Bhagwat Declares Devotion & Patriotism Are One

Mohan Bhagwat Declares Devotion and Patriotism Are One: A Deep Dive into the RSS Chief’s Statement

On September 11, 2025, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat made headlines with a powerful statement at the Somnath Jyotirlings Ceremony Program in Nagpur, Maharashtra, asserting that in India, "devotion to God and patriotism are not separate but are one and the same." This declaration, delivered during a significant event attended by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has sparked widespread discussion across India’s political, cultural, and social spheres. Bhagwat’s remarks, rooted in the RSS’s ideological framework, emphasize a synergy between spiritual devotion (bhakti) and patriotism, reflecting India’s unique cultural ethos. This article explores the context, implications, and reactions to Bhagwat’s statement, drawing on verified reports from sources like The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, and ANI, while critically examining its alignment with Indian traditions and contemporary debates.

Context of the Statement

The Somnath Jyotirlings Ceremony

The Somnath Jyotirlings Ceremony Program, held on September 11, 2025, in Nagpur, was a significant cultural and religious event organized by the RSS, coinciding with the organization’s centenary celebrations. The event focused on honoring the spiritual significance of the Somnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mohan Bhagwat, addressing a gathering of RSS volunteers, spiritual leaders, and devotees, used the platform to articulate a vision of Indian identity that intertwines devotion to God with patriotism. His speech, reported by ANI and The Economic Times, emphasized that true devotion naturally leads to patriotism, and authentic patriotism fosters spiritual devotion, describing this as an experiential truth rather than mere logic.

RSS’s Centenary and Ideological Framework

The RSS, founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, is celebrating its 100th year in 2025, with events like the All-India Coordination Meeting in Jodhpur (September 5–7) highlighting its influence, per ANI. Bhagwat’s statement aligns with the RSS’s core ideology of Hindutva, which seeks to unify India through a cultural nationalism rooted in Hindu values. The organization’s centenary discussions, covering topics like education policy and social development in tribal areas, underscore its focus on national progress through cultural and spiritual unity, per The Economic Times. Bhagwat’s declaration reflects this ethos, positioning devotion and patriotism as inseparable aspects of Indian identity.

Bhagwat’s Core Argument

Devotion and Patriotism as Interconnected

Bhagwat’s central thesis, as reported by The News Mill, is that in India, devotion to God and patriotism are not distinct but form a singular essence. He stated, “Devotion to God and patriotism may seem a bit different, so we use two words, but the reality is that in our country, India, these two are not separate, they are one and the same thing. The one who practices true devotion will also practice patriotism. The one who practices patriotism with authenticity will be made to practice devotion to God by the Lord.” This perspective, described as experiential rather than logical, draws on India’s historical and cultural traditions, where spiritual practices often intertwined with love for the motherland, per ANI.

Historical Precedents

Bhagwat’s remarks echo earlier statements he made in 2021 at the launch of Making of a Hindu Patriot: Background of Gandhiji’s Hind Swaraj, where he cited Mahatma Gandhi’s assertion that his patriotism stemmed from his dharma, per Hindustan Times. Gandhi’s view that dharma encompasses more than religion, including ethical and moral duties, aligns with Bhagwat’s framing of patriotism as an extension of spiritual devotion. This historical reference underscores the RSS’s attempt to ground its ideology in figures like Gandhi, despite criticisms of appropriation, as noted by The Print.

Cultural and Religious Context

Bhakti and Patriotism in Indian Tradition

The concept of bhakti, or devotion, is deeply rooted in Indian religious traditions, particularly Hinduism, as seen in texts like the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita, a 2nd-century BCE scripture, integrates bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), and karma (action) as paths to spiritual liberation, per Wikipedia. Bhagwat’s statement resonates with the Gita’s teachings, where devotion to Krishna is linked to fulfilling one’s duty (dharma), which can extend to societal and national responsibilities. The Bhakti movement, originating in Tamil Nadu in the 6th century CE, further emphasized personal devotion over ritualistic practices, promoting equality and devotion to gods like Vishnu and Shiva, per Byjus. This historical movement, led by saints like the Alvars and Nayanars, parallels Bhagwat’s vision of devotion fostering unity and patriotism.

Bhagavatism and National Identity

Bhagavatism, a branch of Vaishnavism centered on worship of Vishnu or Krishna, emphasizes bhakti and ahimsa (non-violence), per Unacademy. Its influence on Indian culture, particularly through the Bhagavad Gita, supports Bhagwat’s claim that spiritual devotion can inspire national pride. The Gita’s narrative of Arjuna’s duty to fight for dharma, guided by Krishna, has been interpreted as a call to action for the greater good, which some, like Murli R in Medium, extend to nationalism. However, this interpretation is debated, with critics like those on Reddit arguing that the Gita focuses on personal dharma, not nationalism, per Reddit.

Reactions and Implications

Support from Spiritual and Political Figures

The Somnath event was attended by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who expressed joy at visiting the RSS headquarters and extended birthday greetings to Bhagwat, who turned 75 on September 11, per The Economic Times. Shankar’s presence lent spiritual credibility to Bhagwat’s remarks, reinforcing the link between devotion and cultural unity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Bhagwat on X, describing him as a leader dedicated to “equality, harmony, brotherhood,” per ANI, signaling political support for the RSS’s narrative.

Public and Media Reactions

Bhagwat’s statement has elicited varied responses. Supporters on X praised it as a reflection of India’s cultural ethos, with posts like “Bhagwatji’s words unite spirituality and patriotism!” trending, per The News Mill. Media outlets like India Gazette and The Economic Times amplified the statement, framing it as a call for national unity. However, critics, particularly on platforms like The Wire, argue that equating devotion with patriotism risks alienating non-Hindus and oversimplifies complex social dynamics, per The Wire. The Wire’s 2021 critique of Bhagwat’s similar remarks, claiming “patriotism has no religion,” highlights ongoing tensions about RSS’s Hindu-centric narrative.

Political and Social Implications

Bhagwat’s declaration has significant implications for India’s socio-political landscape:

• Strengthening Hindutva Narrative: By linking devotion to patriotism, the RSS reinforces its Hindutva ideology, potentially galvanizing its base but risking polarization, per Euronews.
• Unifying Diverse Groups: The statement appeals to both spiritual and nationalist sentiments, aligning with the RSS’s goal of cultural unity, as seen in its centenary discussions on social development, per ANI.
• Criticism of Exclusivity: Critics argue that equating devotion with patriotism may marginalize non-Hindu communities, contradicting India’s secular framework, per The Wire. The 2021 backlash, citing RSS’s historical absence from the Quit India movement, resurfaced on X, per The Print.

Critical Analysis

Alignment with Indian Philosophy

Bhagwat’s assertion aligns with the Bhagavad Gita’s integration of bhakti and karma, where devotion to a higher purpose fuels righteous action, per Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Gita’s concept of karma yoga—acting without attachment to outcomes—parallels Bhagwat’s idea that true patriotism stems from selfless devotion. However, critics like those on Reddit argue that extending this to nationalism risks misinterpreting the Gita’s universal message, which prioritizes personal liberation over collective identity, per Reddit.

Comparison with Gandhi’s Views

Bhagwat’s reference to Gandhi, as reported by Hindustan Times, is strategic but contentious. Gandhi’s patriotism, rooted in ahimsa and inclusivity, contrasts with the RSS’s Hindu-centric approach, per The Print. While Gandhi saw dharma as a universal ethic, Bhagwat’s framing ties it to Hindu identity, prompting accusations of appropriation, per The Wire. This tension highlights the challenge of reconciling individual spirituality with collective nationalism.

Contemporary Relevance

In 2025, India faces economic challenges, political polarization, and social debates over caste and reservation, as noted in Bhagwat’s other remarks, per The Economic Times. His call to unify devotion and patriotism may resonate with those seeking cultural cohesion but risks alienating minorities if perceived as exclusionary. The RSS’s support for constitutional reservations and opposition to illegal immigration, as stated by Bhagwat, suggests a broader agenda of balancing inclusivity with cultural nationalism, per The Economic Times.

Broader Cultural and Global Context

Bhakti Movement’s Legacy

The Bhakti movement’s emphasis on personal devotion and social equality, as seen in saints like Kabir and Mirabai, provides historical context for Bhagwat’s statement, per Drishti IAS. By invoking this legacy, Bhagwat taps into a tradition that transcended caste and ritual, aligning with the RSS’s vision of a unified Hindu society. However, the movement’s inclusivity, embracing diverse deities and communities, contrasts with the RSS’s focus on Hindu identity, per Sleepy Classes.

Global Perspectives on Patriotism and Faith

Globally, the intersection of religion and patriotism is not unique to India. Movements like Christian nationalism in the US or Islamic patriotism in parts of the Middle East reflect similar attempts to merge faith with national identity, per NBC News. Bhagwat’s statement, while rooted in Indian traditions, enters a global discourse where such narratives can both unify and polarize, per Reuters.

Conclusion

Mohan Bhagwat’s declaration on September 11, 2025, that “devotion to God and patriotism are one and the same” encapsulates the RSS’s vision of cultural nationalism, drawing on India’s spiritual heritage as articulated in texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhakti movement. Delivered at the Somnath Jyotirlings Ceremony in Nagpur, the statement reinforces the RSS’s ideological framework, supported by figures like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and echoed in Gandhi’s views on dharma. While it resonates with supporters seeking cultural unity, critics highlight its potential to exclude non-Hindus and oversimplify complex social dynamics. As India navigates its centenary of the RSS and ongoing socio-political challenges, Bhagwat’s words spark a vital debate about the interplay of spirituality, patriotism, and national identity in a diverse nation.