INDORE: “In different eras, the Puranas as well as scholars around the world have defined ‘Hindu’ and ‘Hindustan’ in various ways. Bharat is the land of Manav Dharma — a civilisation that envisions oneness in creation and nurtures a sense of gratitude towards existence. Here, life is purposeful, aimed at practising truth through purusharthas and striving for the emancipation of the soul. Those who convey this Manav Dharma to the world are Hindus, and this philosophy is reflected in their way of living. Hence, ‘Hindu’ is a geo-cultural concept. Hindu Dharma relates to sensitivity, duty, virtues, lifestyle, and systems of worship,” said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale. He was addressing a prominent citizens’ gathering on November 30, at Ravindra Natya Grah, Indore, organised as part of the centenary year of RSS.
The concept of Dharma for human welfare is the greatest contribution of Hindus. All sects and traditions that bring Hindu Dharma into practice are integral parts of Hindutva.
In the first session, he explained the background and purpose of the organisation’s founding. To build a society rooted in personal and national character, the revered Dr Hedgewar established the Sangh. For this, he developed the organisational and shakha structure. Trained workers later built organisations grounded in Bharat-centric thought. Pujaniya Guruji strengthened the ideological foundation of the Sangh and inspired workers with his leadership. Through his extraordinary leadership, he connected with prominent members of society and expanded the Sangh’s work.
The Sangh’s work is a national movement; it is the organisation of society itself. One must find solutions within society and set a personal example, this builds trust.
In the second session, he said that Hindutva is the identity of Bharat. The Hindu view accepts that God can be attained through various paths. The society that speaks in this way is Hindu; because this society resides on this land, this is a Hindu Rashtra. These are diverse expressions of a single sanskriti whose core is one. Hindutva, Hindu, and Hindu Rashtra collectively form Bharat’s identity. Unity in conduct, firmness in word, and the cultural integrity of relationships are uniformly visible across the country.
In the final session, Hosabale Ji answered the audience’s questions. He addressed contemporary issues such as conversion, Sikh-Punjab matters, drug abuse, artificial intelligence, youth engagement, corruption, and the relevance of Hindutva, and appealed to the entire society to contribute towards making Bharat a Vishwaguru.
