Imphal: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat opened his three-day visit to Manipur with an address to a gathering of dignitaries in Imphal, where he focused on social cohesion, civilisational values and the need for patient, collective work to restore lasting peace in the state.

Dr. Bhagwat said the RSS remains a subject of daily national debate, shaped as much by perception as by misinformation. He argued that the organisation’s work is often judged without first-hand understanding, and urged people to look at ground-level functioning, especially the shakha system, to grasp its intent and methods.

He traced the roots of the Sangh to the vision of its founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, noting his involvement in the freedom movement and his belief that India needed a united and morally strong society to achieve its potential. Describing the RSS as a “man-making methodology,” he said its purpose is to organise Hindu society in its cultural and civilisational sense, not as a religious identity, and not to create a power centre.

Dr. Bhagwat referred to early global misconceptions about the Sangh dating back to the 1930s, saying these stemmed from limited understanding of India’s civilisational ethos.

He emphasised that unity, quality and shared values such as truth, compassion and austerity remain central to the Hindu worldview. Diversity, he said, is a reflection of an underlying unity that has shaped India’s nationhood since ancient times.

He highlighted concepts like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and apnapan as markers of a civilisational vision that sees humanity as interconnected. “The world listens when society is strong,” he said, adding that the Sangh aims to nurture individuals who contribute to a harmonious and confident nation.

Marking the RSS centenary year, Dr. Bhagwat outlined the five ongoing initiatives: social harmony, family awareness, environmental conservation, self-awareness rooted in swadeshi thought, and civic responsibility.

He praised Manipur’s cultural strengths, including its traditional dress and use of local languages, and encouraged efforts to preserve these practices.

On the state’s current crisis, Dr. Bhagwat said work is underway at multiple levels to rebuild trust and stability. Construction, he noted, always takes longer than destruction, especially when the process is inclusive.

He stressed that peace-building demands patience, discipline and shared responsibility. “Everything cannot be left to the government. Society has its own role,” he said, calling for self-reliance and stronger social capital.

He also underlined the importance of skill development for economic empowerment, particularly among the youth.

Dr. Bhagwat ended his address by reaffirming the Sangh’s long-standing ideal of organising society through collective goodwill. He later interacted with participants on issues including youth engagement and skill development.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally