The RSS needs to rethink its vision of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’

Unless the RSS modifies the three problematic concepts in its core philosophy, it will continue to divide India and not strengthen it

- ABHAY VAIDYA

On August 26, 27, and 28, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat presented the history, philosophy, vision, and future direction of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—a mammoth Hindu organisation dedicated to national development.

The occasion was the centenary of the RSS, and in attendance at the event at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, were intellectuals, diplomats, religious leaders from other faiths, media, and people working in the NGO sector. As a parent organisation of the BJP, and with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being one of its card-holding members, the RSS and its constituents have a tremendous influence on the policies and programmes of the central government and the BJP-ruled states. As such, Bhagwat’s exposition of the RSS served the valuable purpose of helping understand it better.

Going into considerable depth, Bhagwat explained what the RSS means by ‘Hindu Rashtra’ and ‘Akhand Bharat’ and the organisation's approach towards Indian Muslims and Christians, illegal immigrants, notably from Bangladesh, and plans to consolidate and unify Hindus and reach out to neighbouring countries.