Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale expressed pride in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s longstanding connection with the RSS, emphasizing the enduring ideological and organizational bond between the RSS and India’s ruling establishment. Hosabale affirmed that PM Modi’s association with the RSS remains a significant aspect of his public life and leadership journey. He acknowledged the deep-rooted relationship between the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), noting that the BJP’s founders intentionally maintained ties with the RSS upon the party’s formation in 1980.
Hosabale highlighted that individuals with RSS backgrounds hold positions of political authority, indicating a strong link between the organization and the government. While emphasizing that the RSS does not directly interfere in governmental decisions, he stated that the organization aligns with policies benefiting the national interest. He portrayed the RSS’s role as focused on long-term social and cultural influence, centered on fostering a volunteer-driven ecosystem promoting service, discipline, and social unity.
The discussion at the Hudson Institute’s New India Conference delved into the RSS’s growth over the past century, evolving from a small group to a significant movement that has influenced political leadership in India. Hosabale emphasized humility as a core value, underscoring the importance of modesty amidst success. He reiterated the RSS’s commitment to nurturing selfless volunteers dedicated to societal and humanitarian service, while advocating for India’s modernization without losing its cultural heritage.
