Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has described caste discrimination and untouchability as a “blot” on Hindu society, saying the practices cannot be eliminated through laws and sermons alone.
Addressing RSS volunteers at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal on Sunday, September 20, Hosabale said social change must begin with individuals and their conduct at home.
“There should be no discrimination of any kind among human beings. Birth based discrimination is not part of Hindu culture,” he said.
Hosabale Calls for Change in Everyday Behaviour
Referring to the Ramayana, Hosabale cited the example of Lord Ram accepting berries offered by Shabari and questioned how discrimination could then be practised in the name of caste.
“Any kind of mistreatment in the name of caste weakens society,” he said, urging people to reject discriminatory practices in their daily lives.
He said divisions based on caste, sect, language and region weaken society and called for a stronger and more organised social structure.
India’s Rise Should Benefit Humanity
Hosabale also spoke about India’s growing global role, saying the country’s progress should not be aimed at dominating or exploiting other nations.
“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,” he said.
He said India’s development should demonstrate how material well being and spiritual fulfilment could coexist in a balanced manner.
Hosabale also credited India’s people and scientists for gaining international recognition and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had enhanced the country’s global stature.
Calls for Environmental Action
On environmental protection, Hosabale said passing resolutions at public forums would not be enough to protect nature.
He called for environmental conservation to become part of everyday behaviour at homes, schools, workplaces, markets and neighbourhoods. He also urged RSS volunteers to work towards keeping rivers clean and protecting the environment.
Referring to relief work during the COVID 19 pandemic, natural disasters and recent floods in Assam, Hosabale said social service should involve people from different sections of society.
“Working for the country should happen in every settlement and every village,” he said.
Hosabale’s remarks came three days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed around 1,700 young participants at the Yuva Dharma Sansad in Ujjain.
Bhagwat had used the example of the Sun to speak about the limits of human control, saying that the Sun would continue to rise and set regardless of whether people believed they could control it.
