‘All Indians are Hindus’, says RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

MUMBAI: In what seems to be an attack on Muslims and other minorities in India, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has sparked controversy with his statement that all those living in India are Hindus, asserting that the word Hindu is an adjective, not a noun.

Addressing a two-day lecture series ‘100 years of Sangh Journey – New Horizons’ in Mumbai, Bhagwat said, “There is one identity that unites us all and we call it a Hindu. It’s a broader cultural and civilisational term and not religious… Bharat is not just a geographical entity, but represents a cultural attitude.”

Bhagwat acknowledged India’s diversity in languages, food habits, and religious practices, but emphasized that these differences co-exist within a shared cultural framework. He also criticized the term “dharmanirpekshata” as incorrect, suggesting “pantnirpekshata” instead.

Dharmanirpekshata is a Hindi term referring to secularism or neutrality towards religions, while Pantnirpekshata is coined by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, emphasizing neutrality towards different sects or groups rather than religions.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including actors Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Hema Malini, Ashvini Bhave, singer Anuradha Paudwal, and filmmaker Subhash Ghai.

The RSS chief’s remarks have sparked debate, with some interpreting them as an attempt to redefine Indian identity and others seeing it as a call for cultural unity. Monitoring Desk