RSS chief Bhagwat says dharma distinct from Western religion

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat told the Yuva Dharma Sansad in Ujjain on September 18 that India's concept of dharma is fundamentally different from the Western notion of religion. He said Western secularism emerged from historical conflicts between rulers and religious authorities, while India's tradition of panth-nirpekshata (non-discrimination among faiths) has always been about intermingling and equal respect. 'Religion binds, dharma liberates and leads to moksha (salvation),' Bhagwat said.

Addressing around 1,700 Gen Z participants, Bhagwat warned against human arrogance and ego, citing the certainty of the sun's rising and setting as a reminder that humans cannot control natural order. He linked adharma (unrighteousness) to environmental destruction and urged young people to respect other forms of worship while staying committed to their own traditions. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned on X whether Bhagwat was referring to a 'non-biological being whose avataran diwas was just celebrated.' The three-day event runs until September 19.