RSS leader Hosabale calls caste discrimination a blot on Hindu society

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has declared that caste-based discrimination represents a "blot" on Hindu society, asserting that neither legislation nor sermons alone can eradicate casteism and untouchability without fundamental changes in individual conduct.

RSS leader addresses volunteers on social reform

Speaking at a gathering of RSS volunteers at Lal Parade Ground, Hosabale emphasized that birth-based discrimination finds no place in Hindu culture. "There should be no discrimination of any kind among human beings. Birth-based discrimination is not part of Hindu culture," he said.

The senior RSS functionary invoked the Ramayana to illustrate his point, citing Lord Ram's acceptance of berries offered by Shabari, and questioned how people could practice discrimination in the name of caste. "Any kind of mistreatment in the name of caste weakens society," Hosabale stated, urging people to begin the transformation with their own conduct and within their homes.

Hosabale argued that casteism and untouchability could not be eliminated merely through laws or sermons, but required a change in individual behaviour.

India's global rise should serve humanity, not dominate

Addressing the same gathering, Hosabale said India's rise should benefit humanity rather than aim to dominate other nations, and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with enhancing the country's global stature. He noted that India's 5,000-year-old civilisational journey showed that the country had repeatedly risen after facing crises and conflicts.

"The people of India and its scientists have earned a name for the country in various fields at the international level, and the Prime Minister leading the country has enhanced India's glory internationally," he said.

The RSS leader emphasized that India's progress should not be measured only in terms of economic or material advancement but by the contribution it makes to humanity. "India is progressing rapidly, but this means that India is rising, and it should rise. India's rise should bring many kinds of benefits to humanity," Hosabale said.

He expressed hope that India would rise and progress not to dominate or exploit anyone, nor to suppress the world through arrogance or crush anyone, but to serve humanity.

Societal participation in crisis response

Highlighting society's role in times of crisis, Hosabale said RSS volunteers had participated in relief work during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, but stressed that such efforts should involve society as a whole.

Referring to recent floods in Assam, he said volunteers of the RSS-affiliated Seva Bharati had gone there to help affected people and found that young people, college students and members of different sections of society had also come forward to provide assistance.

"This is how it should be. Working for the country should happen in every settlement and every village," he said.

Environmental protection requires daily action

On environmental protection, Hosabale said merely passing resolutions at public forums would not protect the environment and called for people to make conservation part of their daily conduct at home, schools, workplaces, markets and neighbourhoods. He urged RSS volunteers to work towards keeping rivers clean and protecting the environment through their own actions.

Hosabale also said India's progress should demonstrate to the world how material well-being and spiritual happiness could be achieved together in a balanced manner.

Recent RSS chief remarks on authority

The gathering took place days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed participants in Ujjain, saying a person's ego can create the misconception that his reign and everything operate according to his authority and that he can control everything.

"Take the Sun, for example; you cannot do anything about it. If you don't believe in it, that's fine, but it will still rise and set," Bhagwat had told around 1,700 Gen Z participants at the 'Yuva Dharma Sansad'.

Source: The Hindu