In his address to RSS workers in Bihar, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that all people living in India are considered Hindus by definition, and the country’s diversity has thrived due to its cultural ethos. According to Bhagwat, anyone who agrees to sing Sanskrit verses in praise of Bharat Mata and is dedicated to preserving the country’s culture is considered a Hindu. He also stated that the mammoth organization of RSS will become obsolete if all citizens adopt the spirit of selfless service exhibited by the Swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers).
Bhagwat emphasized that living in Hindusthan makes everyone a Hindu, regardless of other identities, as they have been made possible because of the Hindu ethos of acceptance. He also stated that Hindutva is the name for the centuries-old culture from which all diverse streams owe their origin. Bhagwat pointed out that different branches may seem opposed to each other, but they all trace their beginning to the same source.
The RSS chief highlighted values such as seeing oneself in others, viewing women as mothers, and not coveting others’ wealth as defining the Hindu ethos. He emphasized that Hindutva is a binding force, and all those who believe themselves to be Hindus are Hindus, including those whose ancestors happened to be Hindus.
Bhagwat stated that the mission of the RSS is to regain the lost glory of the country, which was the “Vishwaguru” (world teacher) in ancient times. He also mentioned that the organization seeks to create a conducive social atmosphere to build a great nation. Bhagwat emphasized that the RSS volunteers spend just an hour at the shakhas, while the remaining 23 hours of the day are spent rendering selfless social service without accepting government aid.
According to Bhagwat, the swayamsevaks are seen in action whenever there is any calamity, natural or otherwise, and they do not seek anything in return, not even adulation. He also mentioned that the RSS came into being because society at large did not seem to be conscious enough of its responsibilities.
In conclusion, Bhagwat added that if all people take to selfless service, then there will be no need for people to wear the RSS badge, as every citizen will be deemed to be a swayamsevak in their own right.
