Those opposing Sangh’s work will join us one day, says Dattatreya Hosabale

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Sunday (March 30, 2025) that in the last hundred years, Sangh, as a movement of national reconstruction, has travelled from neglect and ridicule to curiosity and acceptance. He added that the RSS does not believe in opposing anyone and is confident that those opposing the Sangh’s work will join its fold someday.

In a write-up on the 100 years of RSS on the birth anniversary of its founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Mr. Hosabale said that amid the prevailing tendency to look at everything from the political prism, the Sangh is still focussing on the cultural awakening of society and creating a strong network of right-minded people and organisations.

“When Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is completing the hundredth year of its service, there is an evident curiosity about the way the Sangh perceives this landmark. It has been crystal clear for the Sangh since its inception that such occasions are not meant for celebration but to provide us with an opportunity to introspect and rededicate to the cause. It is also a chance to acknowledge the contributions of the stalwart, saintly figures who guided the movement and the series of Swayamsevaks and their families who selflessly joined this journey,” said Mr. Hosabale.

He added that the progressive unfoldment of Sangh’s movement and philosophy, as pitched by Mr. Hedgewar, is nothing short of a miracle.

“It wasn’t easy to explain the idea of Hindutva and the idea of Rashtra when most of the English-educated elites were influenced by the European idea of nationalism, which was narrow, parochial and exclusivist. Doctor Hedgewar did not theorise the ideology, but he gave an action programme in seed form that has been the guiding force in this journey. During his lifetime, the Sangh’s work reached all the regions of Bharat.

He added that at a time when the world is grappling with multiple challenges ranging from climate change to violent conflicts, the ancient and experiential wisdom of India is eminently capable of providing solutions.

“This gigantic but inevitable task is possible when every child of Bharat Mata understands this role and contributes to building a domestic model that inspires others to emulate. Let us join this resolve to present a role model before the world of a harmonious and organised Bharat, taking the entire society together under the leadership of righteous people (Sajjan Shakti),” said Mr. Hosabale.