Hindutva Does Not Envisage India Without Muslims, Says RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in New York
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat stated that Hindutva does not envisage an India without Muslims, asserting that anyone who believes Muslims have no place in the country cannot be considered a Hindu. He made these remarks while addressing the ‘One World, One Humanity’ faith leaders’ conference held in New York City.
What Happened
During an interactive session with leaders representing diverse faiths and communities in New York, Mohan Bhagwat recounted past interactions where Muslim leaders questioned him regarding the RSS concept of a “Hindu Rashtra” and whether it meant Muslims would be expelled from the nation. Bhagwat clarified that excluding Muslims contradicts the essence of Hindutva.
He noted that India has a longstanding tradition of offering refuge and shelter to individuals regardless of their faith. He stated that despite diverse religious paths, humanity remains united, a principle he noted is reflected both in traditional Indian philosophical thought and in the Constitution.
Key Highlights
- View on Inclusivity: Bhagwat stated that Hindutva includes Muslims and affirmed that anyone believing Muslims should not reside in Bharat ceases to be a Hindu.
- Shift Toward Dialogue: The RSS chief stated that the organisation broadened its formal dialogue with Muslim and Christian communities in Bharat starting after 2018.
- Relief and Service Works: Bhagwat cited approximately 1.3 lakh community service initiatives managed by RSS volunteers, noting that service is conducted without religious discrimination.
- Reference to Aircraft Collision: He recalled RSS volunteers assisting with victim identification and funeral arrangements following a mid-air aircraft collision in Dadri, Haryana, involving planes from Muslim-majority countries.
- Perspective on Politics: Bhagwat observed that politics has turned into a pursuit of self-interest, asserting that lasting societal progress requires community initiatives, selfless service, and dialogue rather than political solutions alone.
- Spiritual Reference: He invoked the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, noting his practice of multiple faiths, including Islam and Christianity, to demonstrate that different beliefs lead toward the same destination.
Why This Matters
The statements provide direct insight into how the leadership of the RSS defines the ideology of Hindutva before international and interfaith audiences. By emphasizing interfaith dialogue, the constitutional spirit of human unity, and humanitarian relief, Bhagwat sought to address longstanding questions regarding the status of minority communities in the RSS’s vision for India.
What to Watch Next
Observers will monitor ongoing interfaith outreach and dialogue between RSS representatives, Muslim leaders, and Christian communities in India, following the engagement approach highlighted by the organisation’s leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event did Mohan Bhagwat attend in New York?
He addressed community and religious representatives at the ‘One World, One Humanity’ faith leaders’ conference.
What did Mohan Bhagwat say regarding the place of Muslims in India?
He asserted that Hindutva does not imagine India without Muslims, stating that any Hindu who believes Muslims should have no place in the country ceases to be a Hindu.
When did the RSS expand dialogues with minority communities according to Bhagwat?
Bhagwat noted that the RSS began engaging more extensively in dialogue with Christian and Muslim groups in Bharat after 2018.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.