Nagpur, Oct 22 (IANS): RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said there is an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm in the country after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office and that "unity in diversity in India's strength".

"India's image in the world has improved. The situation in India has improved. There was an environment of disappointment two years ago, but now there is an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm," Bhagwat said here.

He praised Modi's initiatives such as "Jhan Dhan Yojana", and said that no one raised the topic of sustainable governance until two years ago.

In his annual Dussehra address to Swayamasevaks, he also urged people to remain united.

"The core principle of making India a stronger nation is to ensure unity," the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of Modi's BJP, said.

"We need unified rule for India's benefit. Unity in diversity in India's strength."

Senior Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders such as union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were among those present at the event.

Bhagwat said: "There is an idea of new India emerging in the world. We come forth to help, whenever there is a crisis in the any part of world."

"Society, government and administration must work together to bring a continual change in the country," he added.