Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for harmony among different religious communities, saying that Hindutva cannot be associated with the exclusion of Muslims from India.
Speaking at a multi-faith dialogue in New York on Saturday, August 29, Bhagwat addressed questions about Hindu-Muslim relations, the RSS and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra. He said his understanding of Hindu philosophy recognises the dignity of every individual and accepts that different spiritual paths can ultimately lead toward the same truth.
Bhagwat argued that differences in religious identity should not become a reason to divide people. According to him, humanity remains one even though communities may follow different traditions, rituals and ways of worship.
Bhagwat Responds to Questions on Hindu Rashtra
During the interaction, Bhagwat recalled being questioned in the past by Muslim participants about what the concept of Hindu Rashtra would mean for them.
He said the idea should not be interpreted as suggesting that Muslims have no place in India. Bhagwat maintained that excluding another community would contradict what he considers the fundamental principles of Hindutva.
He stressed that every human being deserves equal dignity and said religious differences should not determine a person's value in society.
His comments came during a discussion focused on religious coexistence and the role different faith traditions can play in building social harmony.
Humanity Above Religious Differences
Bhagwat said he comes from a social tradition that views humanity as being larger than individual religious identities.
He explained that different religions may describe spiritual truth in different ways because people understand and express beliefs according to their own traditions and experiences.
While acknowledging the differences between faiths, Bhagwat said those differences do not necessarily have to result in conflict. Instead, he argued that communities should recognise their shared humanity while continuing to follow their respective religious practices.
The RSS chief also said he does not consider himself a religious scholar or spiritual authority, but his work has exposed him to a society in which multiple traditions have existed alongside one another for generations.
Bhagwat Highlights Role of Religious Discipline
Bhagwat also spoke about the importance of rituals in organised religion.
He said religions in the modern world are often identified through their rituals and established practices. According to him, religious discipline can be an important part of an individual's spiritual journey because it provides a structured path for practising faith.
At the same time, he suggested that rituals should not become a barrier between communities or prevent people from recognising common human values.
His remarks in New York placed emphasis on coexistence, respect between faiths and the belief that religious diversity can exist alongside a broader sense of social unity.
The comments are likely to draw attention in India because discussions around Hindutva, Hindu Rashtra and Hindu-Muslim relations continue to remain politically and socially significant. Bhagwat's remarks presented his interpretation of Hindutva as one that does not support the removal or exclusion of Muslims and instead stresses dignity and coexistence among different communities.
