Mumbai

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that conflict and confrontation do not align with India’s civilisational character, asserting that the country’s cultural foundation has always been centred on fraternity and collective harmony.

Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Bhagwat said India’s concept of a nation is distinct from Western ideas and has evolved organically through shared values and coexistence rather than through conflict.

“We do not have any argument with anyone. We stay away from disputes. Having a dispute is not in our country’s nature. Being together and fostering fraternity is our tradition,” he remarked, adding that many Western societies evolved amid long-standing conflict, shaping their worldview.

He pointed out that once certain cultures adopt a fixed idea, “anything beyond that becomes unacceptable,” leading to narrow ideological labels termed “…ism”.

Clarifying the RSS’s stance on nationhood, Bhagwat said India’s idea of a “rashtra” predates the modern definition of a nation and does not derive from nationalism rooted in superiority or pride.

“They call our view nationalism because they do not understand it. Our concept of a rashtra is different from the Western idea of a nation. We use the word nationality, not nationalism. Excessive pride about the nation led to two world wars — which is why the word nationalism is feared,” he said.

Bhagwat stressed that India’s nationhood is based on deep interconnectedness among people and harmony with nature, rather than assertion or dominance.

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He also underlined the importance of wisdom over mere information and said true fulfilment comes from helping others, which leaves a lasting sense of satisfaction beyond temporary personal achievements.