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Aurangzeb's legacy not in tune with India's ethos: RSS

Bengaluru, Mar 23 (UNI) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale on Sunday asserted that Mughal ruler Aurangzeb does not align with the ethos of Bharat, stating that national icons should be those who contribute positively to the country’s unity and cultural heritage.
He emphasised that opposition to historical figures like Aurangzeb is not based on religion but stems from concerns over national cohesion.
Addressing the media at the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha here, Hosabale underscored the need for the "decolonisation of the mind," arguing that while India attained political independence in 1947, remnants of mental colonisation continue to influence historical narratives.
He cited the example of Aurangzeb Road in Delhi being renamed after former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, stating that such changes reflect a deeper cultural reassertion.
"In India, Aurangzeb was made an icon, not his brother, Dara Shikoh. Those who speak of 'Ganga-Jamuni' culture did not choose to make Dara Shikoh an icon. Should we idolise someone who stood against the ethos of Bharat or someone who embodied it? Aurangzeb does not fit into this ethos, but his brother does. It is for a free country to decide whom to idolise," he said.
The RSS leader further remarked that India’s struggle for independence was not confined to resisting British rule but also involved fighting against invaders.
"What Maharana Pratap did was also a freedom movement. If there are people today with an invader mindset, they pose a danger to the country. There should be an effort to reflect on who aligns with the ethos of the nation. This is not a religious matter. Sister Nivedita, though a Christian, merged with India’s ethos. Dara Shikoh did the same. This is something we must think about," he added.
Responding to a question on the demand by Hindu organisations for repealing the Wakf Act, Hosabale stated that many farmers have suffered due to encroachment by Wakf properties. He asserted that the government is actively working on a solution and stressed that any historical wrongs must be rectified.
On the issue of religion-based reservation, the RSS leader pointed out that multiple court rulings have struck down such provisions as unconstitutional. "Any political move in this direction goes against the intent of the Constitution’s framers," he remarked.
Addressing the prevailing situation in Manipur, Hosabale said that the government has taken measures based on its assessment.
He reiterated that the RSS has maintained that all necessary steps should be taken to restore normalcy and ensure that the people of Manipur live in harmony.
Reflecting on the RSS' agenda over the past century, he reiterated that the organisation’s primary objective has been the reawakening and unification of Hindu society.
He acknowledged inherent social challenges such as untouchability and reaffirmed that the RSS remains committed to addressing them through its Shakhas and nationwide initiatives aimed at fostering social harmony.
Hosabale also addressed recent media reports suggesting a rift between the RSS and the BJP, asserting that the RSS serves as a "guardian for every government."
In light of discussions regarding the RSS-BJP relationship, Hosabale emphasised that electoral assessments are routine. "The assessment has already been done by the people of the country. RSS is also a part of the nation. And if we play the role of a guardian, then we are a guardian for every government," he stated.
His remarks come amid media reports highlighting differences between the two organisations. However, RSS publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar has reportedly downplayed the concerns.
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