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Bhagwat Urges Public to Experience RSS Firsthand, Rejects “Outside Propaganda”
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called on the public to disregard what he described as “outside propaganda” about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, instead encouraging people to visit the organization and form their own opinions through direct experience. Speaking at a seminar in Vijayawada on Sunday, Bhagwat outlined the RSS’s philosophy as the organization approaches its centenary milestone.
The two-day event, titled “Vision and Direction of Future India,” was held at the National School of Planning and Architecture campus, where Bhagwat interacted with attendees, fielded questions, and addressed what he characterized as misconceptions about the Sangh.
“The RSS is not merely an organization but a way of life,” Bhagwat told the gathering, tracing the group’s origins to its founding by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar on Vijayadashami in 1925. According to Bhagwat, the organization’s primary objective was to unite Hindu society, though he emphasized that the RSS “was not formed in opposition to any individual, community, or circumstance, and does not seek political power.”
Bhagwat clarified the RSS position on Hindu identity, describing it not as a religion but as a “cultural quality that embraces diversity and respects all forms of worship.” He asserted that everyone living in India is “culturally Hindu,” regardless of their religious practices or beliefs.
The RSS chief also addressed the organization’s relationship with other right-wing entities, stating that groups such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) operate independently and are not directed by the RSS, contrary to a common perception in political discourse.
Daily one-hour shakhas (branches) form the backbone of RSS activities, bringing together people across caste, regional, and religious lines to foster “discipline, patriotism, and unity,” according to Bhagwat. He noted that similar seminars would be organized throughout various states as part of the RSS centenary celebrations.
Addressing criticism that has dogged the organization for decades, Bhagwat claimed the RSS has withstood “opposition and misinformation for nearly 70 years.” He rejected allegations that the group harbors anti-Muslim sentiments, insisting that the RSS works for “the upliftment of society and the nation” without discrimination.
Drawing historical parallels, Bhagwat referenced India’s defeat during the 1857 uprising, suggesting that despite having courage and resources, a lack of unity led to the country’s downfall. He cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s view that internal divisions, rather than external enemies, had historically weakened India.
The seminar comes at a significant moment for the RSS, which will mark 100 years of existence in 2025. Founded during British colonial rule, the organization has evolved into one of India’s most influential cultural and ideological forces, particularly since the BJP, often described as its political affiliate, came to national power in 2014.
Critics of the RSS have long accused it of promoting Hindu majoritarianism and harboring exclusionary views toward religious minorities. These concerns have intensified in recent years amid rising religious tensions in parts of India.
Bhagwat’s address in Vijayawada appears to be part of a broader effort to reshape public perception of the organization as it approaches its centenary. His emphasis on direct experience over “outside propaganda” suggests a recognition that the RSS continues to face image challenges despite its growing influence in contemporary India.
The RSS leader concluded his address by urging the public to form opinions about the organization based on firsthand experience rather than “secondary narratives,” reflecting ongoing efforts to broaden the Sangh’s appeal beyond its traditional support base.
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10 Comments
The RSS chief’s remarks highlight the organization’s efforts to shape public perception and counter what it sees as ‘outside propaganda’. While I respect the call for firsthand experience, the group’s nationalist and Hindu-centric ideology has drawn significant criticism over the years. A more balanced, fact-based assessment would be valuable.
You raise a fair point. The RSS has long been accused of promoting a divisive Hindu nationalist agenda, so its claims of non-partisanship should be viewed skeptically. Direct engagement is useful, but must be accompanied by rigorous examination of the group’s history and activities.
The RSS chief’s comments seem designed to rally support and deflect criticism rather than engage in honest, open dialogue. While firsthand experience can be valuable, the organization’s history of Hindu nationalism and intolerance towards minorities raises serious red flags that cannot be ignored. A more impartial, evidence-based analysis is needed.
Well said. The call to reject ‘external narratives’ in favor of direct engagement feels more like an attempt to insulate the RSS from scrutiny than a genuine invitation for objective assessment. Given the group’s track record, a more critical, fact-based approach is clearly warranted.
The RSS chief’s comments seem intended to rally support and dismiss external criticism. While open-mindedness is commendable, the organization’s record on issues like minority rights raises serious concerns that warrant careful, independent scrutiny. I’m not convinced their ‘way of life’ rhetoric aligns with their actual goals and impact.
I agree, the rhetoric around ‘direct experience’ and rejecting ‘outside propaganda’ feels more like an attempt to insulate the RSS from criticism than a genuine invitation for objective assessment. Given the group’s track record, a more critical analysis is clearly warranted.
The RSS chief’s call to disregard ‘external narratives’ and experience the organization firsthand is concerning. While open-mindedness is admirable, the group’s Hindu nationalist agenda and links to violence against minorities are well-documented. I’m skeptical of their claims to be non-political and non-partisan.
I share your skepticism. The RSS’s track record and ideological positions make it difficult to take their rhetoric of non-partisanship and non-political aims at face value. Dismissing outside criticism as ‘propaganda’ is a common tactic used to avoid accountability.
Interesting perspective from the RSS chief. I appreciate the call for people to experience the organization firsthand rather than relying on external narratives. However, some of the claims about the RSS’s goals and motivations seem rather idealized. It would be good to hear more objective analysis of the group’s history and activities.
I agree, it’s important to seek out direct experience and form one’s own views rather than relying solely on media coverage or propaganda. But the RSS’s claims of non-partisanship and non-political aims should be scrutinized carefully.