Bharat’s Identity Needs No Label, Says Bhagwat Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserted that Bharat’s identity as a Hindu Rashtra is "inherent" and does not require formal declaration, arguing that public perception has already evolved to accept it. Speaking at a ceremony in Nagpur for those associated with the Ayodhya movement, Bhagwat emphasized that the construction of the Ram Mandir marked a pivotal moment in shaping the nation’s identity. "Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra. At first, people used to laugh at that. Even until the Ram Mandir was built," he said, adding, "Today, those very people are saying that Hindustan is the country of Hindus. They tell us to declare it formally. We say there is no need for a formal declaration. Sun rises in the east. Should that be declared?" Bhagwat framed the Ram Mandir’s construction as a convergence of faith and collective effort, stating that the temple was built by the will of Shri Ram but its realization required societal contribution. "The temple was built by the will of Shri Ram but His will bear fruit only after we contribute as He waits and watches," he said. He described the temple as "only the beginning," linking it to broader questions about India’s national identity. "We attained Independence, but it came in a fragmented form. Bharat was acting, but in darkness," he said, noting that confusion over "what is Bharat" shaped discourse for decades. Referring to political changes in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhagwat suggested the period marked a clearer assertion of national identity. "Technically, we did get Independence on Aug 15, 1947. But even then, we were not certain about ourselves," he remarked, citing international commentary.#narendra_modi #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #mohan_bhagwat #ram_mandir #ayodhya_movement
