Modern ‘secularism’ is a Western concept, does not fit India: Mohan Bhagwat

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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks during the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ held in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on September 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (September 18, 2026) cautioned young people against getting consumed by ego, saying the belief that everything is under one’s control and should happen according to one’s wishes is a misconception.

“Take the example of the Sun. Even if you do not believe in the Sun, it will still rise and set,” Mr. Bhagwat said while speaking at the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

He added that people should not live under the illusion that everything operates according to their authority and control and “if there is a rise, there will also be a fall”.

Regarding the definition of secularism, the RSS chief termed it a modern concept that does not fit India’s traditional understanding of the relationship between religion, society and the state.

He said India’s approach has traditionally been based on non-discrimination and equal respect for different religious paths, which he described as sarva-pantha-samabhava (equal respect for all religions).

Mr. Bhagwat also urged young people to respect their own chosen form of worship while showing equal respect for the practices of others.

Sharing his understanding of the Western concept of secularism, the RSS chief said it emerged from a historical conflict between kings and religious authorities. “....there was a conflict between kings and religious authorities over who should have power. After much bloodshed, a compromise was reached which was that the king would look after this world, and the religious authorities would look after the other world. So, secular came to mean the material or worldly sphere,” he said adding that India’s tradition seeks both material prosperity and freedom from anger, greed and jealousy, viewing life holistically through dharma.

Hence, “secular does not fit the Indian context”, he pointed out, claiming that “whenever India was governed by Indians, the country followed the path of dharma”.

Referring to India’s approach to international conflicts, Mr. Bhagwat, without naming Pakistan, said a western neighbour had repeatedly troubled India and that the country had responded when necessary but had not sought to interfere unnecessarily in global conflicts. He said India had helped even those who had caused it difficulties when they faced crises, regardless of the ideology of the government in power.

The ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’ is being held in Ujjain from September 17 to 19, with organisers claiming participation of around 1,700 youth from across the country.

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