RANCHI: “The family or caste in which we are born is not in our control, then why should we practice casteism? No caste should be considered inferior or superior”, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah, Dattatreya Hosabale, while addressing a samajik sadbhav baithak in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on January 12, 2026.
More than 600 representatives from social organisations, caste groups, fraternities, and communities attended the meeting. The objective of the meeting was to establish dialogue on contemporary issues prevailing in society and to deliberate on collective efforts to strengthen social harmony.
In the first session of the baithak, representatives of various social groups shared information on the social, cultural, and service work underway in their respective areas. They also highlighted the social challenges being faced. Major issues discussed included religious conversions, infiltration, substance abuse, illiteracy, superstition, lack of mutual cooperation, and serious problems such as love jihad.
While addressing the gathering, Dattatreya Hosabale referred to three major regions: the Chotanagpur region of Jharkhand, the tribal areas of the northeastern states, and the southern states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. He stated that in these tribal regions, people associated with the Church were deliberately facilitated entry, while efforts were made to restrict Hindu religious leaders. Poverty, illiteracy, and superstition were identified as the primary reasons for religious conversions.
He mentioned the so-called “3-D problem” in tribal areas, which includes conversion, DJ culture, and liquor. Speaking on measures to reduce conversions, he said there is a need to strengthen mutual cooperation in society, distance oneself from untouchability and caste-based discrimination, abandon feelings of superiority and inferiority, and reinforce the demographic strength of Hindu society. Referring to the Ghar Wapsi efforts, he stated that Dharma Jagran is society’s responsibility and must be carried out by society itself.
He emphasised that gender equality is a necessity in today’s world. When men and women are working together, there is no justification for inequality between them.
He further said that today, social media is filled with both positive and negative content. To protect children from its negative impact, it is necessary to connect them with Indian culture. He emphasised adopting a dialogue process with children for this purpose. He said children should be encouraged to visit temples, as doing so reduces ego and brings peace of mind.
On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda ji’s birth anniversary, remembering him, Dattatreya Hosabale called upon Indian youth to adopt his message — “Think little less, Act little more” — in their lives.
He placed special emphasis on the following duties of Hindu society: expanding service activities, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the last person in society, and bringing people affected by poverty, illiteracy, and deprivation into the mainstream. Citing the example of the Parsi community, he spoke of “progress through hard work” and stated that at the time of Independence, the Parsi community did not demand any form of reservation from the government.
He urged economically capable families to adopt divyang children and appealed to various social groups to support such children.
On the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration, he said it had long been used for political gain. The condition of Hindus in Bangladesh today is evident to all. Border fencing remains a major challenge, and at times, even our own people provide shelter to infiltrators. The government is addressing this issue through various mechanisms, including SIR.
He appealed to representatives of various groups within Hindu society to foster mutual cooperation and the development of their respective communities. He called for participation in each other’s programmes, mutual respect, support for weaker sections, and constant remembrance of the spirit of “We are all Hindus.”
A discussion on spiritual and religious matters was also held with more than 78 saints from Jharkhand who attended the meeting.
Deliberations included Article 342, under which the status of tribal communities remains unchanged even after religious conversion, allowing them to continue to avail of benefits granted to Scheduled Tribes. It was stated that removing this provision would significantly reduce conversions. Issues such as the establishment of Gurukuls were also discussed.
Social and spiritual institutions have contributed to service, literature, art, and religion. This tradition has continued for thousands of years with a great objective in mind. Governments have also contributed to many such efforts. However, many responsibilities also rest with families, such as instilling values in children and teaching them to respect elders.
The unity of society is essential. Just as every link in a chain must be strong and connected to the next, society too must remain united and resilient. Emphasis should be placed on building a society in which youth are not constantly petitioning the government.
While Bharat continues to progress in various fields, issues such as slums and environmental degradation reflect social deficiencies. Public property must be protected. Comparisons can be drawn with systems abroad to bring improvements at home. Thus, while strengthening Bharat economically is necessary, equal strength is required to address the social and spiritual issues mentioned above.
