In a significant address, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has opened the door for people of all faiths, including Muslims and Christians, to be part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Speaking at a Bengaluru event marking ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey,’ Bhagwat stated that the core requirement for joining the organization is a sense of belonging to ‘Bharat Mata’ and the wider Hindu society, irrespective of one’s religious denomination.
Bhagwat’s remarks began with a seemingly exclusive statement, indicating that ‘only Hindus are allowed.’ However, he swiftly clarified this by explaining that while the foundation is Hindu society, individuals of Muslim or Christian faith are welcome. The crucial condition is that they must participate while setting aside their religious separateness. He illustrated this by noting that people from diverse backgrounds attend RSS ‘Shakhas’ without their specific religious or caste identities being a barrier or a point of inquiry.
Addressing historical concerns, Bhagwat defended the Sangh’s non-registration during the British era, humorously suggesting registration would have been nonsensical. He pointed to the organization’s repeated bans and subsequent legal vindication as proof of its established presence and legality. Bhagwat asserted that the RSS functions constitutionally and requires no formal registration, comparing it to the unregistered nature of Hinduism.
The overarching mission of the Sangh, according to Bhagwat, is to cultivate an organized and robust Hindu society. This, he believes, will lead to a prosperous India that can contribute its spiritual wisdom to the world. He also emphasized the Sangh’s commitment to the Indian national flag, stating that the ‘Tiranga’ is paramount and respected above all other symbols.
Ultimately, Bhagwat defined RSS unity as a collective commitment to the nation, fostering a sense of shared identity as children of Mother India, rather than adherence to specific religious or communal lines.