Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat turns 75 today. Bhagwat, who has been serving as the chief of the Sangh for over 16 years, recently clarified that he has no plans to retire yet.
New Delhi: RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat turns 75 today. He has been serving as the chief of the Sangh for the past 16 years. Born on September 11, 1950, in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, Bhagwat ranks third in terms of tenure as RSS chief, after M.S. Golwalkar and Madhukar Dattatray Deoras (Balasaheb).
Balasaheb Deoras served as the chief of the Sangh for over 20 years, while Golwalkar led the organization for more than 32 years. Bhagwat began his work as an RSS 'Pracharak' (full-time worker) approximately 50 years ago and became the Sarsanghchalak of the Sangh in March 2009. His father, Madhukarrao Bhagwat, was also a full-time worker, a 'Pracharak', of the RSS.
Mohan Bhagwat's Life and Association with the Sangh
Mohan Bhagwat was born on September 11, 1950, in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. He started working as a ‘Pracharak’ of the RSS about 50 years ago. Bhagwat was appointed as the Sarsanghchalak of the Sangh in March 2009. His father, Madhukarrao Bhagwat, also served as a full-time Pracharak of the Sangh. Bhagwat ranks third in terms of tenure as the chief of the Sangh, after M.S. Golwalkar and Madhukar Dattatray Deoras (Balasaheb). Golwalkar, the second chief of the Sangh, led the organization for over 32 years, while Balasaheb held the top position for more than 20 years.
Some time ago, Bhagwat had stated that one should retire from public life at the age of 75. This led to speculation that his suggestion was aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who would turn 75 on September 17. It was also speculated that Bhagwat himself might retire from the Sangh at the age of 75.
However, Bhagwat recently clarified that he never said he would retire. He stated, "We are ready to retire at any point in life and are ready to work as long as the Sangh wishes. I never said that I would retire or that anyone else should retire."
Mohan Bhagwat's Service and Experience in the Sangh
Mohan Bhagwat also shared his experience and sense of service in the Sangh. He said that volunteers in the Sangh are assigned work, whether they like it or not. They do what the organization asks them to do.
Bhagwat also recounted an old anecdote. He mentioned that at a program held in Nagpur, he referred to the late RSS leader Moropant Pingley. Pingley's eloquence was so impactful that his words would inspire people in the audience to rise from their seats. Pingley was present at the event even at the age of 70 and was honored.
He stood up and said, "You might be thinking that you have honored me, but I know that when this shawl is given, it means you should sit peacefully in your chair and provide guidance." Bhagwat also served as Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) in the Sangh, which is the second-highest position in the organization. Following this, he was appointed as Sarsanghchalak in March 2009.
Under his leadership, Bhagwat has emphasized the Sangh's ideology and social programs. He has given prominence to service, organizational discipline, social upliftment, and national awareness. Under his leadership, the Sangh has advanced numerous initiatives in education, health, and social welfare.
