‘Magnifying smaller identities’: Mohan Bhagwat says efforts on to divide India using British-era tactics
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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has warned that external global forces are attempting to destabilize India by fostering internal divisions. He urged citizens to prioritize national unity over petty identities to counter these colonial-era tactics.
The Warning of Fragmentation: Analyzing Mohan Bhagwat’s Concerns
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat recently addressed the 'Maru Ninad-2026' Ghosh Shivir in Jodhpur, offering a stark assessment of India’s current geopolitical and internal landscape. His remarks centered on the perception that while India is steadily progressing toward national greatness, this trajectory is actively resisted by external global actors. Bhagwat characterized these efforts as a modern iteration of 'divide-and-rule' tactics, historically utilized by the British to maintain control over the subcontinent.
The Mechanics of Internal Division
At the heart of Bhagwat’s message is the observation that internal conflict is being manufactured by 'magnifying smaller identities.' By emphasizing caste, regional, or linguistic differences over a unified national identity, these forces seek to weaken the social fabric. This strategy mirrors colonial methodologies, where administrative and political boundaries were often manipulated to discourage a cohesive nationalist movement, thereby preventing the consolidation of Indian political power.
Global Geopolitics and Indian Aspirations
Bhagwat’s assertion that India serves as a 'treasure trove of everyone's hopes' positions the nation as a rising global force. However, he suggests that this status creates friction on the international stage. In the context of global power dynamics, a rising India that promotes its own cultural and political model may be viewed as a disruptive element by established global powers. This perspective implies that internal social cohesion is not just a domestic policy priority, but a requirement for surviving external geopolitical pressure.
The Call for National Unity and Dharma
To counteract these divisive strategies, the RSS chief advocates for a shift in individual and collective consciousness. He emphasizes the need to transcend 'selfishness, petty differences, and ego.' By rooting personal and organizational life in the concepts of Dharma and national service, Bhagwat proposes a framework where the individual's identity is inextricably linked to the strength of the state. This ideological push is intended to act as a defensive mechanism against external influence.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Reflecting on the legacy of colonial rule, the critique of 'divide-and-rule' tactics serves as a reminder of the historical vulnerabilities that allowed foreign powers to dominate India. By invoking this history, Bhagwat is signaling to his audience that the current era of 'global forces' represents a new, albeit familiar, threat. Future trends suggest that the RSS will continue to prioritize ideological mobilization, focusing on cultural homogeneity as the primary defense against what they perceive as targeted, foreign-backed fragmentation of the Indian electorate.
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