Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: ‘In supreme interest of nation’: RSS backs Centre’s decisions amid Middle East turmoil; calls for peace | India News
RSS supports Centre’s decision amid Middle East turmoil
Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday called for peace and said the war should end as soon as possible, while supporting the central government’s response, saying it was acting in the “ultimate interest of the nation”.Addressing a media briefing on the sidelines of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratap Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Panipat, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosable said the Sangh wants the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel to end quickly so that the common man can return to normal life.
‘We want peace on earth ‘
Responding to a question on the Middle East conflict, which has entered its third week, Hosable said the RSS’s position is rooted in a broader worldview of world peace.According to news agency PTI, Hosable said, “We want peace in the world.“Our vision is world peace. Wars arise from multiple causes; therefore, in the context of this particular conflict, we also want it to end as soon as possible and the lives of common people return to happiness and peace without delay,” he said.However, he refused to comment on the reasons behind the war.
RSS supports the Centre’s response
Hosable strongly defended the Centre’s handling of the crisis, saying the government was taking all necessary steps in the national interest.“Whatever is in the best interest of the nation, they (Indian government) are doing it. What they are doing is right,” he told reporters.The comments come as the Indian government continues to monitor the outcome of the Middle East conflict, which has affected energy supplies, trade routes, aviation and Indian citizens in the region.
Protests after Khamenei’s assassination
Asked about protests reported from parts of India following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hosabale said expressions of grief are normal, but any such response must be peaceful and should not disrupt communal harmony.“If such an incident takes place, it should be done peacefully. It should not be against any sect or community,” he said.He further said, “According to Indian tradition, a person can have enemies while alive, but no one remains an enemy after death. So there is nothing wrong if someone expresses sorrow after death. But when this is done, care must be taken that it does not disturb the peace.”
The UGC declined to comment on the row, talking about Muslims and Hinduism
On the controversy surrounding the UGC regulations stayed by the Supreme Court, Hosable said it would not be appropriate to comment on the pending matter.“When a decision comes, the Sangh will comment after going through it,” he said.In response to another question, Hosable said, RSS founder Dr. Keshav Boliram Hedgewar did not create the organization to oppose Muslims.“When Dr. Keshav Boliram Hedgewar founded the RSS, he did not say that the organization was formed to oppose Muslims,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.He also referred to a historic controversy during the British rule in the Central Provinces, saying a Muslim leader had defended the RSS against restrictions, arguing that the organization and Hedgewar were non-sectarian.Hosable reiterated the long-standing position of the RSS, saying, “We have been saying from the beginning that the ancestors of all the people of India were Hindus.”
Messages for Indians Abroad
Referring to a recent event in Hyderabad attended by NRIs and people of Indian origin from 71 countries, Hosable said the Sangh urged them to work for the welfare of the country they live in.“We sent a message to the delegates from 71 different countries… you should do good for the country where you live and eat. Because this is the vision of Hindutva: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the whole world is one family,” he said.“It is not that you are only with India. It is your duty to be with the society there,” he added.
ABPS meeting ends with organizational shock
The three-day ABPS meeting, which began at Pattikala in Panipat on March 13, was inaugurated by RSS chiefs Mohan Bhagwat and Hosable and concluded on Sunday with a resolution to expand organizational work, strengthen social harmony and encourage participation of “positive forces” in the national interest.Hosable said that the number of RSS branches has increased by about 6,000 in the last year and now exceeds 88,000, while the number of places where the branches are held has increased to over 55,000, PTI reported.He also said that the Sangh outreach has been extended to remote areas including Andaman, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh and tribal areas and a total of 96 training camps will be organized in the coming year.
