‘Days Of Invasion Gone’: RSS Chief Says India’s Cultural Identity Endured Centuries Of Oppression

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday described India as a “Hindu Rashtra” while speaking at the Divya Geeta Prerna Utsav in Lucknow, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present. In a speech

centred on spirituality, civilisational identity and contemporary challenges, Bhagwat said India’s cultural values offer the path to clarity and stability.

Bhagwat said the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita remain relevant across eras and circumstances. “One should read the Gita in its original form and understand it deeply — then everything becomes clear,” he said, adding that each reading brings new insight. He cited Lord Krishna’s message of confronting problems rather than avoiding them.

He expressed concern that despite material progress, society is grappling with “a lack of morality, peace and contentment.” Many people, he said, feel they are advancing in life but “still sense they are on the wrong path.” The right path, he argued, lies in India’s civilisational traditions.

The RSS chief said India had once been a “Vishwaguru,” but centuries of invasions brought destruction of temples and forced conversions. “Those days of invasion are gone. Now we’ve hoisted the flag over the Ram Temple,” he said, adding that India’s cultural identity endured despite oppression.

Calling the country a “Hindu society and a Hindu Rashtra,” Bhagwat urged citizens to uphold dharma, duty, service and sacrifice. He said the essence of global knowledge traditions had been captured in 700 shlokas of the Gita.

Drawing parallels between ancient and modern conflicts, he said wars driven by greed continue to mirror those fought centuries ago. Bhagwat also paid tribute to freedom fighters, saying the sacrifices of the 1857 martyrs and Chandrashekhar Azad continue to inspire even though they did not witness victory in their lifetimes.