Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday called for global peace, asserting that the Union government was taking all necessary steps keeping the country’s supreme interests in mind.
RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said the conflict should end at the earliest so that ordinary people affected by the war can return to their normal lives.
Hosabale was responding to questions during a media briefing on the three-day meeting of the Sangh’s highest decision-making body, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS).
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When asked about the ongoing Iran–US–Israel conflict, which has entered its third week, the RSS leader said the organisation’s outlook has always been centred on peace.
“We want peace in the world. Our vision is world peace. Wars arise due to many reasons and in the context of this conflict too, we wish that it ends as quickly as possible so that the lives of common people return to happiness and peace without delay,” he said.
Hosabale added that he would not comment on the causes behind the conflict. He also said the Government of India was taking all necessary measures keeping the country’s national interests at the forefront.
“What is in the supreme interest of the nation, they (the Indian government) are doing that. Whatever they are doing is correct,” he said.
Responding to a question on protests reported in some parts of India following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hosabale said people may express grief over a person’s death, but it should always be done peacefully. “If such expressions take place, they must remain peaceful and should not be directed against any sect or community,” he said.
Referring to Indian traditions, he added, “According to our tradition, one may consider someone an enemy while they are alive, but after death, enmity ends. Therefore, if someone expresses sorrow after a person’s death, there is nothing wrong with that. However, it must be ensured that such expressions do not disturb peace.”
On the controversy surrounding the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which have been stayed by the Supreme Court of India, Hosabale said it would not be appropriate to comment as the matter is currently sub judice.
“Once the court delivers its verdict and after we examine it, the Sangh will present its views,” he said.
Replying to another question, Hosabale said when Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS, he never stated that the organisation was created to oppose Muslims.
He recalled that during the British era, when restrictions were imposed on the RSS in the Central Provinces, a debate took place in the assembly where several leaders defended the organisation.
“Among those who supported the Sangh was a Muslim leader who said he knew that the RSS and Dr Hedgewar were not communal and that restrictions should not be imposed,” Hosabale said.
“We have maintained from the beginning that the ancestors of all people in India were Hindus,” he added.
Referring to a recent gathering in Hyderabad attended by NRIs and people of Indian origin, Hosabale said the organisation conveyed a message to delegates from 71 countries.
“We told them that the country where you live and earn your livelihood, you should contribute positively to that nation. This reflects the vision of Hindutva—‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning the entire world is one family,” he said.
“It is not that you should only remain connected to India. You also have a responsibility towards the society where you live,” he added.
The three-day meeting of the ABPS, which began in Pattikalyana in Panipat on March 13, was inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat along with Hosabale.
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