Bhagwat made these remarks during a public meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, held to mark the centenary year of the RSS. He described dharma as the driving force of the universe, governing the creation and functioning of everything in existence.

“After the creation of the universe, the rules that govern its functioning became dharma, and everything operates according to these principles. The world lacks spirituality, which is why such knowledge is not easily found,” Bhagwat said.

He stressed that dharma is not confined to rituals or worship, and that every element of nature has its own duties and discipline. “While a state can remain secular, no individual or creation can exist without dharma,” he added.

Addressing social issues, Bhagwat spoke on caste discrimination, noting that caste was originally linked to occupation and duties but has over time become a source of discrimination. “To eliminate caste-based bias, one must remove the concept of caste from the mind,” he said.

Bhagwat also highlighted the RSS’s role in nation-building. He stated that the organisation aims to elevate India to its highest glory through cooperation with society, focusing on individual character development. He emphasised that RSS “does not compete with anyone, nor was it created in reaction to any event,” and that its purpose is the advancement of society as a whole.

The RSS chief’s remarks come amid his continued emphasis on self-reliance and cultural guidance. Earlier this month, he urged people to prioritise locally made products and said India remains committed to self-reliance despite international trade pressures. In December, Bhagwat had also stressed that the RSS should not be viewed solely through the lens of the BJP, noting the organisation’s independent evolution and ideological consistency.

The speech in Sambhajinagar reinforces the RSS’s longstanding message of cultural leadership, social unity, and moral guidance, positioning dharma as central to India’s path forward.