Mohan Bhagwat: Hindu Society at Its Prime Seeks to Unite the World Through Inclusive Identity

"Though we appear separate and different, we represent the same unity," stated Mohan Bhagwat in his address.

Bengaluru:

During a gathering in Bengaluru on Saturday, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat declared that Hindu society has reached the pinnacle of its glory and consistently strives to unify the world.

"Hindu society is in the prime of its glory. We have always wanted to unite the world," the RSS chief emphasized while addressing a substantial audience at a two-day lecture series organized to celebrate the RSS centenary.

Bhagwat highlighted that all Muslims and Christians also share the same ancestral lineage, noting that they might be unaware or have forgotten this fact, but others recognize them as Hindus.

"That is what we are, because 'Hindu' is an inclusive word. Those who live in Bharat, who think, respect, and accept all diversities -- they are called Hindus," Bhagwat explained.

He elaborated that this unified state exists because our ancestors discovered connections between all creation and humanity.

"Though we appear separate and different, we represent the same unity. The supreme goal of every individual is to realise that unity and attain happiness, because that happiness is everlasting. This is what every Indian religion teaches," he stated.

The RSS chief mentioned that the same concept is reflected in the Constitution's Preamble.

"In this context, our society has traditionally been called Hindu. The Hindu society must be organised," he asserted.

Bhagwat categorized four types of Hindus in society:

"Firstly, there are those who are proud to call themselves Hindus. Secondly, some say, 'Yes, we are Hindus,' but wonder what there is to be proud of. Thirdly, some know they are Hindus but do not admit it publicly for fear of losing votes or something similar. Finally, some have forgotten that they are Hindus," he detailed.

"In an examination, we answer the simpler questions first. Likewise, uniting the entire society is our mission -- and there is no such thing as an 'Ahindu'," Bhagwat remarked.

"Being different does not make you separate. All this is encompassed in the word 'Hindu'. Hindus have always said that everyone has their own path and that all paths must be respected," he affirmed.

"Accept others, remain steadfast in your own way, live together, and progress together. One need not quarrel just because the paths are different," he urged.

Addressing questions about referring to Indian society as Hindu society, Bhagwat stated:

"Hindus are responsible for Bharat. What is Bharat? It is not a nation created by the British. We are an ancient nation. There may be many inhabitants, but there is one culture. For example, when Babar invaded Punjab, he massacred people. Guru Nanak Ji was present then. He wrote that Hindu women lost their Sheel (honour), and Muslim women also suffered greatly. Why did he mention Muslim women? Because they too were part of this land."

Quoting Sri Aurobindo, he concluded, "It is God's will that Sanatan Dharma should rise, and Bharat must rise. Being Hindu means being responsible for Bharat. That is why organising Hindu society is essential -- because India is a Hindu nation. This does not contradict anything we are doing today."