GORAKHPUR: “Only an organised and disciplined society can lead the nation to supreme prosperity. This is possible when individual character is noble, which is the very objective pursued through RSS shakhas. The concept of the Sangh and its shakhas was envisioned with the goal of building national character through individual character,” said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale. He was speaking at a Hindu Sammelan organised by the Hindu Sammelan Organising Committee at Shri Ram Basti in Malviya Nagar on December 17, the Centenary Year of the RSS.
Hosabale stated that Bharat must emerge as a Vishwa Mitra (friend of the world) and a Vishwa Guru (teacher to the world). However, this begins with setting our own homes, neighbourhoods and society in order. If we are not firmly grounded ourselves, we cannot support others. He emphasised that nation-building is possible only through character-building. He said that Bharat’s sanskritik roots are one and the same. While methods of worship may differ, Dharma is only Sanatan. Our ancestors assumed the responsibility of upholding human values not merely for themselves but to illuminate humanity worldwide. By protecting the environment, adhering to ethical standards, and nurturing mutual love and harmony, society has achieved remarkable results. RSS, he affirmed, remains committed to carrying out this mission.
Our ancestors defined the essence of Hindu Dharma, Hosabale said, as Manav Dharma—the universal human way of life. People in any country can follow it, as evidenced by the global observance of International Day of Yoga on June 21. Worshipping nature is not against any religion, he explained. Recalling Bharat’s glorious past, he said that for centuries our forefathers resisted invasions with courage and perseverance.
He emphasised the need to impart life values to children by connecting them with spirituality, literature, sanskriti and Dharma. Through stories, conduct, behaviour and education, children must be shaped into responsible citizens. He spoke about the Sangh’s focus on the five areas of Panch Parivartan and called upon society to adopt these values in daily life to make life purposeful.
Special guest Swami Sachchidanand Ji said that with changing times, everything transforms. What is now known as Hindu Dharma was referred to in the Vedic tradition as Sanatan Dharma and, over time, came to be identified as “Hindu.” Dharma, he said, is an indispensable element of human life; without it, an individual’s personality cannot be sustained. Sanatan Dharma, he added, has no single founder.
Presiding over the programme, retired Additional District Judge Prabhakar Mishra said that RSS is not merely an organisation but a way of life, an ongoing and continuous yajna. Over the past 100 years, without any desire for political power, the Sangh has worked to organise society and awaken national consciousness, while reminding Hindu society of its inherent spiritual strength. He said that being Hindu is not merely an identity but a series of responsibilities. Continuous efforts are being made to uphold Sanatan culture. Drawing from his experience, he noted that societies rooted in their values and traditions continue to progress. The large presence of citizens at the Hindu Conference, he said, clearly reflected growing awareness among Hindu brothers and sisters about their social and national responsibilities. Hindu unity can be strengthened by eliminating social inequalities.
