OPINION | RSS Redefines Hindutva: A living, inclusive civilisational idea

This ongoing effort has now found a fresh and significant expression in the publication of a collection of three important and path-breaking speeches defining Hindutva in a contemporary perspective. The speeches are by Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Sah Sarkaryavah (joint general secretary) Arun Kumar, and former joint general secretary Suresh Soni.

Read together, these addresses offer valuable insight into how the RSS seeks to define Hindutva in today’s context. They also dispel misconceptions about ‘Hindutva’ and the RSS’s worldview of contemporary society, underlining the dynamic aspects of both the philosophy and the organisation.

What is Hindutva?

The key takeaway from these speeches is that Hindutva can’t be confined to rituals, superstitions, food habits, and customs. Hindutva has no such limitation. Balance, discernment, and inner affinity with all – even when compelled to fight, doing so without hatred – is the Hindu disposition. The name of that disposition is Hindutva.

According to Bhagwat, the patience to listen to another’s viewpoint arises because of Hindutva. Hindutva never accepts a full stop.

Hindutva is not confined to one food habit, custom, or ritual. It is not religion – it is the governing principle of life known as Dharma – that which sustains.

Hindutva’s Principles in Tune with the Times

Going by these speeches, the RSS’s worldview is that Hindutva is eternal, time-appropriate, holding both together; a thought established through logic, science, and experience. It is opposed to no one. It is a thought that takes everyone along, that unites everyone. It accepts all the diversities of the citizens of our country today – their languages, attire, food habits, modes of worship – respects them, gives them full opportunities for development, and takes them along. The RSS also defines it as ‘Hindu Thought’.

According to the RSS, Hindutva is not politics; it is not worship. Hindutva does not believe in any extremism because its foundation is Dharma. To follow our culture, the ideals of our ancestors, devotion to the motherland – this is Hindutva.

Historical Context

These speeches also answer the two most often asked questions: “Is Bharat a Hindu Rashtra? Is Hindutva our nationality?”. According to Suresh Soni, this statement was not originally articulated by the RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Even before his birth, in 1875, the expression “Glorious Hindu Nation” had appeared in a poem by Rajnarayan Bose.

He adds, “Another reference deserves mention. When 400 years had passed since Columbus’ arrival in America, a massive exposition was organised in Chicago to project Western supremacy. Among the many events in this exposition was the famous World’s Parliament of Religions, intended to establish the supremacy of Christianity. Yet by divine providence, that very stage became the occasion for giving a new life to the word Hindu and the Hindu worldview.”

Eternal and Ever-Changing

Soni has explained how Hindutva is eternal as well as ever-changing. According to him, in our country, the word ‘Hindu’ has been used in multiple contexts. “We speak of Hindu Philosophy, Hindu Dharma, Hindu Society, Hindu Culture, and Hindu Civilization. These are not disparate categories – the term ‘Hindu’ simply expresses itself differently according to context. In essence, the life-breath is Hindutva.

Its expression in the intellectual realm is known as Darshana (philosophy).
As eternal principles or Sanatana truths, it is called Hindu Dharma.
When these truths shape conduct and customs, we refer to it as Hindu Culture.
When they take form in art, architecture, clothing, crafts, and lifestyle, they manifest as Hindu Civilization.
The collective that lives by this entire heritage is Hindu Society.
There is no contradiction among these usages.”

Constitution as an Expression of Hindu Dharma

RSS joint general secretary Arun Kumar’s speech clarifies how the RSS looks at the Constitution. According to him, the core sentiment of Hindu Dharma is also reflected in our Constitution. In fact, the background of our Constitution is rooted in our Sanatan thoughts and values. Our Constitution is, in essence, an expression of Hindu Dharma. In reality, there are many elements in the Indian Constitution that we have not borrowed from others. It is true that, while framing the Constitution, we adopted several administrative mechanisms from the British.

He further adds, the greatest feature of the Constitution is its Preamble, which is truly the soul of Hindu Dharma. We declared the goal of our Republic as “to secure Justice, Liberty, and Equality” in society. But the three conditions mentioned alongside are, in fact, paradigms of Hindu Dharma. How will we achieve our goals? By promoting fraternity – this is Hindu Dharma.

“Fraternity means bandhutva – brotherhood. While dispensing justice or establishing equality, this bond of fraternity must not be broken. The RSS emphasises closeness and trust within the community. “This sense of bonding unites society. ‘Mata Bhumi Putro’ham Prithivyam” – we are all children of Bharat Mata, therefore we are brothers and sisters, connected by the blood of the land. There is no distinction between small or big here. This sense of brotherhood is a unique feature of Bharat; it does not exist in any other country in the world.”

Earlier RSSFACTS columns can be read here.

(Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive.)

Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.