Can Muslims join RSS? Mohan Bhagwat answers; explains who is not welcome in Sangh

Bengaluru, Nov 9 (IANS) – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has clarified the organization's stance on who can join its ranks, stating that everyone is welcome as a "son of Bharat Mata," but explained that only Hindus are allowed and clarified what he meant by that term. Bhagwat's comments came during a lecture series titled "100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons" in Bengaluru.

Responding to a question about the inclusion of Muslims in the RSS, Bhagwat said that the organization does not exclude anyone based on religion, caste or creed, emphasizing that all who consider India their motherland are welcome. He stated, "No Brahmin, Shaiva, Muslim or Christian is excluded from the Sangh... People from different denominations can come to the Sangh; only keep your separateness aside".

Bhagwat elaborated on this point, clarifying that while the RSS embraces diversity, individuals must come to the Sangh as members of "Hindu society" and as "sons of Bharat Mata". He noted that people from various castes and religions, including Muslims and Christians, already participate in RSS shakhas (branches). "We don't take a count of who they are, nor do we ask about their background. We are all sons of Bharat Mata — that's how the Sangh sees everyone," Bhagwat explained.

The RSS chief also addressed the organization's outreach programs, explaining that the goal is to connect with communities and groups that were previously kept apart. However, he clarified that outreach does not involve imposing any beliefs or actions on others. Instead, the RSS aims to empower individuals to fulfill their duties and achieve progress, emphasizing self-reliance and contribution to the nation.

In response to a question about opening schools for specific communities, including Muslims, Bhagwat said that the RSS focuses on "man-making" and does not run schools for particular castes or religions. He noted that volunteers associated with the RSS run autonomous organizations, such as Vidya Bharati, which operate schools in various localities, including Muslim areas.

Bhagwat also touched upon the RSS's vision for India, stating that the organization's core belief is that "Hindustan is a Hindu nation," which will never change. However, he emphasized that the RSS is open to change and evolution in other aspects. Bhagwat had said that "Hindus are responsible for Bharat," asserting that the RSS seeks to organise Hindu society for the nation's glory, not for power. He had also said that there are “no Ahindus (non-Hindus)” in India since everyone shares the same ancestry and follows “Bharateeya culture".

The RSS does not have a formal membership process. Men and boys can become members by attending the nearest Shakha. The RSS was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, with the aim of uniting the Hindu community through character training and instilling Hindu discipline. The organization is estimated to have around 4 million members as of 2024.