Hindutva Is Inclusive, Not Against Anyone, Says Vice-President at Book Release

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka, published by Saptahik Vivek, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Speaking at the event, he described Hindutva as an inclusive idea, saying it "is not against anyone" and "takes everyone together."

The Vice-President noted that the publication arrives at a significant moment, as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925, has completed its centenary. He said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the history, ideas and working methods of an organisation that has evolved over a long period, and observed that its methodology has stood the test of time, allowing it to establish a presence across diverse areas of social life.

Recalling his own long association with the Sangh, he said it was a personal honour to be part of the book release. He noted that the RSS was established with the objective of reviving cultural Hindutva, and that Dr. Hedgewar underscored the bond between Hindutva and the Sangh.

Drawing an analogy with the Ganga, which begins as a small Himalayan stream and grows large enough to carry ships by the time it reaches the Bay of Bengal, the Vice-President said the Sangh's journey could similarly be seen as one of remarkable expansion. "The Sangh started with a few people as a small organisation. Today, it has become a global organisation and spread across the country, with its swayamsevaks contributing to different spheres of national and social life," he said.

He also pointed to Yoga as an example of an Indian tradition that has travelled beyond its geographical and cultural origins to become part of a wider global conversation. The term "Vishwasanchar," he said, evokes the movement and communication of ideas across the world, and the book invites readers to examine how elements of Bharat's cultural heritage have travelled, interacted with other societies and acquired new forms and meanings.

Noting that the word "Hindutva" has acquired different meanings in different historical and intellectual contexts, he said a serious engagement with the subject requires examining its historical development, philosophical dimensions and the various interpretations surrounding it. He described cultural Hindutva as a union of core values, cultural ideals, genuine human relationships and the ideal of universal well-being.

The Vice-President called upon young people to read, question, investigate and understand Bharat's rich heritage while remaining conscious of the constitutional values and democratic institutions that shape the present. "A civilisation thrives and grows when it has the confidence to engage with change while retaining its roots in its foundational values, culture and ethos," he said.

He congratulated the authors, researchers, editors and the team at Saptahik Vivek for bringing out the book, and expressed hope that it would encourage deeper study of Bharat's cultural journey and stimulate thoughtful discussion on Hindutva, cultural identity and the country's relationship with the world. He also appreciated Saptahik Vivek's tradition of publishing books and research-oriented literature on Bharat's culture, national and international affairs and important social questions.

Among those present were Vinod Tawde, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Shivshankar, Managing Director of Suyog Telematic Limited, Mumbai; and Ravindra Gole, Editor of Saptahik Vivek.