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RSS Chief Hosabale: Hindutva is a Mindset, Not Just a Lifestyle

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that Hindutva is not merely a lifestyle but a fundamental mindset, requiring a clear conception of its meaning. He outlined five key societal issues the RSS addressed last year: social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental protection, indigenous conduct, and civic duty. Hosabale emphasized the need to remove the lingering colonial mindset from Indian society. On the occasion of the RSS centenary, he also detailed the organization's massive reach, with over 88,000 shakhas operating across more than 55,000 locations.

Key Points: RSS Defines Hindutva as Mindset and Lifestyle

  • Hindutva defined as mindset and lifestyle
  • RSS focused on five societal issues
  • Need to remove colonial mindset
  • Sangh expanding shakhas nationwide
  • Over 88,000 branches at 55,000+ locations
2 min read

Hindutva not only a lifestyle, but a mindset, says RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale explains Hindutva as a core mindset and outlines the Sangh's five societal focus areas and centenary expansion.

"This is not just a mindset but a lifestyle. - Dattatreya Hosabale"

Panipat, March 15

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Sunday emphasised that Hindutva is not just a lifestyle but a mindset, and there should be a conception of what it really is.

Addressing a press conference, Hosabale said that the RSS took up five issues last year from the perspective of society. He added that the five issues included social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental protection, indigenous conduct, and civic duty. He further said that not only the RSS workers but all those institutions and individuals working for the country are patriots.

"Last year, we took up five issues from the perspective of society. Panchparivartan, which includes social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental protection, indigenous conduct, and civic duty. Our country was under British rule, due to which a colonial mindset persisted in our society for some time. We need to remove it. There should be a conception of what Indianness is, what Hindutva is. This is not just a mindset but a lifestyle. Our thinking is that discourse on India is essential for a positive world. We do not believe that only RSS workers are patriots. Many institutions and individuals are working for the country across the nation. When there is mutual cooperation among these institutions and individuals, our strength will increase," he said.

Moreover, he said that on the occassion of the centenary, the RSS discussed the expansion of the Sangh work from an organisational perspective.

He noted that there are 88,949 branches located at 55,683 locations.

"On the occasion of the centenary of the Sangh this year, we had specifically deliberated on the programs for the centenary year... From an organisational perspective, we discussed the expansion of Sangh work. We have made efforts in the past years to have more gatherings at the Sangh Shakhas present in various geographical regions across the country, and we have also seen the results of that," he said.

"There are 88,949 Shakhas at 55,683 locations... Population is, of course, a measure of this, but if there are more than 50 Shakhas, it is considered a metropolis. This is the terminology of the Sangh... The expansion of Sangh Shakhas has also taken place in tribal areas. If there is even one Shakha of the Sangh somewhere and Swayamsevaks are reaching there, it means that people who view the country with a sense of unity are being built," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting perspective. Defining 'Indianness' and 'Hindutva' as a mindset and lifestyle inclusive of all communities who call India home is crucial. The colonial mindset point is valid—we do need to shed that baggage to move forward as a confident nation.
R
Rohit P
The numbers are impressive—88,949 Shakhas! It shows a massive grassroots presence. If the work is truly about environmental protection and social harmony as stated, it can be a force for good. Actions matter more than words, though.
S
Sarah B
As someone living here for a few years, I find this fascinating. The concept seems to be about building a unified national character. However, the terminology can sometimes feel exclusionary to those not from the Hindu faith. The inclusive message about all patriots is a positive step.
V
Vikram M
The part about removing the colonial mindset resonates deeply. For too long we've looked west for validation. Hindutva as a lifestyle, if it means pride in our indigenous knowledge, sustainable living, and strong communities, is a powerful idea. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
With respect, while the ideals sound noble, the ground reality can be different. The term 'Hindutva' itself has become politically charged. For true social harmony, the conception needs to be explicitly and consistently inclusive of India's incredible diversity in practice, not just in press conferences.
M

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