'A Superpower Intimidates, We Don’t Want To Be One': RSS Chief’s Subtle Swipe At Global Hegemons

Last Updated:February 07, 2026, 19:54 IST

Mohan Bhagwat said India’s objective is to become 'Vishwaguru', articulating a model of leadership distinct from coercive global influence

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said India does not aspire to become a superpower, arguing that such status is rooted in intimidation and dominance. Speaking at his fourth lecture series titled “Vyakhyanmala—100 Years of Sangh Journey" in Mumbai, Bhagwat said, “We do not want to become a superpower. A superpower intimidates others." Referring to the current conduct of a specific global power without naming any country, he added, “You can see what the superpower is doing. We don’t want to become such a power that dominates."

Bhagwat said India’s objective is to become “Vishwaguru", articulating a model of leadership distinct from coercive global influence. “We want to become Vishwaguru. We want to lead from within, and we want to lead by example," he said.

He also addressed the idea of national identity, stating that India should not be viewed merely through the territorial or geographical definitions. “Bharat is not the name of a geography; it is the name of a civilisational character," Bhagwat said, emphasising continuity of values of Indian culture over physical boundaries.

Moving to the idea of secularism, Bhagwat said the term commonly used in Indian political discourse is conceptually flawed. “Dharma nirpekshata is a wrong word. It should be panth-nirpekshata, because dharma is the foundation of life," he said. According to Bhagwat, dharma in the Indian tradition is not limited to religious practice but forms the ethical and civilisational basis of society.

The lecture was attended by prominent figures from industry, cinema, media, and public life. Among the industrialists present were Radhakishan Damani, Ajay Piramal, Deepak Parekh, Sajjan Jindal, Nilesh Shah, and Ashishkumar Chauhan.

The film and media industry was represented by Salman Khan, Hema Malini, Ranbir Kapoor, Ronnie Screwvala, Subhash Chandra, Boney Kapoor, Adnan Sami, Om Raut, Nitesh Tiwari, Mohit Suri, Ramesh Taurani, Vipul Shah, Prasad Oak, and Indra Kumar.

Also in attendance were spiritual leader Swami Swaroopanand and author Akshat Gupta. Diplomats from Israel, the United Kingdom, and Italy were present at the event.

The lecture formed part of an ongoing series in Mumbai in which the RSS chief has been outlining the organisation’s views on India’s civilisational identity, governance principles, and role in the international and geopolitical order.

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