3 min readKolkataFeb 17, 2025 07:49 AM IST
First published on: Feb 16, 2025 at 03:26 PM IST
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat Sunday addressed a conference of RSS volunteers in Bardhaman in West Bengal, where he emphasised the importance of Hindu unity and the need to embrace diversity.
“Hinduism progresses by accepting the world’s diversity, understanding that unity exists within diversity,” said Bhagwat, adding that the “selfless work of over 1,30,000 RSS volunteers without financial compensation nationwide contributes to India’s progress”.
“That’s why we are saying we are not doing this to be successful; we are doing this to make a meaningful contribution to the progress of India. The Sangh has simply given values, thoughts and inspiration,” he said.
The public meeting was held after the approval of the Calcutta High Court. Earlier, the West Bengal Police had not permitted to hold it.
He used the example of Lord Ram to illustrate the importance of sacrifice and dedication to duty. “Here, no one remembers the kings, but they remember the king who spent 14 years in exile for his father, who gave the kingdom to his brother,” he said.
Bhagwat criticised past invasions and the notion that India was created by the British, asserting that the country’s foundation predates British rule. “The attacks that started from the time of Alexander continued to happen; a handful of barbarians came; they were not superior to us, but they ruled over us. This happens again and again. This is not a country built by the British. In one of Gandhiji’s books, a young man asks what India will be like. The British have taught you that India is not one.”
He urged RSS volunteers to broaden their influence and collaborate to reinforce their shared ideology. “Hindus are those who embody India’s characteristics and keep its diverse population united. RSS aims to organise Hindu society because it constitutes the responsible core of the nation,” he said.
Bhagwat stated that certain groups could not coexist with India’s diversity, which led to the creation of a separate country. Hindus embrace global diversity, acknowledging that this diversity is what creates unity, he said.
Bhagwat said the RSS would not participate in any actions that could cause harm to others. He called on Hindu society to unite and organise, stressing the importance of being prepared to face challenges of any kind.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (Express file photo by Arul Horizon) 
Share
