“Anyone who is proud of India is a Hindu,” RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat makes a major statement

Asserting that Hinduism is not bound by religious connotations but is inclusive, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that if Muslims and Christians worship this country, follow Indian culture, even without abandoning their own customs and traditions, they too are Hindus. Addressing a group of intellectuals, scholars, editors, writers, and entrepreneurs during his visit to Assam on Tuesday as part of the RSS centenary celebrations, Bhagwat said that those who show devotion to the motherland, the pride of our ancestors, and carry forward the legacy of our culture are all Hindus. Hinduism should not be taken in a religious sense. Hinduism and Hindu culture are not just about food and worship. It is inclusive. Mohan Bhagwat further said that many more people can join it. If Muslims and Christians, without abandoning their own worship, customs, and traditions, still worship this country, follow Indian culture, and take pride in their Indian ancestors, they are Hindus. Furthermore, he spoke at length about five key social transformations—the Panch Parivartan (five transformations): social harmony, family enlightenment, civic discipline, self-reliance, and environmental protection. Bhagwat stated on Tuesday that anyone who is proud of India is a Hindu. Speaking with eminent personalities here, Bhagwat asserted that Hindu is not merely a religious term but a civilizational identity rooted in thousands of years of cultural continuity. He said that India and Hindu are synonymous. India does not need any official declaration to be a Hindu nation. Its civilizational nature already reflects this. Bhagwat said that the RSS was founded not to oppose or harm anyone, but to focus on character building and contribute to making India a global leader. Among these, the RSS chief laid special emphasis on strengthening the institution of family, urging every family to cherish the stories of their ancestors and instill responsibility and cultural pride in the younger generation. He further said that role models like Lachit Borphukan and Srimanta Sankardev should inspire all Indians, regardless of their birthplace, but they are our national role models.