparent and accountable manner. Bhagwat's call for unity also raises questions about the role of civil society and grassroots movements in fostering closer ties between India and its neighbors. While governments and political leaders have a crucial role to play, it is equally important to encourage people-to-people exchanges, cultural collaborations, and joint initiatives aimed at promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. Civil society organizations, academics, artists, and ordinary citizens can all contribute to building bridges of friendship and solidarity across national borders. In conclusion, Mohan Bhagwat's call for unity and regional integration under the banner of 'dharma' is a complex and multifaceted issue that warrants careful consideration. While the goal of fostering closer ties with neighboring countries is undoubtedly laudable, it must be pursued in a manner that respects their sovereignty, diversity, and independent identities. A genuine effort at reconciliation and cooperation must be based on truth, justice, and a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes. Moreover, the concept of 'dharma' must be broadened to encompass a wider range of ethical and moral values that are shared by people of different faiths and cultures. Ultimately, the success of any effort to promote regional unity will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to inclusive and equitable development.