> On the charge that RSS will disrupt communal harmony
Our activities have nothing to do with politics. The growth of the Sangh, its activities is a natural progression. What you are seeing in Punjab is part of a continuous effort. Our activities are aimed at strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation, not divide it.
> On Sikh objection to the RSS, Sikh Sangat
This is because their understanding of ‘dharm’ is limited to religion, whereas the Sangh uses it in a wider context. We say Sikhs are part of a larger Hindu culture. We are separate members of the same family… this does not mean that Sikh religious identity should be subsumed in Hinduism. Sikh religion is separate.
> On the RSS show of strength on Dussehra
Shastra puja is organised as part of Vijay Dashmi celebrations in RSS shakhas across the country. The marches you are referring to were organised by over-enthusiastic volunteers, nothing more should be read into it. When Nihangs take out processions in Punjab with their weapons, no one objects.
> On RSS aligning with deras to reach out to underprivileged Sikhs
Our association with deras, other social institutions is as part of our ‘sampark’ programme… we sometimes invite their heads to preside over our functions.
> On RSS wooing Dalit Sikhs via social welfare schemes
The Sangh does not recognise caste. For us, everyone is the same. Our shakhas and camps are visible demonstrations of this. Yes, we run more than 500 social welfare schemes in Punjab. There are sanskar kendras, schools, stitching classes and much more.
> On Sikh Sangat becoming active in Punjab
The Sikh Sangat was formed in 1986 to counter the anti-Sikh sentiment after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. In 1999, the Sikh Sangat and RSS participated in the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa Panth by taking out a sant march from Patna to Anandpur Sahib. A 400-strong RSS band was there, so were 2,000 volunteers. Sangat president Gurcharan Singh Gill has fought several cases of human rights violations against Sikhs. Some fear that the Sangat might contest SGPC elections. We have no such intentions, these fears are baseless.
