Independence Day | RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat hoists national flag, addresses concerns about Bangladeshi Hindus

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the national flag at the RSS Headquarters in Nagpur on Thursday, August 15. The event was marked by a solemn address from Bhagwat Ji, who emphasised the responsibility of future generations to protect the hard-won independence of the nation.

“We have completed 78 years of Independence… We got independence only after the sacrifices of countless people who gave their lives for our freedom,” Bhagwat Ji remarked. He highlighted the enduring significance of this hard-earned independence, noting that while the generation that fought for freedom is no longer with us, it is now the duty of the current and future generations to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

Bhagwat Ji’s address also touched upon the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, particularly the challenges faced by the Hindu community there.

“There is a lot of disturbance in the neighbouring country. The Hindu brothers living there have to bear the heat without any fault of theirs,” he stated.

He underscored India’s broader responsibility not only to protect its own independence but also to uphold its tradition of contributing to global well-being. “In the last few years, you must have seen that we did not attack anyone. Whenever someone was in trouble, we helped them,” Bhagwat added, alluding to India’s history of offering aid to those in need.

High-Level Meeting on Bangladesh’s Hindu Minority Crisis

In the lead-up to Independence Day, a crucial meeting was held between senior leaders of the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in New Delhi. The discussions centred on the rising violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, in Bangladesh. The meeting, which lasted over six and a half hours, saw the participation of top leaders from both organizations, who deliberated on strategies to address the crisis.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the decision to organise a silent protest and a “Nari Shakti March” on Friday (August 16) to condemn the atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The march is set to begin at 11 AM from Mandi House and will culminate at Jantar Mantar, with women from various sectors participating in the demonstration.

The discussions also focused on the security and rehabilitation of violence-affected Hindus in Bangladesh. Leaders explored ways to raise the issue at the international level, acknowledging that the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus has not received the global attention it warrants. Plans were made to engage with foreign governments and parliamentarians, urging them to address the issue through their respective parliaments or governments. Additionally, the RSS and BJP leaders discussed collaborating with international NGOs dedicated to human rights and the protection of minorities to further highlight the concerns.

The RSS, along with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and BJP, has already condemned the attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh. They have called upon the interim government of Bangladesh to take immediate and necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of all minority communities.