RSS Leader Elaborates on Hindu Rashtra Concept at Kerala Intellectual Meet
In a significant address at the 'Blooming Bharat: Young Intellectual Meet' in Thiruvananthapuram, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale articulated a clear distinction between the concept of Hindu Rashtra and that of a theological state. Speaking on Tuesday at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology as part of the Sangh Parivar's centenary celebrations, Hosabale emphasized that Hindu Rashtra is fundamentally rooted in the principles of Dharma rather than religious dogma.
Ancient Nationhood and Cultural Foundations
Hosabale challenged contemporary narratives by asserting, "Ours is an ancient rashtra. Some argue that it became a nation only after gaining independence in 1947." He elaborated that the Indian notion of a rashtra diverges significantly from Western conceptions of nationhood, which often prioritize political boundaries over cultural continuity.
Expressing a personal note, the Karnataka-born leader remarked on the irony of presenting these ideas in Kerala, a neighboring state, through a foreign language. "It was unfortunate that the idea of the rashtra had to be presented in a foreign language before an audience in Kerala. No foreign language can fully represent the concept of a nation, its heritage, culture and philosophy," he stated, underscoring Sanskrit as the foundational language of the nation.
Unity in Diversity: Cultural and Spiritual Integration
The RSS leader elaborated on the cohesive cultural fabric of India, noting that the term 'Hindu' itself originates from Sanskrit. "Even during the British Raj, it was a Hindu nation. Its soul is spiritual. Though there may be differences in expression, the culture is one," Hosabale affirmed.
He illustrated this unity through artistic and mythological examples:
- Whether music takes the form of Carnatic or Hindustani traditions, both are based on the same seven notes.
- Dance forms across India invariably incorporate elements of Radha, Krishna, Shiva, and Parvati, reflecting shared mythological narratives.
Hosabale referenced socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, who highlighted figures like Rama, Krishna, and Shiva as unifying symbols connecting different regions of Bharat. "Rama connected the north and south; Krishna connected the east and west; and Shiva influenced the entire nation," he quoted.
Historical and Political Endorsements of Cultural Unity
The address included notable historical anecdotes that reinforce the concept of a culturally unified India:
- During the Chinese invasion, DMK leader Annadurai vehemently opposed China in the Rajya Sabha, declaring the Himalayas as Shiva's abode.
- Pandit Nehru, in a Madurai speech, paid homage to ancestors who unified Bharat through pilgrimages.
Hosabale pointed to sacred sites like the 12 Jyotirlingas, 52 Shakti Peethas, and the four monasteries established by Shankaracharya as embodiments of the nation's cultural ethos. He also cited Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who envisioned Bharat as Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga—symbolizing knowledge, wealth, and strength.
Hinduism as a Cultural and Ethical System
Emphasizing the non-religious nature of these cultural elements, Hosabale mentioned retired Justice Mohammed Karim Chagla, who identified as a cultural Hindu. "None of this is religious," he asserted, drawing parallels with Indonesia, which retains Hindu cultural values like the Ramayana despite religious changes. "Hinduism is a system of ethical and cultural values," he concluded.
The event saw participation from notable figures including NAAC director Ganeshan Kannanbiren, Kerala University VC Mohanan Kunnummal, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University VC Ciza Thomas, and RSS south Kerala regional Sanghchalak M S Rameshan, highlighting the broad engagement with these ideas.
