Hindustan a ‘Hindu rashtra’, says Bhagwat, calls for social harmony

Lucknow: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday described ‘Hindustan' as a Hindu Rashtra and said all Hindus were brethren.Addressing a "Karyakarta Kutumb Milan" programme at the Madhav Sabhagar of Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Nirala Nagar, Bhagwat said that temples, wells and cremation grounds should be open to all Hindus without any discrimination.He reiterated that the RSS considered the entire Hindu society as one. He said social harmony cannot be achieved through speeches alone, but through action and interaction."There is no caste discrimination within the Sangh's fold. We must follow the same spirit in society," he said, encouraging swayamsevaks to build close, personal ties even with those sections of society not closely associated with the organisation. He urged workers to expand relationships from public spaces to family bonds, emphasising that everyone in society should be treated as one's own.Stressing the need for social harmony and greater unity within Hindu society, Bhagwat said that discrimination has no place in social institutions and called for collective efforts at the personal and family levels to strengthen harmony.Speaking on the role of families, Bhagwat said society's basic unit is not the individual but the family. "Social conduct is tested within the family," he said, adding that values such as patriotism, integrity, discipline and pride in one's family should be nurtured at home. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that children are fluent in their mother tongue.The RSS chief said that a career should not be defined merely as earning money, consumption or personal gain. "Career is more about sharing than accumulating. Children should be educated in a way that they grow up to give back to society and live for others," he said, urging families to inculcate values that align personal interest with national interest."For me, the nation comes first. Knowledge and wealth should be earned for the country," he noted.He also called for organising "Kutumb Milan" programmes at the locality and shakha levels, suggesting participation of 70 to 100 families. Referring to the Sangh's "Panch Parivartan" initiatives, he highlighted the significant role of women in bringing about social transformation.On technology, he said that while it cannot be stopped, its use must remain disciplined. "Screen time should be regulated," he said, cautioning that science also highlighted the adverse effects of excessive use of AI, television, mobile phones and films.