'Akhand Bharat Will Become Reality In...': RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Amid India's Name Change Row

RSS Chief Bhagwat envisions 'Akhand Bharat' in the lifetime of today's youth, emphasising the need for ongoing efforts to achieve this unity, citing changing conditions and shared values.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stated on Wednesday (September) that "Akhand Bharat" or undivided India will become a reality during the lifetime of today's (current) young generation. Responding to a student's question at an event, Bhagwat said that he "couldn't provide an exact timeline for the realisation of Akhand Bharat but suggested that it would happen if efforts were continually made towards this goal". He noted that changing conditions had led some regions that once separated from India to reconsider and aspire to be part of India again. Bhagwat emphasised that being Indian means "accepting the nature and values of India".

It is to be noted that his statement comes at a time when the country's debate over the name "India Vs Bharat" is at its height. As the opposition bloc chose the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, I.N.D.I.A, the Government of India sent G20 Summit invitations, replacing the word 'India' with 'Bharat'.

Regarding questions about the RSS not hoisting the national flag at its headquarters in Mahal area from 1950 to 2002, Bhagwat clarified that the RSS annually hoisted the national flag on August 15 and January 26 at both its campuses in Mahal and Reshimbagh in Nagpur.

He recalled an incident from 1933 when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag, and a young man helped unfurl it when it got stuck on an 80-foot pole. Despite the youth attending an RSS 'shakha' (daily assembly), Bhagwat claimed that the felicitation did not take place due to opposition from some quarters. He highlighted the RSS's commitment to the honor of the national flag and the contributions of its volunteers.

"The RSS has been associated with the honour of the national flag from the very first time it faced a problem. We also hoist the national flag on these two days (August 15 and January 26)....But whether it is hoisted or not, when it comes to the honour of the national flag, our swayamsevak (RSS volunteer) has been in the forefront and ready to give his life," Bhagwat was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

Reservations Should Continue As Long As Discrimination Exists: RSS Chief Bhagwat

Bhagwat also asserted that reservations should persist as long as discrimination exists within society. He acknowledged the existence of hidden discrimination and the need for special measures to address it. "Discrimination exists in society even though we may not see it. Reservations are about "giving respect" and not just about ensuring financial or political equality," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 

Bhagwat emphasised the RSS's support for reservations as enshrined in the Constitution, emphasising that it is about more than just financial or political equality, but also about respect. He stated that those who have faced discrimination for over 2,000 years deserve equality, and those who have not faced discrimination should be willing to support this cause for another 200 years.

"We kept our own fellow human beings behind in the social system. We did not care for them, and it continued for 2000 years. Until we provide them equality, some special remedies have to be there, and reservations is one of them. Hence, reservations have to continue till there is such discrimination. We at the RSS give all support to the reservations provided in the Constitution," he was quoted as saying by ANI.