Mohan Bhagwat Warns of False Narratives Targeting India’s Rise, Calls for Unity and Civilisational Confidence

Addressing a programme in Udaipur on the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti, Bhagwat said forces opposed to India’s emergence were employing various methods despite possessing greater population, power, financial resources and organisational strength.

“Today, people are trying to ensure India does not rise. False narratives are being created, false reports are being spread, and many tactics are being used to mislead,” he said.

Bhagwat asserted that India’s progress was important not only for the nation itself but also for the welfare of the world. Emphasising the country’s global significance, he said a strong India was necessary for international well-being.

Referring to the legacy of Maharana Pratap and the historic Battle of Haldighati, Bhagwat described the conflict as a symbol of India’s civilisational resistance against forces that sought to subjugate the country.

“Our history is not a history of slavery. It is a history of struggle against those who tried to enslave us,” he said.

Highlighting Maharana Pratap’s role in history, Bhagwat said the ruler’s struggle represented resistance in defence of faith, culture and self-respect. He noted that Maharana Pratap fought not for personal gain but for the protection of society, culture and the freedom of his land. Speaking on the eve of the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Haldighati, he said the warrior king stood against oppression and remained committed to safeguarding the interests of his people.

Bhagwat stressed the need for deeper study and broader understanding of Maharana Pratap’s life, ideals and contributions. He said contemporary challenges required society to learn from historical figures who remained steadfast despite adversity.

“To establish good governance and ensure the welfare of people, we need to draw from such examples,” he said.

The RSS chief stated that India’s strength was rooted not merely in numbers or material resources but in its enduring civilisational values. He said Maharana Pratap demonstrated how a nation could remain strong through self-respect, cultural confidence and pride.

Calling for national unity, Bhagwat urged citizens to rise above narrow identities and work collectively for the country’s advancement. Drawing parallels with the people of Mewar who stood alongside Maharana Pratap, he said unity was essential for national progress.

“We should stay united like the people of Mewar stood with Maharana Pratap. We must work together for India’s progress,” he said.

He added that diversity of identities did not undermine unity and that true unity was built on harmony and mutual respect rather than uniformity.

Speaking further on the Battle of Haldighati, Bhagwat said the event should be viewed as more than a military confrontation. According to him, it symbolised the long struggle of Indian society against foreign aggression.

“The Battle of Haldighati was not just a war. It was a symbol of the long struggle of Indian society against foreign aggression,” he said.

Bhagwat also referred to historical records, including accounts written by Mughal chroniclers, claiming they indicated the battle had been fiercely contested. He said such records suggested opposing forces were compelled to retreat several miles following the initial assault.

The RSS chief argued that India’s civilisational history reflected repeated resistance to foreign rule. While different invaders had arrived and, at times, established political control, he said Indian society and culture never accepted subjugation.

“Different invaders came, some gained power, but India never accepted slavery at the level of society and culture,” he said.

He maintained that even during difficult periods of history, India preserved its cultural identity and civilisational continuity. Urging people to move beyond smaller identities, Bhagwat called for a broader sense of national consciousness and collective purpose.

Concluding his address, Bhagwat said national strength ultimately depended on moral character, discipline and social harmony. He stated that if India was to rise, its citizens must strengthen their character and values. Describing Maharana Pratap as a lasting source of inspiration, he said the leader’s courage, sacrifice and commitment to society would continue to guide future generations.

“Whenever we follow his ideals, he will remain alive in our inspiration,” Bhagwat said.

The address underscored Bhagwat’s call for national unity, cultural confidence and moral strength, while presenting Maharana Pratap’s legacy and the Battle of Haldighati as enduring symbols of resistance, self-respect and commitment to the nation’s progress.