RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Engages with Veterans in Dehradun, Emphasises Social Strength as the Foundation of National Security

Dehradun, Feb 2026 : On the second day of his Uttarakhand visit, Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), interacted with a large gathering of ex-servicemen and retired armed forces officers at a “Prominent Public Interaction and Multi-Sector Coordinated Dialogue Programme” held on Monday at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Nimbuwala, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun.

The programme began with a warm welcome to Dr. Bhagwat by former Major General Gulab Singh Rawat, Colonel Ajay Kothiyal and Colonel Mayank Chaubey. The event witnessed the participation of several senior retired military leaders, including six former Generals, a Vice Admiral, a former Director General of the Coast Guard, Brigadiers, and more than 50 officers of Colonel rank. Hundreds of veterans who had served as Captains, Non-Commissioned Officers and Havildars attended the programme in their uniforms, lending the event a spirited and disciplined atmosphere.

In his keynote address, Dr. Bhagwat underscored that society plays a central role in shaping the destiny of a nation. He asserted that a strong and organised society is the true backbone of national security. “When society is strong, the nation’s defence automatically becomes resilient,” he said, adding that the collective strength of society empowers every citizen. For this reason, he emphasised, leadership within society must be rooted in character, discipline and moral integrity.

Recalling India’s long tradition of resistance and resilience, Dr. Bhagwat referred to the First War of Independence in 1857 and the revolutionary movements that followed, noting that the flame of freedom never truly extinguished even during colonial rule. Citing lessons from global history and referring to British wartime leader Winston Churchill, he remarked that learning from history is a hallmark of mature national consciousness.

Paying tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Dr. Bhagwat described him as a natural patriot who played a fearless role in the freedom movement and maintained close associations with eminent leaders such as Madan Mohan Malaviya. He clarified that the RSS has only one objective—nation-building through individual character formation, not participation in electoral politics. “A strong individual makes a strong society, and a strong society makes a strong nation,” he said, adding that the Sangh grew without external support and continued its work even after facing two bans, drawing strength solely from the self-confidence of society.

The second and special interactive session saw veterans raise a wide range of questions on national security, social harmony, youth issues and public policy. Responding to queries on national defence preparedness and the Agniveer scheme, Dr. Bhagwat stressed that capable leadership and military readiness are always essential. He described the Agniveer initiative as an experiment, suggesting that scope remains for improvement and refinement based on practical experience.

On questions related to Nepal, Bangladesh, Kashmir and neighbouring countries, he said these regions have historically been part of the same broader cultural landscape. He reiterated that Kashmir is an integral part of India and called for a firm and vigilant policy to counter anti-India campaigns. Addressing Hindu identity and social harmony, he explained that the Indian worldview embraces both the animate and inanimate, guided by the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). Dharma, he said, is the sustaining force of humanity and society, and Hindu thought is inherently inclusive and liberal.

Dr. Bhagwat emphasised that without changing one’s beliefs or practices, anyone can be part of Hindu society. He also advocated equal access for all Hindus to public resources such as temples, water bodies and cremation grounds. On the issue of ideological hostility on social media, he urged a revival of the tradition of constructive debate and meaningful dialogue instead of bitterness and antagonism. He stressed that effective policies are shaped through direct engagement at the grassroots level and by listening to feedback from society.

Speaking on corruption and character-building, the RSS chief observed that corruption is not merely a systemic issue but one of intent and mindset. He called for inculcating values in children, encouraging savings in earnings, and fostering a spirit of sharing for society as the real foundation of nation-building. Finding joy in selfless service rather than narrow self-interest, he said, is the hallmark of a healthy society.

On youth, migration and regional development, Dr. Bhagwat pointed to immense potential in education, healthcare and local entrepreneurship. He highlighted the need for well-planned and focused efforts to curb migration from hilly regions such as Garhwal by strengthening local opportunities. Describing the Uniform Civil Code as an important instrument of national integration, he said it could help reduce social disputes. On reservations, he called for patience and broad-based social consensus, while on population imbalance he cited factors such as religious conversions, illegal infiltration and differing birth rates, stressing the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking policy.

Concluding his interaction, Dr. Bhagwat appealed to the assembled veterans to recognise that just as soldiers serve on the borders, there is an equal need for service and constructive struggle within society. He invited them to associate with the RSS’s more than 1.3 lakh service initiatives operating across the country and said that as the organisation approaches its centenary year, the participation of ex-servicemen in this collective service endeavour would be invaluable.