Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale highlighted the RSS’s global engagement, emphasizing the coexistence of cultural values and modernization. Speaking at the Hudson Institute during the New India Conference, Hosabale portrayed the RSS as a voluntary movement rooted in India’s cultural ethos and civilization values, focusing on social service and nation-building efforts over the past century.
Hosabale mentioned that the RSS, operating for a century, has established a network of dedicated volunteers engaged in various sectors like education, health, and disaster relief. He clarified misconceptions in the West, stating that the organization is often misunderstood and refuting claims of being anti-minority, anti-development, or anti-modernization, which he deemed inaccurate and misinformed.
The RSS General Secretary emphasized the organization’s view of Hindu identity as a civilizational concept rather than a religious one, promoting dialogue to dispel misunderstandings. Hosabale advocated for a harmonious blend of cultural values and modernization, likening it to a banyan tree with deep roots and new growth. He also stressed the importance of fostering people-to-people relations to enhance India’s global partnerships, particularly with the United States.
Hosabale outlined the RSS’s domestic priorities focusing on social harmony, eco-friendly living, family values, self-reliance, and civic duties. He described volunteerism within the RSS as a lifelong commitment, emphasizing its role in nation-building and global welfare. The fireside chat at the New India Conference aimed to explore India’s expanding global influence and the significance of the US-India partnership amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
