No Hindutva without place for Muslims: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

The 93-year-old Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which claims that coming or the twenty-first century will be a century dominated by Hindutva, is now aiming to make people understand its vision through this three-day conclave.

IMAGE: @RSSorg/ Twitter

NEW DELHI: On the second day of the ongoing RSS Conclave on "Future of Bharat: An RSS perspective", RSS chief  Mohan Bhagwat spoke extensively on ‘Hindutva’ and said that Hindu Rashtra doesn't mean there's no place for Muslims and the day it becomes so, it won't be Hindutva. At the event, which kicked off with ‘vande matram’, the presence of many of dignitaries such as Uma Bharti, former Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and Subramanian Swamy was seen. In his 70 minute speech, Mohan Bhagwat said “Sangh works towards universal brotherhood and the cardinal principle of this brotherhood is unity in diversity. This thought comes from our culture, which the world calls Hindutva. That's why we call it a Hindu Rashtra.” The 93-year-old Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which claims that coming or the twenty-first century will be a century dominated by Hindutva, is now aiming to make people understand its vision through this three-day conclave.

During his address, Bhagwat also said “taking everyone along with us is the philosophy of RSS. We believe in Sarvepi Sukhinah Santu that goes beyond the concept of ‘maximum good of maximum people. Hindutva talks about one world family." At Vigyan Bhavan, where usually major government events are held, RSS chief also spoke on the relationship of RSS and government. He clarified “It is a misconception that the call goes from Nagpur (RSS headquarters) and then the government works. We do not affect the government policies. All those working (in the government) are seniors and they are far more experienced in politics than us”. Reacting to this, Shia Cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad said that he welcomes RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s saying RSS believes in pluralism & unity. Earlier on the first day of the three-day conclave "Bhavishya Ka Bharat -- An RSS Perspective" on Monday, Bhagwat said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not seek domination and is indifferent to who comes to power. The conclave aims to engage with a cross-section of people, improve people's understanding and present its perspective on the future of the country. On the last day of the conclave, Bhagwat will be answering questions put forward by the delegates.