‘Humanity is one’: Mohan Bhagwat stresses religious harmony at New York conference

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering in New York on Saturday, speaking about religious diversity, the organisation’s work during disasters and his views on Hindutva and political engagement.

His address came as he visits the US as part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's centenary-year global outreach programme. He is also scheduled to travel to Canada and the UK.

Bhagwat on religion and shared humanity

Speaking at the event, Bhagwat said he did not consider himself a religious authority but referred to the idea of a common humanity despite differences in faith.

“I am not a religious scholar, nor a religious authority like you, but I am working in a society which traditionally says that religions might be different, but humanity is one. Truth is one, and humanity is a product of that truth. So humanity is one. That truth is one truth, but it is described in many ways according to the describer. Because as human beings, we are prisoners of the software that has been created in our heads,” says Mohan Bhagwat.

Recalling RSS work after Haryana plane crash

Bhagwat also recalled the RSS response to a 1996 plane crash in Haryana, saying most of the passengers were Muslims.

“Most of the passengers were Muslims. After that calling, our Swayamsevaks reached there first. And they served, serving treating the wounded, there were very few, all others were dead. Recovering their bodies. Arrange for the funeral rites. When their relatives came, helping them in identifying. We never thought at that time that these are Muslims.”

‘That is not Hindutva’

Discussing his understanding of Hindutva, Bhagwat said people of different faiths should be treated equally.

“If you want to call yourself Hindu, you must believe that all paths are leading to the same. And every human has a dignity. There is no difference between human beings. I had a lecture there. And Muslim brothers were also there. And they asked me a question: You are a Hindu organization, you say Hindu Rashtra, what about us Muslims? Would you drive us out? I said no, that is not Hindutva. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu,” Says Mohan Bhagwat.

Bhagwat on politics and service

Bhagwat also spoke about influencing policy and preventing wars, saying, “We want to change, influence the policies before they happen, influence them in right way. We want to stop wars, want to do all these things. Therefore, we want to actively influence the politics. We have to some at some point of time,” says Mohan Bhagwat.

He also described service as central to the RSS ethos, saying those seeking personal gain should not join the organisation.