RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said Hinduism does not stand for excluding Muslims from Bharat, asserting that anyone who believes there should be no Muslims in the country cannot remain a Hindu.
Bhagwat made the remarks while addressing the ‘One World: One Humanity Faith Leaders’ Summit in the United States. He stressed that Bharat has traditionally provided shelter to people of different faiths and communities.
“By tradition, Bharat has given shelter to everybody. Those who could not find a safe place in the world came to Bharat, where they found their place,” Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat On Hindu Rashtra
Addressing questions about the RSS’s vision of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, Bhagwat said the organisation believes humanity is fundamentally one despite differences in religion, culture and identity.
He recalled being asked by Muslims whether an RSS-led Hindu Rashtra would mean driving Muslims out of the country.
“I said, no, that is not Hindutva. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu,” Bhagwat said.
He further argued that a sense of collective belonging is essential, saying that a focus on “me” and “mine” cannot provide a solution, while “we” and “ours” can.
Bhagwat also highlighted the RSS’s service activities, claiming that its volunteers are involved in around 1.3 lakh service projects across the country. He said the organisation provides assistance without discriminating against people based on their background or community.
Bhagwat’s US Outreach
Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS’s global outreach programme marking its centenary year. His tour also includes Canada and the UK.
During his visit to the US, the RSS chief has held meetings with members of the Indian diaspora, Indian-American business leaders and community representatives. He also visited the Bhakti Centre in New York and paid tribute to Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.
‘Remain Loyal To Your Karmabhumi’
Bhagwat also urged the Indian diaspora to remain committed to the countries where they live and work while continuing to uphold the values they received from India.
Speaking to more than 6,000 Indian-Americans and interfaith leaders at a gathering at Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theatre, he said Indians living abroad have a responsibility towards their ‘karmabhumi’ or place of work.
“What is our duty? We are in America. We live in America. We earn in America… and we should behave true to America,” he said.
Bhagwat said those living abroad could contribute to India after fulfilling their responsibilities in their adopted countries, while stressing that this was not an obligation.
‘Unity In Diversity Is Our DNA’
During his nearly hour-long address, Bhagwat also spoke about India’s tradition of unity in diversity and drew parallels with the United States.
He said diversity should be celebrated, respected and accepted while people continue to recognise the underlying sense of unity.
“Bharat is there to realise and, from time to time, to make the world realise this unity in diversity,” he said, adding that diversity enhances rather than diminishes the sense of oneness.
The event, titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, was organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), a US-based nonprofit organisation. The programme began with young Indian-American children presenting songs and dances highlighting India’s cultural heritage and global musical diversity.
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