Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is a qualified veterinarian by education. His academic journey began at Lokmanya Tilak Vidyalaya in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, and led him to Government Veterinary College, Nagpur, where he earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) degree.

However, instead of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, Bhagwat chose the path of public service and eventually rose to become the sixth Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the RSS.

Born on September 11, 1950, in Chandrapur, Bhagwat completed his schooling at Lokmanya Tilak Vidyalaya. He later enrolled at Janata College, Chandrapur, where he completed the first year of his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) course before shifting to veterinary studies.

Bhagwat then joined Government Veterinary College, Nagpur, where he completed his B.V.Sc. & A.H. degree, qualifying as a veterinarian.

He subsequently enrolled in a postgraduate course in veterinary science at a college in Akola. However, during the Emergency in 1975, he left his studies to become a full-time pracharak (worker) of the RSS.

Over the next three decades, Bhagwat held several organisational responsibilities within the RSS, including roles at the district, state and national levels. In March 2009, he succeeded K. S. Sudarshan to become the organisation’s sixth Sarsanghchalak, a position he continues to hold.

Although Bhagwat never practised as a veterinarian, his association with the field has continued. In 2017, the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree on him. The university said the honour recognised his contributions to veterinary sciences, conservation of indigenous cattle breeds, promotion of organic farming, and social work.

Today, Mohan Bhagwat is one of the country’s most influential socio-cultural leaders.