Mohan Bhagwat
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
A brief biography
UPA tried to implicate Bhagwat in terror case
Forty-eight hours ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, Times Now is in knowledge of explosive file notings dating back to the last few months of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government that clearly suggest that it was working over time to trap Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (R S S) chief Mohan Bhagwat in the countrywide Hindu terror web.
In the aftermath of extremist violence in Ajmer and Malegaon, the UPA government had coined the “Hindu terror“ theory and was pressurising the National Intelligence Agency's (NIA's) top bosses to impli cate Bhagwat, Times Now has learnt.
The notings in files drawn up by NIA suggest that investigation officers -as well as other senior cops -were intending to in terrogate Bhagwat for his purported role in Ajmer and other blasts allegedly carried out by Hindu terror organisation, Abhinav Bharat. The officers were under direct orders from UPA ministers, including then home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, to secure Bhagwat's custody for in terrogation, Times Now has learnt.
The UPA began to put pressure on NIA after a cur rent affairs magazine, Car avan, carried an interview in February 2014 with Hindu terror suspect, Swami Aseemanand, who was then in Panchkula jail, where he allegedly named Bhagwat as a principal motivator for the attacks. But NIA chief Sharad Kumar refused to toe the UPA line and question Bhagwat; instead, he sought forensic evaluation of the interview which was recorded on tape. When things did not move on that front, the NIA shelved the case. Speaking to Times Now about the report, Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Government will have to take a view on making this correspondence public but I agree that after this expose, this entire matter should come out in public domain.“
By Prime Minister Narendra Modi
By Narendra Modi, Sep 11, 2025: The Times of India
Today is Sept 11. This day evokes two contrasting remembrances. The first dates back to 1893, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic Chicago address. With the few words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” he won the hearts of thousands present in the hall. He introduced the timeless spiritual heritage of India and the emphasis on universal brotherhood to the world stage. The second is the gruesome 9/11 attacks, when this very principle came under attack thanks to the menace of terrorism and radicalism.
There is something else about this day which is noteworthy. Today is the birthday of a personality who, inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, has dedicated his entire life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity. For lakhs of people associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he is respectfully referred to as Param Pujya Sarsanghchalak. Yes, I am referring to Shri Mohan Bhagwat ji, whose 75th birthday is, incidentally, falling in the same year when the R S S marks its centenary. I would like to convey my best wishes to him and pray for his long and healthy life.
My association with Mohan ji’s family has been very deep. I have had the good fortune of working closely with Mohan ji’s father, the late Madhukarrao Bhagwat ji. I have written extensively about him in my book, Jyotipunj. Along with his association with the legal world, he devoted himself to nation-building. He played a pivotal role in strengthening the R S S across Gujarat. Such was Madhukarrao ji’s passion towards nation-building that it groomed his son, Mohanrao, to work towards India’s regeneration. It is as if Parasmani Madhukarrao prepared another Parasmani in Mohanrao. Mohan ji became a pracharak in the mid-1970s. Upon hearing the word ‘pracharak’, one may mistakenly think it refers to someone who is simply doing prachar or campaigning, propagating ideas. But, those familiar with the working of the R S S understand that the pracharak tradition is at the core of the organisation’s work. Over the last hundred years, thousands of young people, inspired by a patriotic zeal, have left their homes and families to dedicate their lives to realising the mission of India First.
His early years in the R S S coincided with a very dark period of Indian history. This was the time the draconian Emergency was imposed by the then Congress govt. For every person who cherished democratic principles and wanted India to prosper, it was natural to strengthen the anti-Emergency movement. This is exactly what Mohan ji and countless R S S swayamsevaks did. He worked extensively in rural and backward areas of Maharashtra, especially Vidarbha. This shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by the poor and downtrodden.
Over the years, Bhagwat ji held various positions in the R S S. He performed each and every one of those duties with great dexterity. Mohan ji’s years as the head of the Akhil Bharatiya Sharirik Pramukh during the 1990s are still fondly remembered by many swayamsevaks. During this period, he spent considerable time working in the villages of Bihar. These experiences further deepened his connect with grassroots issues. In 2000, he became the sarkaryawah and here too, he brought his unique way of working, handling the most complex of situations with ease and precision. In 2009, he became the sarsanghchalak and continues to work with great vibrancy.
Being sarsanghchalak is more than an organisational responsibility. Extraordinary individuals have defined this role through personal sacrifice, clarity of purpose and unshakable commitment to Maa Bharti. Mohan ji, in addition to doing full justice to the enormity of the responsibility, has also brought to it his own strength, intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, all of which is inspired by the principle of Nation First.
If I can think of two attributes Mohan ji has held close to his heart and imbibed in his work style, they are continuity and adaptation. He has always steered the Organisation through very complex currents, never compromising on the core ideology we are all proud of and at the same time addressing the evolving needs of society. He has a natural connect with the youth and thus, has always focused on integrating more youngsters with the Sangh Parivar. He is often seen engaging in public discourse and interacting with people, which has been very beneficial in today’s dynamic and digital world. Broadly speaking, Bhagwat ji’s tenure will be considered the most transformative period in the 100-year journey of the R S S. From the change in uniform to the modifications in the shiksha vargs (training camps), several significant changes occurred under his leadership.
I particularly remember Mohan ji’s efforts during the Covid period, when humanity battled a once in a lifetime pandemic. In those times, continuing the traditional R S S activities became challenging. Mohan ji suggested increased usage of technology. In the context of the global challenges, he remained connected with global perspectives while developing institutional frameworks.
At that time, all swayamsevaks made every possible effort to reach out to those in need, while ensuring the safety of themselves and others. Medical camps were organised in several places. We also lost many of our hardworking swayamsevaks, but such was the inspiration of Mohan ji that their determination never wavered.
Earlier this year, during the inauguration of the Madhav Netra Chikitsalaya in Nagpur, I had remarked that the R S S is like an Akshayavat, an eternal banyan tree that energises the national culture and collective consciousness of our nation.
The roots of this Akshayavat are deep and strong because they are anchored in values. The dedication with which Mohan Bhagwat ji has committed himself to nurturing and advancing these values is truly inspirational.
Another admirable quality of Mohan ji’s personality is his soft-spoken nature. He is blessed with an exceptional ability to listen. This trait ensures a deeper perspective and also brings a sense of sensitivity and dignity to his persona and leadership.
Here, I also want to write about the keen interest he has always shown towards various mass movements. From Swachh Bharat Mission to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, he always urges the entire R S S family to add vigour through these movements. In order to further social well-being, Mohan ji has given the ‘Panch Parivartan’, which includes social harmony, family values, environmental awareness, national selfhood and civic duties. These can inspire Indians from all walks of life. Every swayamsevak dreams of seeing a strong and prosperous nation. To realise this dream, what is required is both clear vision and decisive action. Mohan ji embodies both these qualities in abundance.
Bhagwat ji has always been a strong votary of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, a firm believer in India’s diversity and the celebration of so many different cultures and traditions that are a part of our land.
Beyond his busy schedule, Mohan ji has always found time to pursue passions like music and singing. Few people know that he is very versatile in various Indian musical instruments. His passion for reading can be seen in several of his speeches and interactions.
This year, in a few days from now, the R S S turns 100. It is also a pleasant coincidence that this year, Vijaya Dashami, Gandhi Jayanti, Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti and the R S S centenary celebrations are on the same day. It will be a historic milestone for lakhs of people associated with the R S S in India and the world. And, we have a very wise and hardworking sarsanghchalak in Mohan ji, steering the organisation in these times. I will conclude by saying that Mohan ji is a living example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, showing that when we rise above boundaries and consider everyone as our own, it strengthens trust, brotherhood and equality in society. I once again wish Mohan ji a long and healthy life in service of Maa Bharti. (Theauthor is Prime Minister of India)
