Mohan Bhagwat, president of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasised the need to erase feelings of division and discrimination and promote social harmony across India during a public address in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Speaking at an event in Sonbhari village in Raipur district, Bhagwat warned against judging people by caste, wealth or language and urged Hindus to consider all citizens as part of a shared national family. His remarks come against the backdrop of a violent incident in Dehradun, where a young student from Tripura was attacked and later died, and reports of assaults on Hindu minorities in neighbouring Bangladesh.
Social harmony in India
Bhagwat said the nation belongs to everyone and described the feeling of shared ownership as the basis of genuine social harmony in India. He argued that places of worship should be accessible to all and that social institutions must avoid discriminating against people on the grounds of caste, money or language.
“Removing feelings of division and discrimination from people’s minds and treating everyone as our relatives is true harmony,” he said, calling on followers to work towards inclusive practices in both private and public life. Bhagwat urged communities to focus on finding solutions rather than merely discussing problems, and he stressed that unity and resolve would help Indians overcome difficulties.
Addressing the issue of conversions, he attributed some religious conversions to a loss of faith and trust within communities. To counter that trend, he recommended strengthening ties with disadvantaged groups through outreach and engagement rather than confrontation. He said trust and understanding are essential to maintaining social unity and preventing further polarisation.
At the event, Bhagwat also urged Hindus not to display internal divisions and to cultivate the confidence to confront challenges. He emphasised practical measures such as ensuring worship sites are welcoming and easily accessible, and he encouraged community leaders to engage directly with people who have been marginalised.
Observers say Bhagwat’s comments reflect an ongoing debate in India about social cohesion, community outreach and the responsibilities of civic and religious organisations. While his appeal centred on unity and inclusiveness, critics and analysts will watch how such messages are translated into local programmes and policies that address underlying social grievances.
The RSS leader framed his remarks as a call to action for Hindus to take responsibility for rebuilding trust in society. He concluded by saying that if the community stands firm, no difficulty will become insurmountable, and that shared responsibility and mutual understanding are vital for long-term stability and harmony across the country.
Key Takeaways:
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged removal of divisions and discrimination based on caste, wealth and language.
- The remarks came in Raipur amid reports of a recent attack on a student in Dehradun and assaults on Hindus in Bangladesh.
- Bhagwat called for accessible places of worship and outreach to marginalised communities to rebuild trust.
