Mohan Bhagwat at 75: A Journey of Leadership, Change, and National Vision
- MGMMTeam
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
The 75th birthday of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on September 11, 2025, marked not just a personal milestone but also an occasion of national reflection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid glowing tribute to him, calling Bhagwat a “living example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the Indian civilizational ethos that views the world as one family. The Prime Minister described Bhagwat’s life as a model of dedication to harmony, social transformation, and fraternity.
A Lifetime of Service and Influence
Mohan Bhagwat’s leadership journey within the RSS began at a young age, deeply influenced by his father, Madhukar Rao Bhagwat, who himself was a prominent figure in the Sangh. Prime Minister Modi fondly recalled working alongside Madhukar Rao in the past, emphasizing how his commitment to nation-building shaped Mohan Bhagwat’s values and sense of duty. From his early days in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, Bhagwat was engaged with grassroots challenges in rural and backward regions, experiences that broadened his vision of service.
His formative years were also marked by turbulent times such as the Emergency in the mid-1970s. Through these trials, Bhagwat developed resilience and an unwavering sense of discipline. In 2009, he assumed the role of Sarsanghchalak, becoming one of the longest-serving leaders in the RSS’s history. Under his guidance, the organization has navigated new social and political realities while remaining anchored to its ideological core.
Transformation Under His Stewardship
Prime Minister Modi noted that Bhagwat’s tenure represents the most transformative phase in the RSS’s 100-year journey. While preserving continuity, Bhagwat has shown openness to change. His leadership has modernized aspects of the RSS — from its training methods and dress code to its growing engagement with younger generations.
This ability to balance tradition with adaptation has strengthened the RSS’s reach and relevance. The organization’s active participation in national missions such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao reflects Bhagwat’s emphasis on linking the Sangh’s values with wider national progress. His style of leadership, rooted in humility and listening, has allowed him to command both respect and trust across diverse sections of society.
The Qualities Modi Celebrates
In his heartfelt note, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Bhagwat’s qualities as a leader. He praised his intellectual depth, empathetic approach, and remarkable listening skills. Modiji described him as soft-spoken yet firm, a leader who inspires not by force but by example. The guiding principle of “Nation First” remains central to Bhagwat’s philosophy, which has allowed him to strike a delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing necessary change.
His ability to connect with young people has also been recognized as one of his greatest strengths. By engaging openly with them on issues of identity, culture, and the nation’s future, Bhagwat has sought to bridge generational gaps and infuse RSS with new energy.
Symbolism of the 75th Milestone
Bhagwat’s 75th birthday carries symbolic weight as it coincides with the centenary year of the RSS. This year also brings together the anniversaries of towering national figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, adding layers of meaning to the celebration. Modiji remarked that such convergences highlight the timeless nature of service, sacrifice, and national unity.
At the same time, the occasion has sparked political discussion. Opposition leaders, particularly from the Congress, criticized Modiji’s tribute as an attempt to curry favor with the RSS, linking it to debates over the retirement age in politics. Bhagwat, however, clarified that his earlier remarks about leaders stepping aside at 75 were misinterpreted and not meant as prescriptive rules.
Broader Vision Beyond the RSS
Beyond organizational leadership, Bhagwat has consistently articulated a vision of India rooted in both material advancement and cultural resurgence. He has emphasized the revival of Indian languages, especially Sanskrit, as essential for preserving the nation’s civilizational heritage. His speeches often call for compassion, unity, and selfless service — values he believes are weakening in today’s society.
Under his guidance, the RSS has sought to bring communities together, not merely through ideology, but through acts of service in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and rural development. His articulation of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) ties economic strength with cultural confidence, urging India to embrace modern progress while staying firmly connected to its roots.
The MGMM Outlook
Mohan Bhagwat’s 75th birthday is not just about celebrating a leader but reflecting on a life that symbolizes discipline, resilience, and service to the nation. From his early years shaped by grassroots struggles in rural Maharashtra to his rise as Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, Bhagwat has embodied the principle of “Nation First.” Prime Minister Modi’s tribute to him as a “living example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” highlights how his leadership is rooted in harmony, unity, and cultural pride. Under his stewardship, the RSS has modernized training, connected with youth, and actively contributed to national initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, while staying grounded in its ideological foundation.
At the same time, Bhagwat’s vision goes beyond organizational leadership. He emphasizes the revival of Indian languages, self-reliance, and compassion as essential for India’s civilizational resurgence. His leadership style—marked by humility, listening, and balance between tradition and change—has given the RSS both continuity and renewed relevance in India’s centenary moment. As he turns 75, Bhagwat’s journey stands as a reminder that leadership is not about power, but about guiding society with values that unite and inspire.
(Sources: India TV News, Mint, Hindustan Times)
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