India News : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, during the organisation’s centenary year global outreach campaign in London, addressed people of Indian origin and explained his understanding of the concepts of Hindu Rashtra and Hindutva.
Bhagwat said Hindu Rashtra does not refer to any particular religion, form of worship or way of life. Instead, he said, its fundamental nature lies in accepting and respecting all forms of diversity.
He added that unity does not require everyone to be the same.
Hindutva Accepts Different Ideas, Including Atheism
During a question-and-answer session, Bhagwat said India has historically welcomed different schools of thought, including atheism.
He also said that conversion is not a requirement within the idea of Hindutva.
“We do not say that only we are right; we are right, and you are also right. This liberal attitude is, in fact, the Hindu nature,” Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat Explains Difference Between ‘Nation’ and ‘Rashtra’
Explaining the difference between the terms ‘nation’ and ‘rashtra’, Bhagwat said a nation can be associated with common elements such as language or a system of governance, while a rashtra derives its identity from a shared purpose and culture.
He said India remained united as a rashtra despite centuries of foreign rule and invasions because its people shared a common purpose.
Bhagwat added that if the world adopted such an approach, there would be no dictators and no wars.
Hindus Abroad Should Remain Loyal to Their Karmabhoomi
Speaking about Hindus living outside India, Bhagwat said Hindutva teaches loyalty towards one’s karmabhoomi, or land of work and residence.
He said that if the interests of the United Kingdom and India were ever to conflict, Hindus living in Britain should naturally remain loyal to Britain.
Give Young People a Goal, Not a Fixed Method
Expressing confidence in the younger generation, Bhagwat said young people should be given a goal but should not be told exactly how to achieve it.
He said the new generation should be allowed to determine its own approach and find ways to achieve its objectives.
