World News : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said India’s core culture is rooted in helping the world and promoting unity. He said Indian tradition has always viewed diversity as a natural expression of unity.
Bhagwat made the remarks at the “Hindu World Brotherhood – Embracing the World in Friendship” programme held in Toronto. The event was organised by Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue and began with a cultural presentation.
India’s Tradition Is About Helping the World
Speaking about India’s tradition of service and philanthropy, Dr. Bhagwat said India has never refused when help has been sought from anywhere in the world. He said India has also extended a helping hand even without being asked.
He said, “This is our tradition. This is India’s DNA. That is why you may have heard the saying—if Hindus awaken, the world awakens.”
Bhagwat also explained how India’s spiritual heritage promotes unity between humanity and nature.
Indian Tradition Sees Diversity as a Form of Unity
The RSS chief said Indian tradition considers both living and non-living beings as part of itself. He said people have been taught to see unity in diversity.
He said, “In India, diversity never becomes a problem for unity. Our tradition teaches us that there is not only unity in diversity, but diversity itself is a form of unity.”
He called upon the global community to embrace the ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which views the entire world as one family.
Service to Others Is a Duty
Dr. Bhagwat said true knowledge lies in recognising the underlying spiritual unity of humanity beyond external differences. According to him, people who are open-minded and reflective embrace the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and believe that the entire Earth is one family.
He said people may differ in their physical appearance, body, size and colour, but in reality, everyone is one. Therefore, serving others is a duty, and this understanding always brings happiness and satisfaction.
India Became Vishwaguru Through Its Character
The RSS chief also explained how India became a Vishwaguru, or global teacher, because of its nature and character rather than by becoming a superpower.
He said, “Someone could have called India a superpower at that time, but it was not a superpower. It served the world. It became a Vishwaguru because of its character, not a superpower. Therefore, India’s rise means greater unity and greater humanity.”
Indian Ancestors Shared Knowledge and Civilisational Values
Bhagwat recalled what he described as the efforts of India’s ancestors to share knowledge and civilisational values with the world.
He said that at a time when there were no roads, boats, airplanes or motor vehicles, people travelled using bullock carts and horses. Despite these limitations, he said, India’s ancestors travelled from Mexico to Siberia.
He said they crossed the Himalayas on foot to reach China, Siberia and Mongolia, while travelling to Southeast Asia in small boats.
According to Bhagwat, they did not conquer any country or change anyone’s religion. Wherever they went, he said, they shared knowledge, including astronomy and Ayurveda, and taught civilisational values.
Jason Kenney Praises India-Canada Relations
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat shared the stage with Jason Kenney, former Canadian defence minister and former premier of Alberta.
Kenney praised the growing momentum in bilateral relations between India and Canada. He said, “It is very good to see new momentum in Canada-India relations. This will be evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to Canada later this year.”
Bhagwat Receives Welcome in Toronto
Earlier, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat received a welcome after arriving in Toronto. Members of the Hindu community from across Canada gathered to welcome him.
Those present described his visit as an important moment in promoting peace, cultural values and global harmony.
Kartik Trivedi, a former Royal Canadian Air Force officer, said he had served Canada for 15 years with pride in his Hindu identity.
Rajendra Prasad of the Greater Toronto Area Hindu Sabha Temple said Bhagwat’s visit carries the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
