RSS chief stresses shared humanity, religious coexistence and selfless service; urges communities to build understanding through grassroots engagement
New York, August 30: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for greater social harmony and religious coexistence, asserting that India’s civilisational ethos cannot be separated from respect for people belonging to different faiths.
Addressing the ‘One World One Humanity’ programme in New York, Bhagwat said humanity remains fundamentally united despite differences in religion, worship, customs and traditions.
“If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu,” Bhagwat said, while explaining his understanding of Hindutva and its emphasis on accepting diversity.
Bhagwat Says Humanity Transcends Religious Differences
Bhagwat said people may follow different religions and adopt different forms of worship, but such distinctions do not change the basic fact that all human beings share the same dignity.
He said India’s philosophical traditions have long recognised that people may follow different paths while seeking the same ultimate truth.
According to Bhagwat, respecting people of other faiths is therefore an important part of maintaining social harmony.
He stressed that religious identity should not become a basis for denying another individual dignity, rights or a rightful place in society.
‘Different Paths Can Lead Towards the Same Goal’
Reflecting on his interactions with members of the Muslim community, Bhagwat said the broader Indian civilisational perspective recognises an underlying unity among human beings.
He said differences in religious practices, rituals and beliefs should not be allowed to become permanent barriers between communities.
The RSS chief advocated greater interaction and social education to enable communities to understand one another and cooperate on issues affecting society.
Bhagwat Emphasises Service Beyond Political Interests
Bhagwat also discussed the relationship between social transformation and politics, saying that political institutions alone cannot bring about lasting changes in society.
He argued that social change requires participation from ordinary citizens and communities at the grassroots level.
According to Bhagwat, the RSS undertakes social-service activities with the objective of helping people rather than seeking political or personal benefits.
He also said public opinion plays an important role in a democracy and that political leadership is ultimately influenced by the broader sentiment of society.
Call for Local-Level Dialogue and Cooperation
Bhagwat suggested that efforts to strengthen social unity should begin within local communities.
He proposed creating small areas or community-level initiatives where people from different backgrounds could work together through social service, dialogue and other constructive activities.
He said such efforts could gradually expand and contribute to greater cooperation across society.
The RSS chief maintained that social harmony requires continuous engagement and cannot be achieved merely through political speeches or occasional public events.
Bhagwat Recalls Charkhi Dadri Air Disaster
During his address, Bhagwat also referred to the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision in Haryana, one of India’s deadliest aviation accidents.
He recalled the involvement of RSS volunteers in relief and assistance operations following the crash, saying volunteers helped at the site, assisted victims and supported families during the difficult process that followed the tragedy.
Bhagwat said the volunteers provided assistance without making distinctions based on the religious identity of those affected.
He cited the incident as an example of what he described as the RSS tradition of serving people without expecting recognition or political advantage.
‘Service Should Not Be Driven by Personal Gain’
Bhagwat said the organisation generally does not seek publicity for its social-service activities, arguing that volunteers are motivated by a sense of service.
He acknowledged that different views about the RSS exist in society and said people should form their understanding by observing the organisation’s work and interacting directly with its members.
‘Unity of Humanity Has Deep Roots in Bharat’
Discussing India’s civilisational heritage, Bhagwat said the principle that humanity is interconnected has deep roots in Bharat’s traditional thought.
He said the values of equality, unity and mutual respect have also found expression in India’s constitutional framework.
However, he emphasised that constitutional provisions alone cannot transform society unless citizens themselves adopt these principles in their daily lives.
Bhagwat called for a shift from an individualistic outlook centred on “I and me” towards a broader understanding of “we and ours.”
Stress on Social Education
Bhagwat also highlighted the importance of continuous social education to ensure that values of coexistence, mutual respect and harmony are passed from one generation to another.
While discussing India’s history, he referred to periods of foreign rule and invasion and their influence on Indian society and cultural practices.
He said social and cultural changes occurred over a long historical period and cannot necessarily be attributed to a single point in time.
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the Idea of One World
Bhagwat’s address also drew upon the Indian philosophical idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, broadly interpreted as the belief that the entire world is one family.
He said religious traditions may differ in their practices and interpretations, but the underlying unity of humanity remains fundamental.
According to Bhagwat, people can understand or describe truth differently because their perceptions are shaped by their experiences, knowledge and individual perspectives.
‘Religions May Differ, Humanity Does Not’
The RSS chief acknowledged that every religion has its own rituals, disciplines and traditions.
He said these practices provide followers with a framework through which they connect with their faith and understand the divine.
At the same time, he argued that religious distinctions should not overshadow the shared dignity of human beings.
He called for greater respect for diversity while maintaining a strong sense of common humanity among different communities.
Three-Nation International Tour
Bhagwat is visiting the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as part of a three-nation international tour linked to programmes being organised during the RSS centenary year.
During his New York engagement, his address centred on religious coexistence, social harmony, interfaith understanding, selfless service and grassroots participation.
His remarks also touched upon the relationship between religion, society and politics, with Bhagwat stressing that meaningful social transformation, in his view, requires sustained participation by people at the community level rather than dependence solely on political institutions.
