RSS Chief Bhagwat Says India Is Vishwaguru, Not Mahashakti

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said India has served the world as a "vishwaguru" (world teacher) rather than a "mahashakti" (superpower), emphasizing the country's civilisational tradition of selfless service and universal friendship. Bhagwat made these remarks while addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Toronto on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The event, titled "Hindu Vishwa Bandhu: Embrace the World in Friendship," was organized by Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue (CHORD) and drew over 2,500 attendees from eight provinces across Canada. Bhagwat, who is on a three-nation tour of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, spoke about India's role in global affairs through the lens of its ancient values. Bhagwat argued that India's global influence stems from its character and tradition of service, not from military or economic dominance. "One may call Bharat a superpower at that time, but it was not a superpower. It served the world. By its own character, it became Vishwaguru, not Mahashakti," he said. He added that the rise of India means "more united, more emancipated humanity.