Mumbai, February 7: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) launched a grand two-day lecture series titled ‘New Horizons’ at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Worli, marking its centenary year. On the first day, RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat addressed the audience, sharing profound insights on the organization’s ideology, social integration, and the future of India. The event attracted notable personalities from the film industry, including Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, along with business leaders, artists, and social figures.
Dr. Bhagwat emphasized the importance of unity in society, stating, “The guarantee against a return to slavery lies in our unity.” He clarified that the RSS aims to organize the entire society rather than create separate factions.
He also commented on the perception that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is affiliated with the RSS, saying, “He is the Prime Minister and belongs to a political party, the BJP, which is separate. Many volunteers are effective, but they are not part of the RSS.”
Dr. Bhagwat pointed out that organizing society is a time-consuming task, leaving little room for other activities. He mentioned that when visiting the homes of workers, mothers and sisters often say they have no time for household chores. The RSS has already decided that its sole focus is on organizing society, and once that is achieved, it will not take on any other work.
He elaborated on the definition of Hindu society, stating, “In India, Hindus are not just a specific community or religion; they represent a way of life. There are four types of Hindus in the country: those who proudly say ‘We are Hindus,’ those who accept it, those who speak softly about it, and those who have forgotten.”
The presence of Salman Khan drew significant attention. Dr. Bhagwat used him as an example, saying, “What Salman Khan wears in cinema is what college students wear. When asked why, they say they don’t know. Society follows fashion, and those who create fashion are the best and most trustworthy.”
He further stated, “The RSS is not here to rescue but to convey the message of self-rescue. The term secularism is incorrect; the right term is religious neutrality. India’s eternal nature does not change.” He also referenced Guru Nanak Dev while discussing the origins of the term Hindu.
The ‘New Horizons’ lecture series featured prominent figures such as filmmaker Subhash Ghai, actress and MP Hema Malini, singer Anuradha Paudwal, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, NSE Chairman Ashish Chauhan, Kotak Mahindra Securities’ Nilesh Shah, ‘The Kerala Story 2′ producer Vipul Shah, T-Series’ Ramesh Taurani, Marathi actors Prasad Oak, Bhau Kadam, Sunil Barve, and Parsi community leader Dastur Khursheed Dastur. All attendees praised Dr. Bhagwat’s speech, affirming that the RSS is an organization working for the nation’s interest and uniting society.