Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has clarified the organization’s stance on inclusivity, stating that Muslims, Christians, and individuals of all faiths are welcome to join the Sangh, provided they identify as ‘children of Bharat Mata’ and part of the broader Hindu society. Addressing a lecture series in Bengaluru, Bhagwat emphasized that the RSS is built on unity, transcending caste and creed.
Initially stating that ‘only Hindus are allowed’ and that no specific caste or religion is permitted, Bhagwat quickly elaborated. He explained that while the Sangh’s core ideology is Hindu, individuals from other denominations can participate as long as they set aside their distinct religious identities. He asserted that the organization’s doors have never been exclusionary, with people from various backgrounds attending ‘Shakhas’ (RSS gatherings) without their affiliations being counted or questioned.
Bhagwat also addressed the Sangh’s historical and legal standing. He questioned the expectation of registration with the British government and highlighted that the organization’s multiple bans, each later overturned by courts, affirmed its legal existence. He maintained that the RSS operates within the Indian Constitution and does not require registration, drawing parallels to the un-registered status of Hinduism itself.
The RSS leader outlined the organization’s ultimate goal: to unite and strengthen Hindu society to foster a prosperous India capable of sharing its ‘dharma knowledge’ globally. He reiterated the Sangh’s unwavering respect for the Indian national flag, the ‘Tiranga Dhwaj,’ asserting its primacy over any other symbol.
For Bhagwat, the essence of RSS unity lies not in formal membership or religious labels, but in a shared dedication to the nation and the recognition of a common familial bond among all who consider India their motherland.
