Hindu Rashtra is about diversity, not uniformity: RSS chief in London
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, on a centenary outreach tour, told a London diaspora audience that Hindu Rashtra means accepting diversity, not enforcing uniformity.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said the concept of "Hindu Rashtra" is rooted in the acceptance of diversity rather than in any particular religious practice or lifestyle. Speaking at a question-and-answer session with a largely Indian diaspora audience in London, he argued that "uniformity is not necessary for unity."
Bhagwat explained that the term "Hindu" cannot be understood through worship or custom alone. "It is nature. The nature to respect and accept all diversities," he said, adding that diverse streams of thought, including atheism, have originated from Bharat. He described the Hindu attitude as one that holds "we are also right" alongside others, without the need for conversion.
The RSS chief drew a distinction between "nation" and "rashtra." A nation, he said, is a state where people unite over similarities such as language or religion, with common rules enforced by the state. A rashtra, by contrast, is defined by a shared purpose. "The purpose of the Hindu Rashtra is to give this to the world — diversity is natural and unity is truth," he stated.
He noted that India has remained a rashtra despite invasions and periods of enslavement, and suggested that a society bound by common purpose would not produce dictators or lead to wars.
Responding to a question on how British Hindus should navigate potential conflicts between British and Indian interests, Bhagwat said no conflict would arise if they are "pucca Hindus." However, he acknowledged that in such a situation, they would naturally side with Britain. "Hindutva never asks you to betray your 'karmabhoomi'," he said.
On Hindu unity, Bhagwat advised focusing on commonalities rather than differences. He also expressed confidence in younger generations, saying they have an urge to improve the world and are willing to shed "petty differences." He advocated giving youth a purpose and knowledge "without imposing" a method, adding, "Set the goal, not the method."
The London event is part of the RSS's centenary-year global outreach. Bhagwat has previously held similar engagements in New York and Toronto as the organisation seeks to present its perspective to a wider international audience.