Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has articulated a clear yet nuanced position on the organization’s inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all faiths, including Muslims and Christians, under a unifying umbrella of national identity. During a two-day lecture series in Bengaluru, Bhagwat stated that the Sangh embraces all who consider themselves ‘children of Bharat Mata’ and part of the broader Hindu society.
Bhagwat initially caused a stir by stating that ‘only Hindus are allowed.’ He then clarified that this pertains to the core ethos, but individuals of any faith, including Muslims and Christians, can join the ‘Shakhas’ (gatherings) provided they do not bring their religious distinctions into the Sangh’s activities. He emphasized that the organization prioritizes a shared sense of belonging and collective purpose over individual religious affiliations.
The RSS leader also tackled the organization’s legal standing, explaining its historical development and its consistent operation within constitutional boundaries. He noted the irony of the Sangh being banned multiple times by governments, arguing this implicitly validated its existence and subsequent judicial reviews confirmed its legal status. Bhagwat stressed that like many established cultural and religious practices, the RSS does not require formal registration to function legally or constitutionally.
The long-term vision articulated by Bhagwat centers on uniting and strengthening the Hindu community to build a strong and prosperous India. This envisioned India would then be positioned to share its ancient knowledge of ‘dharma’ with the global community. He reaffirmed the Sangh’s absolute loyalty and respect for the Indian national flag, the ‘Tiranga,’ stating it is the sole national symbol that matters.
Bhagwat concluded by defining the Sangh’s unifying principle as a shared commitment to the nation and the idea that all citizens are part of one large family, bound by their love for India as their motherland.
