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Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Need to reach out to every home, unite Hindus: RSS chief Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday exhorted its members to reach out to every family and work to unite all Hindus, asserting that the goal is to build a society that is free of inequalities like casteism and is aware of its responsibility towards the nation. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief, who arrived here on Saturday on a two-day visit, made the remarks while speaking to volunteers at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya School in Nawabganj. "We should have contact with every family in the 'shakha' area. "Work has to be done to unite all Hindus. There should be 'sanskar' (values) in every household and harmony in families so that the Sanatan tradition can be re-established in every home," he said. On Sunday, Bhagwat held four meetings with Sangh officials where the functioning of 'shakhas' and service work conducted among students were discussed along with other issues. Bhagwat said that the RSS "works for personality development. Personal development means realising one's responsibility towards the family as well as society, nation and the entire human race, i.e. the world". "We say that the world is a family. As the Sangh grew, it expanded its scope and expanded its work in various areas of social life through its workers," he said. "Today we are in the centenary year of the Sangh. On the basis of Panch Parivartan, an effort is being made to move towards a big change in the entire society -- a society that is aware of its responsibility towards the nation, a society that builds its lifestyle in accordance with the environment; "A society that is free from the inequality of casteism, where the entire society has equal rights on temples, water reservoirs, crematoriums," he said. Swayamsevaks are being trained in Kanpur from May 21, and the camp will conclude on June 10, RSS office bearers in Kanpur said. Dattatreya Hosabale, the general secretary of the RSS, has been in Kanpur for the past two days and is providing training to volunteers on building a "society that transcends caste barriers", they said.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Anguish Over Atrocities On Hindus In Bangladesh Unprecedented: RSS Chief
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Ahead of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ) centenary, Sarsanghchalak (chief) Dr Mohan Bhagwat termed recent atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh unprecedented and stressed that only a strong Hindu society can ensure dignity and safety for Hindus globally. In a detailed in-house conversation following the March 2025 Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Bhagwat the RSS chief shed light on the path the Sangh travelled over the last 100 years. Excerpts from the interview: Q: Hindus have been facing exploitation in neighbouring countries, with violence inflicted on them. Do global human rights defenders care? Someone will worry about Hindus only when Hindus are strong enough. A strong Hindu society can lead and include those in Bharat who don't identify as Hindus, but once were. If Bharat's Hindu society becomes strong, Hindus globally gain strength. This process is ongoing, though not complete. The anguish over atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh is unprecedented. Local Hindus now say: "We won't flee. We'll stay and fight for our rights." Wherever Hindus are, we'll do everything possible for them under international norms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Sangh exists for this. Swayamsevaks take oath to work for the development of Hindu Rashtra by protecting Dharma, sanskriti, and society. Q: What is the Sangh's vision regarding national security, military strength, and economic power? We must strive for strength. As we pray in daily prarthana: "Ajayyaṁ cha viśvasya dehīśa śaktim" (Grant us such a strength that globally we are invincible). True strength is internal. For national security, we must not depend on others. We must be able to defend ourselves, even if multiple powers unite. Brute power without righteousness leads to violence. We must seek both virtues and strength for protecting the good and destroying the wicked. We don't seek domination in world trade. Seeing evil on our borders, we have no option but to be powerful. Q: Despite rapid expansion, how has the Sangh ensured quality in swayamsevak training and work? Quantitative and qualitative growth must go hand in hand. We develop individuals based on their temperament and help them integrate into collective work. There's flexibility, but also a clear path of transformation. There's a story from our early years. A new karyakarta from a socialist background, who was a chain-smoker, joined a training camp where even betel nuts weren't allowed. He was clearly uncomfortable. At night, organising secretary took him out for a walk and allowed him to smoke outside the premises. That same person eventually became a dedicated karyakarta and later quit smoking. This kind of affectionate transformation is key to our strength. We accept people as they are and help them grow into what they can become. Q: How does the Sangh approach change while remaining rooted in Hedgewar and Guruji's ideology? The core thoughts of Dr Hedgewar, MS Golwalkar (Guruji), and Balasaheb (Deoras) are deeply rooted in our eternal culture. But our functioning evolves with time. There is no room in the Sangh for personality-driven blind imitation or rigid scripture-bound rules. We may take inspiration and follow the direction given by great personalities, but in every desh-kaal-paristhiti (time and situation), we must carve our own path. What is eternal remains unchanged. For example, as Balasaheb said, "Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra." Apart from this, everything else in the Sangh is transient. The entire Hindu society is the custodian of this nation. The nature and sanskriti of this country is Hindu. Therefore, this is a Hindu Rashtra. "Hindu" is defined broadly to preserve fundamentals and adapt as needed. There is room for disagreement within the Sangh. Once consensus is built, all members work in unity, setting aside individual views. Q: With societal changes, is the shakha model still relevant? Absolutely. The external format may evolve, but the core idea of shakha — coming together daily to reaffirm our commitment to Bharat Mata's paramvaibhav (supreme glory) — is irreplaceable. Ordinary individuals achieve extraordinary things when they're part of a collective. The environment of a shakha builds virtues through proximity and example. People are more influenced by peers than distant icons. Every decade we reflect on alternatives to shakha. I've attended 6–7 such discussions. So far, no viable replacement has been found. In fact, even people from advanced countries are studying our shakha model. Q: How is Sangh's work expanding in Vanavasi (tribal) areas? Our primary aim in the forest areas is to empower tribal people and serve Janjatiya communities from within. Shakhas are expanding in tribal regions, including the Northeast. We're also working to revive awareness about their traditions, icons, and contributions to the freedom movement. Q: How does the Sangh promote inclusivity amid Bharat's diversity? Visit any shakha — you'll see people from all regions, languages, and backgrounds working together joyfully. Sangh songs exist in many languages. Q: The Sangh talks and works for samarasta (social harmony), but some people speak for equality. How do you differentiate the two? Equality is economic and political; we strive for social equality. Equality without freedom brings restrictions and if it has to be sustainable, then the basis of fraternity is inevitable. This sense of Brotherhood is samarasta. Laws can't erase casteism from the mind. Samarasta is the conviction that all are ours. Even if we differ, we belong to each other. Q: The Sangh often faces questions about women's participation. What is your response? In 1933, it was decided that the work of personality development and social organisation among women would be done by Rashtra Sevika Samiti. It continues to function effectively. Whenever Samiti expects Sangh to work among women (for the shakha work), then only we will think about it. RSS shakha format is designed for men, but women observe and attend freely. Women work with swayamsevaks in various organisations, have representation in Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha. Women will empower themselves; we support their transformation. As the RSS approaches its centenary on Vijayadashami 2025, its core mission — protecting dharma, fostering unity, and building a strong Bharat — remains steadfast.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hindu Society Must Awaken Now: RSS at 100, Bhagwat Calls for a Dharmic Future
Nagpur: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ) approaches its 100th anniversary on Vijayadashami this year, the organisation stands as a unique, nationwide force rooted in the ideals of dharma, culture, and national unity. In the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), held from March 21–23, and just before the launch of Operation Sindoor, RSS chief Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat sat down for an in-depth, in-house conversation. A part of the interview is reproduced here. Q: As a Swayamsevak and the Sarsanghchalak, how do you view this 100-year journey of the Sangh? Dr Hedgewar initiated this mission with deep thought and clarity. The challenges before the nation were assessed, and through experience and experimentation, a suitable course of action was developed — one that proved effective. By 1950, there was growing confidence in the Sangh's methods, and it was clear the work could move forward despite all obstacles. What followed was a nationwide expansion and the integration of Swayamsevaks into various walks of life. Over the next four decades, their character, actions, and spirit of belonging earned the trust of society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo After the 1990s, it became evident that the country could be governed with these very values. The next step is ensuring that this spirit spreads across society — sincerely, selflessly, and in unity — to elevate Bharat to its highest potential. Q: What were the major milestones in this 100-year journey? Initially, the Sangh had nothing. There was no recognition of its ideology or availability of means of propagation. There was nothing except neglect and opposition in society, not even Karyakartas. If you fed this data into a computer, it would predict a premature death for this entity. Yet, it endured. During Partition, the RSS played a vital role in protecting Hindus. It survived a govt ban and emerged stronger by 1950. The Emergency of 1975 became a turning point when the Sangh's constructive role in restoring democracy made society realise its strength. Later, through movements like the Ekatmata Rath Yatra, Kashmir-related awareness campaigns, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan, and Vivekananda Sardhshati (150th birth anniversary), along with large-scale Sewa (service) work, the Sangh's credibility spread across all layers of society. Q: In the Sangh's centenary year, what is the aim of 'Panch Parivartan' (Five Transformations), and how will it be put into action? 'Panch Parivartan' is the Sangh's centenary vision for deep-rooted societal change through everyday behaviour. It's not about symbolic gestures but reshaping mindsets and habits at the grass roots. The goal is to build a society anchored in unity, discipline, and cultural identity — led by individuals who live these values, not just speak of them. Samajik Samarasta (Social Harmony) stresses genuine inclusivity. Unity must be lived — temples, cremation grounds, and public resources should be equally accessible to all. Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment) Relief for the world lies in our traditional values, found in family customs and national practices. Family enlightenment means reflecting together, agreeing, and living these values. The family must be re-established as a global model rooted in sanskaras (values). Paryavaran (Environmental Awareness) focuses on daily habits: saving water, cutting single-use plastic, and planting trees. Swa (Selfhood) Conduct must reflect national selfhood — living our traditions at home in food, dress, language, and worship. Use Swadeshi products until self-reliance is complete. Trade globally, but on our terms, not under pressure. This is true self-based living. Lastly, Civic Duties underline the importance of lawfulness, constitutional respect, and public decency. Swayamsevaks will lead by example, spreading these changes through Shakhas. When practised consistently, these transformations aim to build a more harmonious, self-aware, and responsible society. Q: What is the resolve for the next 25 years? The aim is to unite the entire Hindu community and build a strong, self-reliant nation. But the vision goes beyond national boundaries. Since the time of Dr Hedgewar, the goal has also been to shape a world guided by dharmic values. As early as 1920, he urged the Indian National Congress to declare that complete independence for India also meant working to liberate the world from the grip of capitalism. This broader mission — to uplift humanity through an Indian worldview — has been part of the Sangh's thinking from the very beginning. Q: The Sangh turns 100 and Bharat will mark 100 years of independence in 2047. How will Bharat become a Vishwaguru, and how should we respond to those trying to divide society? The Sangh's process already counters these threats. We've moved forward by confronting self-oblivion, selfishness, and divisiveness. Today, we have society's trust. If we continue working with unity and dedication, the impact will be far greater than the sum of individual efforts. If we stay organised and dedicated, what is usually '1 + 1 = 2' will become '1 + 1 = 11'. A strong, united Bharat will set an example that the world will follow. In fact, a senior Karyakarta said in 1992 that the world would form its own versions of RSS. After 2047, this global transformation will begin and it won't take a century, just 20–30 years. Q: What is your final message to well-wishers, thinkers, and the Hindu society in this centenary year? The Hindu society must awaken now. Leave behind selfishness and divisions. Live a personal, family, social, and professional life rooted in Dharma and Hindutva. That alone will lead to a self-reliant, righteous, and powerful Bharat. The world is waiting for a new path and Bharat, which means Hindu society, has to provide it as a divine duty. We've had agricultural, industrial, and scientific revolutions. Now, we need a Dharmic revolution — I am not talking about religion, but based on human life has to be reorganised based on Truth, Purity, Compassion, and Austerity. Sangh's work must be understood as a divine responsibility. Let us rise above 'me and mine' and live together as an example for the world to follow.
