During a recent appearance in Toronto, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the concept of India's role on the international stage. Bhagwat explicitly distinguished between two terms: 'Vishwaguru' (world teacher or guide) and 'Mahashakti' (superpower). He argued that India should aspire to the former, suggesting that the nation's influence should be rooted in moral and humanitarian leadership rather than the traditional geopolitical dominance associated with the term 'superpower.'

To support his vision, Bhagwat pointed to both historical precedents and modern-day examples where India has provided assistance during international crises. By highlighting these instances, he framed India’s potential global contribution as one centered on service and guidance. The speech aimed to redefine how the Indian diaspora and the international community perceive the country's rising influence, moving the conversation away from military or economic hegemony toward a model of soft power and cultural mentorship.

While the address focused on the philosophical underpinnings of India's global identity, it also served to reinforce the RSS's long-standing ideological stance on India’s cultural heritage. Bhagwat’s comments suggest a strategic preference for a leadership role that emphasizes values and humanitarian aid over the competitive, power-centric dynamics often associated with global superpowers. The event in Toronto provided a platform for the RSS leader to articulate this vision to an international audience, emphasizing that India's path to global prominence is distinct from the power-projection models seen in other major nations.