RSS's Dattatreya Hosable says nature worship harms none: 'If Muslims also...'

Dattatreya Hosabale, general secretary of the RSS. (File)

Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Dattatreya Hosabale on Wednesday said that worship of nature is an integral part of India's cultural tradition and is not harmful to any individual or community, irrespective of religion.

Addressing a Hindu Sammelan at Khorabar ground in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, the RSS Sarkaryavah (general secretary) said India's civilisational practices have historically been rooted in nature conservation and collective well-being.

He underlined that the RSS did not view any community as its adversary and believed in inclusiveness as essential for national progress.

"If Muslims also worship rivers and trees, there is nothing wrong in it. These traditions are linked to nature conservation and collective well-being," Hosabale said, according to Hindustan Times, adding that cultural practices such as yoga should not be narrowly interpreted through a religious lens.

Emphasising the role of Hindu society, Hosabale said it must act as the protector of Dharma and take the lead in addressing contemporary challenges such as environmental degradation and water scarcity. An organised and disciplined society, he said, was key to taking the nation towards "supreme glory".

The RSS general secretary also spoke at length about cultural unity, asserting that Indian culture has always promoted coexistence and respect for nature across faiths. "Indian cultural roots are one. Methods of worship may differ, but Dharma is one — Sanatan. Dharma is the art of living life," he was quoted as saying while discussing themes such as Hindu-Hindutva and India-Indianness.

Hosabale said followers of Sanatana Dharma carry a responsibility to uphold universal human values for the welfare of humanity at large. "Our ancestors described Hindu Dharma as Manav Dharma. People from any country can follow it," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of connecting children with spirituality, literature, culture and Dharma, and said the RSS continued to work towards strengthening social harmony, civic responsibility, environmental protection, swadeshi practices and family values.

The remarks come amid ongoing political and ideological debates around religion, culture and identity, with the RSS leadership reiterating its emphasis on cultural inclusiveness and environmental consciousness.