Patriotism should be a common foundation for all parties in India: RSS sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale gave an exclusive interview to the Vikrama Weekly magazine of Karnataka. He spoke with Vikrama's Editor, Ramesha Doddapura, about the Sangh, Ram Temple and nationalism in political parties. Hosabale said the Shakha is a system that was devised over a century ago for man-making. If a Shakha exists in a town or village, it signifies the presence of the Sangh there. 

He said the founder of the Sangh, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, had participated in the freedom movement and various other activities, gaining immense experience in the process. "Out of that experience, the concept and methodology of the Shakha emerged. Dr Hedgewar must have thought deeply about this system. As you rightly pointed out, the Shakha is a completely open, daily one-hour activity held in public spaces. It is extremely simple and has no secrets. However, while it is simple, it is not easy. Though the Shakha format is straightforward, it requires daily participation for years, making it difficult to sustain. It demands a certain mindset, discipline, dedication, and perseverance without expecting immediate results."

RSS leader Hosabale speaks on 'Pracharak' system in Sangh

"There are multiple interpretations regarding the origins of the Pracharak system in the Sangh. However, the exact source from which Dr Hedgewar derived this idea is not definitively known. In fact, our society has long upheld a tradition of Sadhus and Sants who dedicate their lives to the nation, Dharma, and spiritual pursuits, setting aside personal aspirations. For thousands of years, we have had sages and saints who selflessly worked toward a higher cause. Similarly, during the freedom struggle, many youths renounced personal ambitions and devoted themselves entirely to the movement. Dr Hedgewar himself emerged from such an environment. Samarth Ramadas introduced the concept of 'Mahanth' in Maharashtra, which closely resembles the life of a Pracharak," Hosabale said. 

He said Hedgewar never explicitly mentioned adopting this concept, given that he started the RSS in Maharashtra, it is possible that he was influenced by such ideas. "Unfortunately, we do not have extensive written works or speeches from Dr Hedgewar that could provide deeper insights into his thought process," he added. 

Dattatreya Hosabale on 'casteism' in India

Hosabale said the argument that caste must be preserved only to maintain diversity is not conducive to national unity. India's geographical and natural diversity ensures that social diversity will always exist. It is incorrect to say that caste alone is necessary to maintain diversity. If caste remains confined to family traditions or domestic practices, it does not harm society. However, if caste is used to discriminate or determine political power, it becomes a problem for society. 

"The Sangh has always urged that a system be put in place through society and the Constitution to eliminate this deficiency for those who have been deprived of respect, opportunity, and equality based on birth (caste). Has the Sangh’s stance on caste influenced society? Yes, it has. While this change is not solely due to the Sangh, many individuals have worked toward this goal. With changing times, caste barriers are naturally weakening. Today, we see IAS officers, sports persons, film stars, and IT professionals choosing their life partners based on career and compatibility rather than caste. This trend is increasing, gradually shifting caste identities," the RSS sarkaryavah said.