RSS turns 100: Mohan Bhagwat clarifies 'Hindu rashtra' has no relation with power, Hindus feel responsible for country

In a special lecture series to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised that the organisation’s purpose has always been rooted in service, inclusivity and strengthening the individual for the nation’s progress.

He underlined that when the Sangh was formed in 1925, the founder K.B. Hedgewar said it was for Hindus. Bhagwat explained what the term meant and how it did not denote exclusion. “Hindus are those who feel responsible for the country,” he said, elaborating that the term Hindu was civilisational, not religious. “Iran called those from Sindhu as Hindus, and the term evolved. Whatever route you follow, follow it without forcing others or humiliating them. Do not fight over routes (to reach God). Whoever follows this ethos is Hindu. This is the spirit of Bharatvarsh.”

He paid tribute to Hedgewar, describing him as “a born patriot” who had participated in all four streams of the freedom struggle before establishing the RSS in 1925. “Leaders, policies and parties are only supportive; the real work is the transformation of society for national upliftment. That was Dr Hedgewar’s vision,” Bhagwat noted.

Bhagwat began his three-day lecture series in Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan. He has returned to the same venue after seven years. In 2018, he had held a similar lecture series to explain about the Sangh, its philosophy and way forward. During the first day of the present series, the event was attended by politicians, including those from the BJP, its allies, intellectuals, writers, media persons, diplomats, and former defence officers among others. The lectures are keenly watched for its content and Bhagwat’s articulation of key concepts and how RSS, which influences the Hindutva thought and like-minded organisations in the country, is evolving or nuancing its stance on the key issues, be it political, societal or religious.

On the first day, he spent considerable time explaining the origins of RSS and what it denotes, especially in the context of Hindus and Hindu Rashtra. Calling for unity, the RSS chief stressed that “our natural duty is coordination, not conflict". Those who carry the tradition of walking together are Hindus. For 40,000 years, the DNA of the people of Bharat, living in Akhand Bharat, is the same. Our culture and worldview are of living in coordination.”

On the contentious debate over Hindu Rashtra, Bhagwat said: “There is controversy when we speak of Hindu Rashtra because it is translated as 'Hindu nation'. This is a Western concept that adds ‘state’ to ‘nation’. But Hindu Rashtra has nothing to do with power. It does not exclude anyone. Justice is ensured for all without any discrimination.”

Bhagwat stressed that the Sangh has not emerged in opposition to anyone. “Guruji [M.S. Golwalkar] had said that even if Muslims and Christians do not live in a village, the Sangh’s shakha is for service, not for harming anyone.” He also underlined that the Sangh does not control its swayamsevaks. “Good work is their credit, but we share the blame. We don’t control them, not even remotely,” he said.

Bhagwat reminded the audience that the Sangh has often faced opposition but remained steadfast in its principles. “The Sangh is not only for Hindus; it is rooted in the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. We are self-sufficient and not dependent on men, money or ammunition,” he added.

He further emphasised that the Sangh is unique. “It is the only organisation involved in shaping the individual. There is no other like it. Our ethos is to take everyone along despite matbhed (differences of opinion); there should never be manbhed (personal animosity),” Bhagwat said.