RSS does not believe in minority-ism: Dr Mohan Bhagwat
Replying to volley of questions like a seasoned batsman, Bhagwat said without mincing words that the RSS believes in “one country and one people”. Muslims who are often referred to as ‘minority,’ need not have fear. They have no threat from the RSS. On the contrary, if there is an RSS shakha conducted near a Muslim Basti, that area and the people living there feel most safe and secured, he observed.
He said that the term ‘minority’ is shrouded in ambiguity. This word was not in vogue until the British came here. We considered all as Indians, one people. We need to remove this misunderstanding surrounded the term ‘minority and minority rights’, he said.
He said that the Sangh believes that we are all Hindus by race, culture, ancestors and motherland even if some of us have changed their religion at some point of time but that does not make them separate entity within the country, he said. This has been the considered view of the RSS.
Replying to another question on use of NOTA, Dr Bhagwat said that India is considered as the most successful democracy in the world. Still some reforms are suggested and they should be implemented. There is one option of NOTA, for a voter if he finds no one to vote for. But in democracy you have to choose the best from the available and by pressing NOTA you give a chance to the available worst to get the benefit. This should not happen. We must not use NOTA he clearly suggested.
Responding to a question on population and demographic changes Dr Bhagwat referred to a resolution passed by the RSS in one of its meetings. He said that the country should have a proper population policy to tackle the issue. If there is a law to plan the families, then it should be applied to all sections of the society. He also referred to infiltration as a major threat for disturbing demographic balance in certain areas.
Dr Bhagwat quoted from ‘Pradnyachakshu’ Sant Gulabrao Maharaj while replying to a question on religious conversions. If all religions are same then why convert? But still some people are converting others which show that their intentions are not pure. We must oppose all such religious conversions, he said. He also referred to Narayan Waman Tilak, a Chittpawan Brahmin who converted to Christianity. “We admire him. He led a pure life. He felt the urge to follow Jesus from within. But this is not the general rule followed in converting people, he said adding that spiritualism is not a commodity to be traded for some gains.
Replying to a question on the most sensitive issue of reservation the RSS Sarsanghchalak defended reservation saying that so long there is social discrimination in the society reservation should continue. He said the RSS supports reservation approved by the Constitution and it is up to those who are given reservation to decide how long that should continue. Reservation is not a problem, Bhagwat said, adding that politics of reservation is a real problem. Those at the upper side should bend a little to give a helping to those standing on the lower step so that the society can march unitedly on the path of development and progress with harmony and equality.
Referring to the SC/ST Act, Dr Bhagwat said that mere act won’t resolve the issue. The Act should not be misused and implemented properly. But changing this situation is possible only with creating social goodwill and confidence.
Asserting that the Sangh was not against inter-caste marriages, Bhagwat said such kind of marriages were most common among volunteers of the Hindutva outfit. Referring to such marriage that took place in 1942 he said inter-caste marriage was an issue of compatibility between a man and woman.
“If there is a census on inter-caste marriages, the maximum cases will be those from the Sangh,”
He reiterated the RSS views on Article 370 and Article 35A in regard to Jammu And Kashmir State. “We do not accept the Art 370 and 35A” he said demanding their immediate scrapping. He referred to service activities being conducted there for the Kashmiri youth. It will take some time to see the results of these efforts, he said.
Summing up the three-day event, Dr Bhagwat appealed to the people to come to the RSS shakha and understand the Sangh from within first hand. Do not believe in hearsay about RSS and form your opinion. Visit our shakhas, observe our activities and then make ypur opinion, he urged them. He said that the world is dire need of a third alternative to lead a peaceful, life, with all material development and progress. The capacity to provide that alternative is only with India and its people. It is our God-given mission. We have fulfil it as it the most sacred and pure mission. We have to awaken the ‘Kartavya Bodh’ sense of duty about this mission in each of our citizen and RSS is doing exactly this and you can join in this efforts in whatever way you like, he appealed while concluding his Q & A session.During this interaction, near about 215 questions were received and then categorized into 22 subjects
Concluding Remarks: Don’t believe in herestay about RSS. Please come and see the Sangh from within and then form whatever opinion you want to about RSS. I have placed the facts before you. If you want to join RSS join the shakha and if that is not possible please join with our service projects or do anything. But do not remain idle. Keep contacts at local level you will get all the cooperation. We have to work together for this country. The world needs a third alternative which only Bharat can give. We conquered the hearts of the people of the world. Ravindranath Tagore’s words. This is very pure and sacred mission. And we have to do it because we are the worthy sons of Bharat Mata. This the God given mission of India and we have to put our all strength to fulfill this mission. I appeal to you to awaken this kartavya bodh in the society.
