Mohan Bhagwat Lucknow Speech: Upholding Dharma & Gita Wisdom
Explore RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Lucknow speech on upholding Dharma. Discover how Bhagavad Gita's wisdom guides modern society, leadership, and national…
In a stirring address at the recent Lucknow event, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the critical importance of upholding Dharma and integrating the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless wisdom into modern life.
This comprehensive guide explores his profound insights, analyzing them through the lens of Vedic scripture.
We delve into the definitions of Dharma, the path of Karma Yoga, and how ancient texts provide a blueprint for national unity and personal spiritual growth in the 21st century.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Urges Upholding Dharma and Bhagavad Gita’s Timeless Wisdom at Lucknow Event
In an era where moral compasses often waver and societal cohesion faces constant challenges, the call to return to foundational spiritual values resonates with increasing urgency.
At a recent and significant gathering in Lucknow, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a profound address that transcended mere political discourse, touching the very soul of Indian heritage.
He articulated a vision for the nation rooted in the eternal principles of Sanatan Dharma and the practical guidance of the Bhagavad Gita.
This article serves as a definitive analysis of his speech, interpreting his words through the lens of a Vedic scholar while providing a strategic roadmap for applying these ancient truths in the modern world.
What is the core message of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Lucknow address?
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Lucknow event address centered on the urgent need to uphold Dharma and integrate the Bhagavad Gita’s timeless wisdom into daily life to foster national strength. He defined Dharma not as religion, but as the cosmic order and duty that sustains society, urging citizens to practice self-discipline, social harmony, and selfless service (Seva) as prescribed in ancient Hindu scriptures.
The Essence of Mohan Bhagwat’s Message on Dharma
The term “Dharma” is frequently misunderstood in contemporary discourse, often wrongly equated solely with “religion” or “worship rituals.” However, in his Lucknow speech, Mohan Bhagwat clarified the concept in its truest Vedic sense.
He emphasized that upholding Dharma is the bedrock of a stable and prosperous society.
Defining Dharma Beyond Religion
To understand Bhagwat’s urging, one must look to the Mahabharata, specifically the Karna Parva (69.58), which states:
“Dharanat dharma ityahu dharmo dharayate prajah”
Translation: Dharma is so called because it sustains; Dharma sustains all beings.
When the RSS Chief speaks of upholding Dharma, he is referring to this sustaining force. It is the code of conduct that maintains the social fabric.
In the context of the Lucknow event, this translates to the responsibility of every citizen to act with integrity, ensuring that their actions contribute to the welfare of the collective rather than just the individual.
Bhagwat highlighted that a nation cannot rise solely on economic parameters or military strength; it requires a spiritual backbone. This aligns with the Manusmriti (8.15) dictum:
“Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah”
Translation: Dharma protects those who protect it.
By urging the audience to “uphold Dharma,” Bhagwat is essentially stating that the safety, security, and prosperity of the nation are intrinsic outcomes of living a life of righteousness.
If we protect our values, our values will, in turn, protect our nation.
The Bhagavad Gita: A Handbook for Modern Living
A central pillar of Mohan Bhagwat’s speech was the reliance on the Bhagavad Gita. He described it not merely as a holy book to be kept in the prayer room, but as a manual for navigating the complexities of life.
As a Vedic scholar, examining the specific chapters he alluded to reveals deep insights into his vision for India.
Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action
The RSS Chief stressed the importance of action over inaction. This is a direct invocation of Karma Yoga, arguably the most relevant path for the modern individual. In Chapter 2, Verse 47 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna:
“Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana | Ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango ’stvakarmani ||”
Translation: You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.
Bhagwat applied this specifically to nation-building. He urged that social service and civic duties should be performed without the hunger for accolades, political power, or personal gain.
This “nishkama karma” (desireless action) is what purifies the mind and strengthens the national character.
Leadership Lessons from the Gita
At the Lucknow event, the importance of setting a narrative and example for society was also a key theme.
The RSS Chief pointed out that leaders - whether in politics, business, or the family unit - must embody the values they preach. This mirrors Chapter 3, Verse 21 of the Gita:
“Yad yad acarati sresthas tat tad evetaro janah | Sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate ||”
Translation: Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.
Bhagwat’s message was clear: To uphold Dharma, the elite and the influential must first practice it rigorously. The decay of society begins when its leaders abandon Dharma for convenience.
National Unity through Vedic Wisdom
One of the most significant aspects of the speech was the connection drawn between spiritual wisdom and social harmony. Mohan Bhagwat frequently addresses the need to eliminate caste-based discrimination and foster a sense of “we-ness” among Indians.
This is not a modern political invention but a return to the Vedic ideal.
The Concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
While often cited, the concept that “the world is one family” (found in the Maha Upanishad 6.72) starts with the nation is one family.
Bhagwat emphasized that the diversity of languages, foods, and customs in India is held together by the underlying unity of spiritual culture.
He urged the gathering to look beyond surface-level differences and recognize the same Atman (Soul) within everyone. This non-dualistic approach, rooted in Advaita Vedanta, is the strongest cure for social divisiveness.
If the same divine spark resides in a Brahmin and a Dalit, discrimination becomes a spiritual offense, not just a social crime.
Samgacchadhvam: Moving Together
The call for unity at the Lucknow event echoes the powerful prayer from the Rig Veda (10.191.2):
“Samgacchadhvam samvadadhvam sam vo manamsi janatam”
Translation: May you move in harmony, speak in one voice; let your minds be in agreement.
Bhagwat’s insistence on “upholding Dharma” involves this collective movement. It is a call for the nation to vibrate at the same frequency of patriotism and cultural pride.
Practical Application: Implementing Gita’s Wisdom Today
Understanding the philosophy is the first step; living it is the goal. Based on Mohan Bhagwat’s address and Vedic methodologies, here is how an individual can practically apply this wisdom:
- Daily Swadhyaya (Self-Study): Dedicate 15 minutes daily to reading a portion of the Bhagavad Gita or Upanishads. Reflection is the key to internalizing wisdom.
- Dharmic Decision Making: Before making a business or personal decision, ask: “Does this support the collective good? Is this truthful?” If the answer is no, it violates Dharma.
- Seva (Service): Engage in at least one act of selfless service weekly. This could be volunteering, teaching, or simply helping a neighbor without expecting thanks.
- Samyam (Restraint): Practice restraint in speech and consumption. A disciplined lifestyle, as advocated in Gita Chapter 6, leads to clarity of mind.
Benefits of Upholding Dharma and Gita’s Wisdom
Embracing the path suggested by the RSS Chief offers profound benefits on multiple levels:
- Mental Peace (Chitta Shuddhi): Following Dharma reduces internal conflict. When actions align with conscience, stress and anxiety diminish.
- Social Cohesion: When citizens prioritize duty over rights, litigation decreases, trust increases, and communities become safer.
- Resilience: The wisdom of the Gita provides emotional armor. Understanding the impermanence of the material world helps one navigate loss and failure with equanimity.
- National Strength: A nation of disciplined, duty-bound individuals is economically efficient and defensively secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly did Mohan Bhagwat say about the Bhagavad Gita in Lucknow?
Mohan Bhagwat stated that the Bhagavad Gita is not just a scripture for worship but a practical manual for life. He urged people to study it to understand the balance between duty (Karma) and detachment, emphasizing that its teachings are essential for resolving modern conflicts and personal dilemmas.
2. How does the RSS define Dharma?
The RSS, aligned with traditional Vedic interpretation, defines Dharma as “that which sustains.” It is distinct from religion (Panth or Mazhab). Dharma comprises the eternal laws of nature, ethical duties, social responsibilities, and righteousness that hold society together and ensure the welfare of all living beings.
3. Can non-Hindus apply the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita?
Yes. The Bhagavad Gita deals with universal human psychology, the nature of duty, and the conquest of the mind. Its lessons on focus, discipline, and selfless action are applicable to anyone, regardless of religious background.Mohan Bhagwat often emphasizes the universal (Manav) applicability of Indian spiritual wisdom.
4. Why is “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” important in this context?
“Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” means “Dharma protects those who protect it.” In the context of the Lucknow event, it serves as a warning and a promise: if the nation abandons its core values (Dharma), it will perish; if it nurtures and protects these values, the nation will be invincible against internal and external threats.
5. How can youth apply these ancient teachings in the corporate world?
Youth can apply these teachings by adopting the “Karma Yoga” mindset - focusing entirely on the quality of their work rather than stressing over promotions or results. This reduces burnout and increases efficiency. Additionally, the ethical framework of Dharma helps in building long-term trust and leadership credibility in the corporate sector.
Conclusion
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at the Lucknow event was more than a speech; it was a clarion call for a cultural and spiritual renaissance.
By urging the upholding of Dharma and the adoption of the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom, he highlighted the only sustainable path forward for India.
The synthesis of ancient Vedic knowledge with modern civic duty offers a powerful blueprint for the future.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the timeless voice of the Gita, reminding us to stand firm in our duty without attachment, remains our most reliable guide.
Protecting Dharma is not just a religious obligation - it is the ultimate act of patriotism and self-preservation.
