“If mutual affection grows and discrimination disappears, even large issues can be resolved. Without harmony, even small issues become major conflicts,” said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS during an interview with Times of India.
Sangh backs caste census but opposes its use for “dividing society”, he said. He further said that access to temples, cremation grounds, water sources and public spaces should be open to all, with RSS volunteers engaging at the local level to address such concerns.
He pointed to institutions such as Vidya Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalaya and Seva Bharati as part of a wider outreach network, adding that leadership is increasingly emerging from marginalised communities, including women.
On women’s participation, Sunil Ambekar mentioned Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, saying it mirrors the RSS shakha model. At the same time, he acknowledged the need to expand women’s role, noting that participation in decision-making and outreach is rising through a coordination mechanism called “Mahila Sambandh”.
On global conflicts, Sunil Ambekar said India should be guided by peace and principles, with the govt taking decisions based on strategic assessment.
In another interview with ‘The Hindu’ on March 20, he said, “Even Muslim-majority countries do not allow prayers on roads and have designated places for worship.”
On the ongoing West Asia conflict, he said it is a time for Opposition parties to support the government and prioritise national interest above political ambitions. “War should be fought for truth and the welfare of the people, not for personal or selfish interests and I truly feel that India is following that right path,” he said.
He said this while responding to questions on how incidents in BJP-ruled States — such as FIRs over namaz on roads, iftar on a boat in the Ganga, or the Char Dham temples asking for ‘Sanatani’ affidavits — impact the RSS’s message of unity in diversity.
“Of course, there is a concern that there are illegal infiltrators, especially from Bangladesh. They are in lakhs… So it’s a very serious threat to our national unity, integrity, security, and even to our resources and economic facilities,” he said.
“It’s creating a burden on us. Also, they are illegally becoming voters and influencing our democratic and election processes. So, in a way, it’s a very serious issue for any country. I think we should not look at it in a communal way,” Ambekar said when asked about the “demographic imbalance” and “infiltration” issues being raised by the BJP.
“SIR is a normal process. In any election, the voting list is reviewed, & it’s not happening for the first time. I think the election commission has explained everything, and the common public does not have any complaints,” he added.
