Raipur, Feb 8: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, saying it has made an immense contribution to India’s journey before and after Independence, one that no historian can deny.
Addressing a conclave of Organiser Weekly on the book ‘Chhattisgarh@25 – Shifting The Lens’, published by Bharat Prakashan, Shah said the positive contribution of RSS volunteers is visible across every sphere of national and social life.
“..Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has made a very big contribution to India’s journey both before and after Independence, and no historian can deny this. There is no sector in the country or social life in which the Sangh’s swayamsevaks have not made a contribution,” he said.
The Union minister said that while the contribution of every citizen is important, RSS, as an institution, has stood out for its work.
“When we speak in reference to institutions and evaluate them, I can say without hesitation that among all institutions, the contribution of the Sangh’s swayamsevaks has been most prominent in every field and in every sphere of social life after India’s Independence,” he said. “There is no need for anyone to have any doubt about this,” he added.
Bhagwat highlights Hindu unity in Bangladesh
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Hindu population in Bangladesh has chosen to unite and resist rather than flee, assuring them of the Sangh’s support.
He made the remarks during an interactive session marking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary, where he addressed a wide range of issues including his retirement, caste, language, religion, national unity, population imbalance, infiltration, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Bhagwat emphasized the primacy of local languages in RSS functioning, stating English would not replace Indian languages. He clarified that the RSS does not follow caste-based representation; volunteers rise through merit, and caste identities today largely serve political interests.
On population concerns, he cited religious conversion, infiltration, and low birth rates as key factors, while advocating “ghar wapasi” for those returning to their original faith.
On national unity, he stressed detecting and deporting infiltrators and promoting a society without majority or minority divisions.
On religion, he highlighted the need for practicing “true” Islam and Christianity and fostering dialogue with all communities.
He also supported anti-corruption measures, called for careful framing of the UCC, and backed awarding Bharat Ratna to V.D. Savarkar.
Bhagwat said he would retire only when the RSS directs, despite being 75. Prominent actors, filmmakers, and musicians attended the programme.
Uniform Civil Code should unite, not divide
Mohan Bhagwat said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be framed with consensus and must not create divisions, citing Uttarakhand’s inclusive approach as an example.
Speaking at the RSS centenary, he emphasized national unity, stating there is no majority or minority and stressing dialogue with Muslim and Christian communities.
On politics, he said “achche din” for the RSS came from volunteer dedication and commitment to ideology, not BJP rule.
He supported Bharat Ratna for V.D. Savarkar and noted RSS’s young membership, with an average age of 28, aiming to reduce it further to 25. He also commented on India-US trade as requiring win-win agreements. (PTI)
