Speaking at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, Bhagwat interacted with young participants from various fields and responded to questions on the role of the RSS as it completes 100 years. He said a growing aspiration among India’s youth to take the nation forward is coinciding with global circumstances that are forcing countries to look towards India for direction.

“Whether the world will fully understand India or not cannot be said, but there is now a clear realisation that India has something meaningful to offer,” Bhagwat said. He added that for India to provide a new path to the world, it must itself become fully prosperous and strong.

Emphasising the importance of strength in global affairs, the RSS chief said truth alone does not command attention unless backed by power. “The world listens to power. Even those who speak the truth are ignored if they are weak,” he said, noting that strength is not limited to physical capacity but also includes character, discipline and strategic thinking. He said India still needs to achieve comprehensive strength of body, mind and intellect to fulfil its global role.

Bhagwat reiterated that the RSS’s role has remained consistent over the decades — strengthening society through organisation while safeguarding cultural values. “On the foundation of organised social strength, the nation will be made prosperous. Whenever India becomes strong, it naturally shows the way to the world,” he said, adding that the Sangh focuses on character-building and moral conduct through individual development.

The Bhopal visit is part of a series of programmes being held nationwide to mark the RSS centenary year. Over two days, Bhagwat is scheduled to participate in four major interactive events involving youth, social and religious leaders, women leaders and prominent citizens.

The youth interaction programme drew participants from all 31 districts of the Madhya Bharat province, including achievers in education, innovation, social service and public life. Later in the evening, a prominent citizens’ meet was organised to discuss social harmony and contemporary challenges.

On January 3, a social harmony meeting involving representatives from different communities will be held, followed by a ‘Shakti Samvad’ interaction with leading women from Bhopal, focusing on the role of women in society and nation-building.

RSS functionaries said the centenary year has sparked renewed curiosity about the organisation, and Bhagwat’s visit is aimed at providing clarity on its ideology and encouraging wider participation in social and national development.