Mumbai, February 8: Mohan Bhagwat, the Chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), spoke on several critical topics related to society, politics, language, caste, and nation during the second day of the ‘Mumbai Lecture Series.’ The event, themed ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons,’ highlighted that positions within the RSS are based on merit, not caste.
Bhagwat emphasized that the position of the Chief is not reserved for any specific caste. He stated that being from a Scheduled Caste or Tribe is not a barrier, nor is being a Brahmin considered an additional qualification. While he acknowledged that the early days of the RSS saw a higher number of Brahmins, he affirmed that the organization now works equally for all castes.
Addressing the perception that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an RSS product, Bhagwat clarified that Modi is the Prime Minister of India and leads the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is distinct from the RSS. He noted that while there may be RSS volunteers within the BJP, the two entities are separate.
Discussing the nation and society, Bhagwat remarked that India is an ancient civilization. He believes that if India becomes great, the world will follow suit. He urged that the conduct of people born on this land should inspire others to learn life values from them. A united and principled society is essential for a capable and prosperous nation, where no one is left behind.
On the issue of language, the RSS chief asserted that India has its own identity. He made it clear that English will not be part of the RSS’s operational framework, as it is not an Indian language. However, he acknowledged the necessity of English in certain contexts. The RSS does not oppose any language but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one’s mother tongue and Hindi.
Addressing misconceptions about the RSS, Bhagwat stated that confusion is natural in new endeavors and can sometimes be spread intentionally. This has happened with the RSS as well, but he believes that once the truth is revealed, confusion dissipates. The RSS is now sharing more information and conducting outreach programs to inform people about its work.
Regarding funding, Bhagwat explained that the RSS operates through the support of its volunteers. During travels, workers prefer to stay at volunteers’ homes rather than hotels and share meals with them.
On the topics of conversion and ‘ghar wapsi’ (homecoming), Bhagwat asserted that all religious beliefs should be respected, but forced conversions are wrong. In such cases, individuals should be returned voluntarily. He urged the government to identify and deport illegal immigrants, ensuring that business opportunities are reserved for Indians, regardless of their religion.
The event was attended by several prominent figures from the film industry and civil services, including Ananya Panday, Karan Johar, actor Jackie Shroff, and senior IAS officers Milind and Manisha Mhaiskar. This gathering holds special significance as it marks the centenary of the RSS.