Resilience in Adversity is the Key to Success, Says RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Nagpur, July 2026 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday emphasised that resilience in the face of adversity is the foundation of success, urging people to remain steadfast during difficult times and dedicate their lives to serving others rather than pursuing only personal interests.

Addressing a programme organised by the Sindhu Education Society in Nagpur, Bhagwat said life is full of challenges and setbacks, but perseverance and faith enable individuals to overcome obstacles. He observed that in public life, particularly politics, success often attracts criticism and jealousy from opponents, making resilience even more important.

“Our message to humanity should be that we should not live only for ourselves but for the welfare of others,” Bhagwat said. “A person should live with integrity and inspire others through actions rather than words. Values become meaningful only when they are practised in daily life.”

Drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwat referred to the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, saying the sacred text teaches individuals to confront adversity with courage instead of escaping from it.

He said Lord Krishna advised Arjuna that abandoning one’s duty in difficult circumstances amounts to a disservice. According to Bhagwat, the message of the Gita remains relevant today, encouraging people to stand firm in the face of challenges and continue striving despite failures.

“There is no harm in standing your ground, fighting for what is right and remaining determined,” he said. “Defeat, disappointment and setbacks are all part of life. If one opportunity closes, another eventually opens. Difficult times are temporary, and patience combined with effort ultimately leads to success.”

Speaking on education, Bhagwat distinguished between acquiring academic qualifications and gaining wisdom. He said while education that helps a person earn a livelihood is important, true education is aimed at developing character, understanding and values.

“Education begins at home, and a mother is a child’s first teacher,” he said. “Many people have succeeded in life without formal education and have even employed highly educated individuals. Wisdom, values and character are the true objectives of education.”

Reflecting on the hardships faced during the Partition of India, Bhagwat said millions of people lost their homes, businesses, agricultural land and ancestral property, yet rebuilt their lives through determination and hard work.

He remarked that those displaced during Partition should not merely be described as refugees, arguing that the term does not fully capture their sacrifices.

“They were displaced people, not refugees,” Bhagwat said. “They left behind everything they had built over generations because they chose the nation and their faith above personal wealth and comfort. They were warriors who endured immense suffering but did not lose hope.”

According to Bhagwat, although the country experienced the painful division of the subcontinent, those affected refused to surrender to despair. Instead, they accepted the circumstances, worked tirelessly and established themselves once again.

“A person should accept destiny but never stop making efforts,” he said. “Everything improves through sincere effort. One has to wait patiently and continue fighting. Those who persevere always achieve something meaningful. Never lose hope in life and never run away from challenges.”

Bhagwat concluded by reiterating that changing circumstances are a natural part of life. Positions, wealth and status may come and go, he said, but courage, commitment to society and unwavering faith in one’s purpose remain the qualities that ultimately define a successful life.