- No Parliamentary Approval Needed
- RSS Rejects Anti-Muslim Label
- Cultural Identity Emphasised
Article Today, Kolkata:
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday asserted that India is inherently a Hindu nation, rooted in its civilisational ethos. Addressing a gathering in Kolkata, he said Hinduism represents a way of life that has shaped the country’s cultural identity for centuries. He urged citizens to understand the nation beyond political frameworks and recognise its deeper historical foundations.
Beyond Constitutional Definitions
Drawing a metaphor, Mr. Bhagwat said that just as sunrise does not require constitutional sanction, India’s Hindu character does not depend on parliamentary approval. He described this identity as an enduring truth rather than a contemporary political decision. According to him, laws or resolutions cannot alter a reality that has evolved organically over generations.
Inclusiveness Highlighted
However, the RSS chief rejected claims that the organisation is opposed to Muslims or other minorities. He said such perceptions stem from misinformation and selective narratives. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he maintained, works transparently and is open to scrutiny by anyone willing to observe its activities firsthand. He added that patriotism and respect for Indian culture, not religious identity, define belonging.
Beyond Constitutional Definitions
Drawing a metaphor, Mr. Bhagwat said that just as sunrise does not require constitutional sanction, India’s Hindu character does not depend on parliamentary approval. He described this identity as an enduring truth rather than a contemporary political decision. According to him, laws or resolutions cannot alter a reality that has evolved organically over generations.
Inclusiveness Highlighted
However, the RSS chief rejected claims that the organisation is opposed to Muslims or other minorities. He said such perceptions stem from misinformation and selective narratives. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he maintained, works transparently and is open to scrutiny by anyone willing to observe its activities firsthand. He added that patriotism and respect for Indian culture, not religious identity, define belonging.
Caste Discrimination Rejected
Meanwhile, Mr. Bhagwat clarified that Hinduism does not endorse caste-based discrimination. He said birth-based inequality has no place in the Hindu worldview. In addition, he stressed that social harmony and equality are central to the organisation’s philosophy. Attempts to portray Hinduism as divisive, he argued, distort its core values.
Focus on Social Harmony
The RSS chief further stated that narratives driven by hostility are often aimed at weakening social cohesion. Therefore, he said, the organisation remains committed to fostering a society free from hatred. National progress, he added, depends on unity and mutual respect among citizens.
Call for Mother Tongues
In conclusion, Mr. Bhagwat called for greater use of Indian languages in daily life. He noted that excessive reliance on foreign languages weakens cultural self-confidence. Respecting one’s mother tongue, he said, is integral to preserving heritage and strengthening national identity.
