Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his wishes to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on his 75th birthday, acknowledging his leadership, contributions, and personal qualities.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji has dedicated his entire life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity.
“On the special occasion of his 75th birthday, I have penned a few thoughts on Mohan Ji and his inspiring personality. Praying for his long and healthy life in service of Maa Bharti,” he added,
In a detailed blog post, the Prime Minister reflected on Bhagwat’s early years in the RSS, his role in national movements, and his leadership style. “Mohan Bhagwat Ji has always been a strong votary of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’” he said.
Marking the significance of September 11, PM Modi noted that the date evokes contrasting memories: Swami Vivekananda’s iconic address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 and the tragic 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. He added that the date also marks the birthday of a personality who has lived by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – Mohan Bhagwat – whose 75th birthday coincides with the centenary year of the RSS.
Reflecting on his personal connection, PM Modi recalled his close association with Bhagwat’s family. He remembered working closely with Bhagwat’s father, the late Madhukarrao Bhagwat, and described how his passion for nation-building shaped Mohan Bhagwat’s upbringing. “Such was Madhukarrao Ji’s dedication that it groomed his son, Mohanrao, to work for India’s regeneration. It is as if Parasmani Madhukarrao prepared another Parasmani in Mohanrao,” he wrote.
Discussing the role of a Pracharak, PM Modi clarified common misconceptions, stressing that it represents far more than campaigning. He recalled Bhagwat’s early years as a Pracharak during the Emergency, when he and countless swayamsevaks worked tirelessly in rural and backward areas of Maharashtra, particularly Vidarbha. Bhagwat later held several key positions in the RSS, including Akhil Bharatiya Sharirik Pramukh in the 1990s, where he worked extensively in Bihar, and Sarkaryawah in 2000, before becoming Sarsanghchalak in 2009.
“Being Sarsanghchalak is more than an organisational responsibility,” PM Modi said. “Mohan Ji has infused it with intellectual depth, empathetic leadership, and a strong sense of nation first.”
Highlighting his leadership style, the Prime Minister said that continuity and adaptation have been the two defining attributes of Bhagwat’s work. He praised Bhagwat’s natural connect with the youth, his openness to change, and his ability to lead the organisation into the digital era. He described Bhagwat’s tenure as “the most transformative period in the 100-year journey of the RSS,” noting reforms in training programmes and the shift in the organisation’s uniform.
PM Modi also highlighted Bhagwat’s guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic, when traditional RSS activities faced disruptions. “Mohan Ji encouraged greater use of technology. Though we lost many dedicated swayamsevaks, his leadership ensured their determination never wavered,” he said.
Recalling an earlier event, the Prime Minister compared the RSS to an eternal banyan tree, or Akshayavat, and credited Bhagwat for nurturing its values with dedication. He also praised his soft-spoken nature and exceptional ability to listen.
PM Modi noted Bhagwat’s support for national campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and highlighted his “Panch Parivartan” framework focused on social harmony, family values, environmental consciousness, national selfhood, and civic responsibility. He added that Bhagwat has always championed India’s diversity and the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The Prime Minister also shed light on Bhagwat’s personal interests, noting his versatility with Indian musical instruments and passion for reading.
As the RSS marks its centenary year, PM Modi said it is a pleasant coincidence that Vijaya Dashami, Gandhi Jayanti, Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, and the organisation’s centenary all fall on the same day this year. “We are fortunate to have a wise and hardworking Sarsanghchalak in Mohan Ji, guiding the organisation in these times,” he wrote.
Concluding his note, PM Modi described Bhagwat as a living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: “When we rise above boundaries and see everyone as our own, it strengthens trust, brotherhood, and equality in society. I once again wish Mohan Ji a long and healthy life in the service of Maa Bharti.”