On Hindutva and secularism, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat bluntly said that ‘the state is run by law, not by religion… He was asked how Hindus can be protected within the framework of secularism? How can our youth be built on the foundation of Hindutva? On this, Bhagwat has clearly said that the state is run by law, not by religion. He separated Hindutva from rituals and gave the message to the youth that being a Hindu is not just about going to the temple, but your conduct is your real religion.
Mohan Bhagwat tried to clear the common misconceptions regarding secularism. He clarified that secularism is not a western concept which has been imposed, but it is a system of governance. Bhagwat said, secularism is a method of governance. Any system of governing the state has always been secular and the state will always remain secular. This thing has to be understood. His statement is important because Hindutva organizations are often accused of challenging the secular structure of the Constitution. But the Sangh chief made it clear here that the state is not run on the basis of any particular worship method or religion, but on the basis of law. The state must be secular.
What is the proof of being a Hindu?
Broadening the definition of Hindutva, Mohan Bhagwat said that the proof of being a Hindu is not just worship. He drew a broad line between the youth and the society and explained that if a person does not go to the temple, it does not mean that he is not a Hindu. Bhagwat said, we cannot say that a person is not a Hindu, just because he does not go to the temple. Religion is not limited to rituals or worship only. This statement reinforces the ideology of the Sangh which considers Hindutva as a way of life and not just a religion. Bhagwat’s message is clear that inner conduct is more important than outer appearance.
What is the message for the youth?
How to connect today’s young generation, which is moving with logic and modernity, to Hindutva? On this question, Bhagwat said that instead of entangling the youth in rituals, they have to be made to understand that religion should be reflected in their behaviour. He said, actions and conduct come before rituals. The youth have to be made to understand that religion is reflected in one’s behaviour.
Who is a true Hindu?
This means that if a youth speaks the truth, helps others, is disciplined and dedicated to the nation, he is a true Hindu, whether he goes to the temple every day and rings the bell or not. The foundation of Hindutva rests on character building, and this is what needs to be taught to the youth. When the question came about how to protect Hindus within the framework of secularism, Bhagwat’s answer focused not on ‘confrontation’ but on ‘harmony’. He said that secularism means being religiously neutral. According to Bhagwat, the job of the state is to enforce the law and the job of the society is to maintain mutual brotherhood. If the state will run on the basis of law (will not appease anyone) and the society will follow dharma (duty) in its conduct, then security will automatically be ensured.
Should the government build a temple or not?
Mohan Bhagwat was asked whether the government should build a temple or a mosque, as is happening in Bengal. On this, Bhagwat said, the government should neither build a temple nor a mosque. The government has also not built Ram temple. This should not be linked to politics. I know it’s against the rules.
What did you say about Sangh being anti-Muslim?
Mohan Bhagwat said, there is no such belief that anyone who thinks should come here and see. Many people came here and saw that they said that the Sangh is not anti-Muslim at all. On the construction of Babri Masjid, he said that the matter of the temple has been taken up in the court and on its basis, but now the temple-mosque dispute should be stopped.
