Mohan Bhagwat in Canada: ‘If Hindus Awaken, the World Awakens’

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing the Indian community in Toronto, said India’s rise should not be measured simply by its power but by its contribution to a more united and harmonious world.

Speaking at the “Hindu Vishwa Bandhu – Embrace the World in Friendship” event, Bhagwat said India’s civilisational outlook was rooted in service, diversity and global friendship. He said that when India was influential in the past, its role was to serve and share knowledge rather than seek political dominance.

“If Hindus awaken, the world awakens,” Bhagwat said while describing what he called the “DNA of Bharat”.

Diversity as a form of unity

Bhagwat also highlighted India’s traditional understanding of diversity, arguing that differences need not be an obstacle to unity.

He connected this outlook with the ancient idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the belief that the world is one family. According to Bhagwat, Indian civilisation has traditionally encouraged people to look beyond differences and recognise a shared humanity.

He said India’s rise should ultimately lead to a “more united, more emancipated humanity”, rather than simply turning the country into a powerful nation.

Message of service and global friendship

Bhagwat said India’s tradition has been to extend help to others and share knowledge without seeking political control.

Referring to the travels of Indian ancestors across Asia and other regions, he argued that they spread knowledge without attempting to conquer countries or forcibly convert people.

“Whenever Bharat has been asked for help anywhere in the world, it has never refused,” Bhagwat said, presenting service to humanity as a central part of India’s civilisational identity.

Canada-India ties

The Toronto event also focused on improving Canada-India relations. Former Canadian Defence Minister and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney welcomed what he described as renewed momentum in bilateral ties and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to Canada later this year.

His remarks were met with “Modi, Modi” chants from the gathering.

The event was organised by Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue (CHORD), with organisers claiming that more than 2,500 Hindus from eight Canadian provinces attended.

Bhagwat’s Canada visit followed a controversial US leg, where his planned appearance in New York faced opposition from some interfaith and civil rights groups. Despite the controversy, his Toronto address focused largely on India’s civilisational philosophy, diversity, service and the idea of global friendship.