“India Undivided and Hindu Nation”: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

• RSS chief says “India is undivided, Hindu nation is a fact of life”
• Calls for unity across faiths, removing mistrust between Hindus and Muslims
• Stresses balanced population growth, opposes forced conversion and infiltration

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Aug: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat declared that “India is undivided and Hindu Rashtra is a fact of life”, as he addressed the concluding session of the three-day lecture series ‘100 Years of RSS Journey – New Horizons’ marking the organisation’s centenary year.

Bhagwat emphasised that India’s unity rests not merely on politics but on shared ancestors, culture, and motherland. “When this feeling awakens, society will remain peaceful and prosperous,” he said, rejecting the perception that the RSS stands opposed to any community. He urged Muslims to shed fears that cooperation with Hindus would dilute their faith, adding, “We may worship differently, but our identity is one.”

On National Unity and Social Movements

Tracing the RSS’s role in India’s freedom struggle and social causes, Bhagwat said the organisation never raises a separate banner during movements. Instead, volunteers are free to join wherever good work happens. He underlined that the RSS has no subordinate institutions; all affiliated bodies are independent and self-reliant. Disagreements, he explained, are part of truth-seeking, but never personal animosity.

On Demography, Population, and Conversion

The RSS chief highlighted the need for population balance, noting that stability comes at a fertility rate of 2.1. He cautioned against demographic changes caused by forced conversions and illegal infiltration, warning of their long-term consequences. “Intent matters more than numbers,” he stressed, adding that infiltration must be stopped to secure opportunities for citizens.

On Reservation and Caste Discrimination

Bhagwat reiterated RSS’s support for constitutionally mandated reservations, calling them an issue of “sensitivity, not logic.” He said, “Where there has been injustice, there must be corrective measures.” Quoting past Hindu leaders, he clarified that untouchability and caste-based discrimination have no place in Hindu dharma.

On Culture, Education, and Youth

Calling for dignity of labour, Bhagwat encouraged youth to become job creators rather than seekers. He said society must restore respect for all forms of work to ease job pressure. On education, he emphasised that it must go beyond information, cultivating values and character across all institutions — be it schools, madrasas, or missionary centres.

He further stated that “all Indian languages are national” but there must be a common working language that is not foreign. Every citizen should know their mother tongue, state language, and a shared language of communication, he said.

On Hindu Identity and National Icons

Bhagwat asserted that Hindu and Indian identities are synonymous. “We may follow Islam or Christianity, but we are neither Arabs nor Europeans,” he said, urging religious leaders to instil this truth in their followers. He also argued that places should not be named after invaders but after inspiring Indian figures like Abdul Hamid, Ashfaqullah Khan, and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

On RSS and Non-violence

Dismissing allegations of violence, Bhagwat said, “If the RSS were violent, it could not have reached 75,000 locations.” He called attention to the organisation’s service activities carried out without discrimination.

On Women’s Role and Temples

Highlighting women’s leadership, Bhagwat cited the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and several RSS-inspired organisations led by women since 1936. On temples, he said they should ideally be managed by devotees, but with a proper system in place to ensure worship, funds, and devotees’ interests are safeguarded.

On Flexibility and Core Principles

The RSS, he said, is adaptable and changeable in all respects except three: “character-building of individuals, uniting society, and the belief that India is a Hindu nation.” These, he declared, are non-negotiable.

On Kashi and Mathura

Bhagwat clarified that while the RSS actively supported the Ram Mandir movement, it will not directly participate in other movements. Yet, he acknowledged the natural emotional significance of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura for Hindus, calling it a matter of cultural sentiment.

On Foreign Funding and Conversions

He called for scrutiny of foreign funds, warning against their misuse in religious conversions. “Funds for service are welcome, but if they are used for conversion, it must be stopped,” he said, adding that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure accountability.

In his concluding remarks, Bhagwat reaffirmed that India’s destiny as a Hindu Rashtra does not need any official declaration. “Our sages and seers have already proclaimed it. Accepting it benefits you, denying it harms you — it is a truth beyond debate.”