Mumbai | RBN News
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that if Hindus in Bangladesh choose to remain and collectively fight for their rights, they would receive support from the global Hindu community. His remarks come amid reports of rising violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Addressing an event in Mumbai marking 100 years of the RSS, Bhagwat said that nearly 1.25 crore Hindus living in Bangladesh would not be alone if they asserted themselves.
“If they decide to stay there and fight for their rights, the Hindu society across the world will stand with them,” he said.
Remarks on Population and Governance
Speaking on domestic issues, Bhagwat criticised past governments for failing to address demographic changes, citing birth rates and illegal immigration as key factors.
“The government earlier did not take sufficient steps. Now that action has begun, it will be effective,” he said.
He also asserted India’s resilience, stating that the country could no longer be destabilised.
“India cannot be broken now. Those who try to weaken India will themselves be weakened,” Bhagwat said.
RSS Funding and Functioning
Responding to questions about the organisation’s finances, Bhagwat said the RSS does not depend on corporate or institutional funding.
“Our funding comes from our workers. When we travel, we ask for tiffin instead of buying food, and we stay in the homes of swayamsevaks, not hotels,” he explained.
Caste and Leadership
On leadership within the RSS, Bhagwat stressed that caste is not a barrier.
“Anyone from any caste can become the RSS chief. Being SC or ST is not a disqualification, and being a Brahmin is not a qualification,” he said, adding that while the organisation initially had a Brahmin base, it now works across all sections of society.
Approach in Muslim-Dominated Areas
Bhagwat said the Sangh avoids confrontation in sensitive areas.
“In Muslim-dominated areas, challenges are handled by not reacting. Even if abuses are hurled, we do not respond, so that conflict does not escalate,” he said.
Bangladesh Context
Bangladesh has seen a spike in mob violence against minorities in recent months, particularly following political unrest triggered by the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after the student-led ‘July Uprising’ on August 5, 2024. Violent protests reportedly escalated into targeted attacks on Hindu citizens, including businessmen, labourers, and students.
RSS Vision
Bhagwat was speaking at the two-day lecture series ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons’, organised at the Nehru Centre in Worli to commemorate the RSS centenary.
Reiterating the organisation’s stated philosophy, Bhagwat said the RSS is not a political pressure group and does not seek power.
“The Sangh is not against anyone. It does not want power. Its only objective is to unite society,” he said, recalling that RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar established the organisation in 1925 to address social divisions.
