Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said India became a world teacher through selfless service rather than seeking superpower status [1].
The remarks highlight the RSS leadership's effort to frame India's growing global influence as a civilizational mission of friendship and altruism. By distinguishing between being a "Vishwaguru" and a "Mahashakti," Bhagwat said India's international role is one of guidance rather than dominance.
Speaking in Toronto, Canada, Bhagwat said India became a "Vishwaguru" through its selfless service to humanity rather than by becoming a "Mahashakti" (superpower) [1]. He said this identity is rooted in a long-standing tradition of assisting others regardless of the request [2].
According to Bhagwat, the nation's approach to global relations is defined by a willingness to support other countries. "Bharat never refuses help when asked and often extends a helping hand even without being asked," he said [2].
The RSS chief used the event to promote inter-faith engagement and discuss India's civilizational traditions [1]. He said the pursuit of power is not the primary driver of India's current global standing, and he pointed to the historical precedent of service to humanity [1].
Bhagwat's visit to Canada provided a platform to articulate this vision of India as a benevolent global actor. He said the country's role as a teacher is a natural extension of its cultural values of peace, and cooperation [1].
“"India became a 'Vishwaguru' through its selfless service to humanity rather than by becoming a 'Mahashakti' (superpower)."”
This rhetoric reflects a strategic effort by the RSS to project a 'soft power' image of India on the global stage. By emphasizing 'Vishwaguru' (world teacher) over 'Mahashakti' (superpower), the organization attempts to reconcile India's increasing geopolitical weight with a narrative of spiritual and moral leadership, distancing the country's rise from the traditional, often aggressive, patterns of previous global superpowers.
