Not a Hindu If You Think There Shouldn’t Be Muslim: RSS

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a message of unity, religious diversity and social responsibility during his ongoing visit to the United States. Bhagwat addressed events in New York, including the “Universal Oneness Celebration” at the Infosys Theater inside Madison Square Garden, organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue.

At another event titled “One World One Humanity”, he spoke strongly about Hinduism, Muslims and the idea of universal oneness. Across his New York addresses, Bhagwat repeatedly returned to the themes of human dignity, religious diversity, unity and social responsibility. His comments on Muslims and Hinduism, in particular, have drawn attention as he presented his interpretation of Hindutva as an idea that recognises different faiths and stresses the dignity of every human being.

Not a Hindu if you think there shouldn’t be any Muslim

One of Bhagwat’s strongest remarks was about the place of Muslims in Bharat. Speaking at the “One World One Humanity” event, he said that if any Hindu believes there should be no Muslim in Bharat, “he will not remain Hindu.” He said those who call themselves Hindu must believe that different paths can lead to the same goal. “If you want to call yourself Hindu, you must believe that all paths are leading to the same goal and that every human has dignity. There is no difference between human beings,” Bhagwat said. His remarks came while responding to a question about Muslims and Hindutva.

Diversity is natural, unity is the truth

Bhagwat’s central message was that differences among people are natural, but beneath those differences lies an inherent oneness. He described diversity as the “decoration of oneness”, suggesting that different cultures, traditions and ways of life can exist while people remain connected by a deeper sense of unity.

‘Make others live, not merely let live’

Bhagwat said people should not limit themselves to simply allowing others to live. According to him, human beings have intelligence and abilities that come with a responsibility to support others, protect nature and contribute to the wider world. He stressed the need to think beyond individual wellbeing and work for the wellbeing of society and the environment.

Dharma is beyond religion

Bhagwat said Dharma should not be understood simply as religion or a system of worship. He described Dharma as a sustaining principle that helps maintain balance between individuals, society and the environment. According to him, this balance is necessary for people and society to progress together.

Different paths, same goal

Bhagwat also recalled a conversation with a group of Muslims who had asked him about Hindutva. He said Hindu thought teaches that human beings should not be divided on the basis of religion and that different religious paths can ultimately lead towards the same goal.