Even if multiple powers come together, they can't conquer India: RSS chief
At a time when language has become a bone of contention between the States and the Centre, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that it is the Sangh that provides a 'thread to put all diversities in one garland of unity'.
Speaking on national security, Mr. Bhagwat added that India should become so powerful that even if multiple powers come together, they cannot conquer us.
To a question during an interview with the Organiser, an RSS-backed magazine, on how the Sangh promoted inclusivity given India's linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, Mr. Bhagwat stressed that every worker in Sangh works for uplift of the nation, irrespective of his religion and language.
'Come and see yourself, people speaking all languages, and from all sections and backgrounds work together in the Sangh with great joy. The Sangh's songs are not only in Hindi but in multiple languages..... While retaining the unique identity, everyone is working by upholding the sense of one nationhood and unity and integrity of the nation. This is the Sangh – which provides a thread to put all diversities in one garland of unity,' he added.
Tribal outreach
Sharing the pace of the Sangh's work in areas inhabited by tribal communities, Mr. Bhagwat said the RSS feels that leadership should emerge from within the 'Janjatiya' (Scheduled Tribes) — leaders who care for their own people and see themselves as an integral part of the nation. RSS shakhas (wings) are expanding across tribal regions of India, including the north-eastern parts, he added.
Sharing the RSS's vision regarding national security, military strength, and economic power of India, Mr. Bhagwat said the country must strive for strength.
'Our daily prayer says 'grant us such strength that globally we are invincible'. We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us — not even if multiple powers come together. There are evil forces in the world who are aggressive by nature. A virtuous person is not safe just because of his virtues; hence, virtues should be combined with strength,' he said.
He added that brute power can be directionless, leading to blatant violence; hence power should be combined with righteousness. When no option is available, then wickedness should be eradicated forcefully. 'We have no option but to be powerful as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders,' he said.
Mr. Bhagwat's remarks came after the recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan, following Operation Sindoor that was launched by the Centre post the terror attack in Pahalgam. The magazine, however, clarified that the interaction with the RSS chief took place before the Pahalgam attack.
Commenting on the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Mr. Bhagwat said others will worry about the Hindus only when the community is strong enough. 'The way anguish against the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh has been expressed this time – it is unprecedented. Even local Hindus now say that they won't flee and will fight for their rights. Now, the internal strength of the Hindu society is increasing,' he said.
Women's participation
On the question of women's participation in the RSS, Mr. Bhagwat spoke about the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the women wing of the RSS. Women even attend the Sangh shakhas of men. They also actively participate in the meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (national council – the highest decision-making body of the Sangh).
'We believe that women's upliftment is not dependent on men; they will do it themselves. Women will empower themselves and it will automatically empower everyone. Hence, we give emphasis on supporting them for what they think is necessary for their transformation,' he added.
Speaking on the RSS's vision of a Hindu Rashtra, Mr. Bhagwat quoted Balasaheb Deoras (the third RSS chief) who once said that 'Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra'. 'The entire Hindu society is the custodian of this nation. The nature and culture of this country is Hindu,' he said.
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