Hindu who wants Muslims out of Bharat cannot be Hindu, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday, August 29, said that a person who identifies as a Hindu but believes that Muslims should have no place in Bharat cannot truly be considered a Hindu.

Speaking at the “One World: One Humanity Faith Leaders’ Summit” in New York, Bhagwat highlighted India’s longstanding tradition of providing refuge to people from different communities and faiths.

He said people belonging to various denominations have lived together in India for generations, noting that those who were unable to find safety elsewhere were welcomed and given a place in the country.

Bhagwat said the RSS believes in the unity of humanity despite differences in religion and culture. Referring to questions from Muslims about the organisation’s concept of a Hindu Rashtra, he said Hindutva does not advocate excluding Muslims from India.

Responding to concerns about whether Muslims would be driven out of the country, Bhagwat said such an approach would be contrary to the principles of Hindutva. He stressed that a Hindu who believes Muslims should not live in Bharat would cease to be a Hindu in the true sense.

He further emphasised the importance of moving beyond an individualistic mindset, saying that collective thinking based on “we” and “ours” is the way forward.

Bhagwat also spoke about the RSS’s social-service activities, claiming that the organisation runs around 130,000 service projects with the support of society. He said RSS volunteers serve people without discrimination and assist anyone in need.

Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS’s global outreach programme marking its centenary year. His international tour also includes Canada and the UK.

During his US visit, he has met members of the Indian diaspora, Indian-American business leaders and community representatives. He is also scheduled to address a gathering of about 5,000 people at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The RSS chief additionally visited the Bhakti Centre in New York and paid tribute to Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Indian spiritual leader who founded ISKCON.