Bengaluru, Mar 21 (UNI) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sah Sarkaryavah CR Mukunda on Friday strongly condemned the recent attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, labelling them as "barbaric and highly condemnable."
He also acknowledged that restoring complete peace in strife-torn Manipur would be a gradual process.
Addressing the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Mukunda underscored the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh, stating that such incidents were "shameful by any standard of humanity and democracy in a civilised society." He lauded the efforts of RSS swayamsevaks and various organisations in mobilising nationwide protests against "fanatic forces responsible for the situation in Bangladesh."
The RSS Sah Sarkaryavah also appreciated the Indian government’s proactive stance in urging Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus while simultaneously mobilising international opinion on the matter.
"The lives and property of Hindus in Bangladesh remain at risk. However, it is commendable that even under such circumstances, the Hindu community there is standing firm against the attackers with self-confidence and resilience," he said.
Mukunda urged the global community to take a stand in defending the human rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He also confirmed that the issue would be formally discussed at the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), with a resolution to be shared with the media soon.
Speaking at a press conference later, he highlighted the RSS' commitment to fostering peace in Manipur and stressed the Sangh’s role in facilitating dialogue among the state’s various communities, including the Meiteis, Kukis, and tribal groups.
"RSS has facilitated several meetings between leaders from these communities in Imphal, Guwahati, and Delhi, aimed at restoring harmony. While the complexities of the situation are undeniable, the organisation is working to rebuild trust and promote reconciliation," he stated.
Mukunda also shed light on the humanitarian efforts being carried out by the RSS in the conflict-ridden state, mentioning that swayamsevaks have set up hundreds of relief camps to support displaced individuals with food, shelter, and other necessities. He expressed cautious optimism regarding the imposition of President’s Rule, noting that while it has provided some stability, the road to complete peace remains long.
On the much-debated issue of the perceived North-South divide, the RSS Sah Sarkaryavah dismissed such concerns as politically motivated. Speaking on delimitation, he pointed out that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that the proportion of Lok Sabha seats for Southern states would remain unchanged, leading the RSS to maintain a neutral stance on the matter.
He further criticised politically driven narratives, such as debates over the rupee symbol and language-related controversies, stating that these should be resolved through social dialogue rather than political intervention.
"The RSS stands for justice and believes in addressing such matters harmoniously," Mukunda asserted.
As the RSS nears its centenary in 2025, he spoke about the evolving demographic of its swayamsevaks and revealed that the organisation now has over one crore active members across various fields, including social service, trade unions, and agriculture.
Highlighting the Sangh’s growing influence in states where it previously had a limited presence, he cited Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Odisha as examples. "In Tamil Nadu alone, the number of shakhas has crossed 4,000," he noted.
The Sarkaryavah also dismissed claims of resistance to the RSS’s expansion, stating that opposition, where present, is largely political rather than religious. "We believe these differences can be resolved through dialogue and consultations," he said confidently.
Responding to a query on the language issue, Mukunda reiterated the RSS’s emphasis on the importance of Matru Bhasha (mother tongue) in education and daily life. He shared that the organisation had passed a resolution encouraging people to learn multiple languages, advocating proficiency in their mother tongue, the regional language of their place of residence, and a career-oriented language like English.
"Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has consistently emphasised the need to integrate Matru Bhasha into everyday life while also encouraging linguistic diversity across regions," Mukunda added.
With its centenary approaching, the RSS continues to expand its influence, advocate for social cohesion, and address pressing national and international concerns.
UNI BDN CS