RSS General Secretary Hosabale Outlines Global Vision In Washington
WASHINGTON, DC-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale outlined a broader global vision rooted in civilizational identity, social cohesion and people-to-people engagement, while avoiding direct commentary on New Delhi’s foreign policy.
Speaking at a fireside chat at the Hudson Institute during the New India Conference here, Hosabale said the RSS does not engage in day-to-day government policy decisions, including on Pakistan. “RSS doesn’t get into this politics of the government of India… things and peace that is in the interest of India, and we are in alignment,” he said in response to a question.
He said the organization’s role is not to shape state policy. “Ours doesn’t get into this politics… that is in the interest of India, and we are in alignment with that,” he reiterated.
Responding to a question on Pakistan, Hosabale said tensions in India’s neighborhood stem from historical and political factors rather than civilizational divides. “Tensions are there because of various factors… the political leadership of neighboring countries many times… have not come to… trust,” he said.
He drew a distinction between governments and societies, saying cross-border social ties remain resilient. “People to people relation with neighboring countries is still, even today, one of the best,” he said, adding that “the problem is only one neighboring country… which is born out of the Indian womb.”
Beyond Pakistan, Hosabale laid out what he described as a civilizational worldview guiding the RSS, anchored in the idea of unity across diversity and a universal outlook. “We see that the whole world is one family and all are brothers and sisters,” he said, rejecting notions of cultural supremacy.
He said Hindu identity, as understood by the RSS, is “a civilizational identity, not a religious one,” adding that it is based on “world view, human relation with nature and historic facts” rather than faith-based exclusion.
On global engagement, Hosabale said the RSS has expanded its outreach to “thinking and influencing sections… particularly the Western countries,” to explain its work and worldview.
He said stronger international partnerships must be built on “mutual trust… mutual respect and recognizing the needs of each,” warning that the absence of such mutuality could weaken long-term cooperation.
At the societal level, he said lasting stability, both within countries and globally, depends on strengthening social cohesion and shared values.
Among the priorities Hosabale outlined were “social harmony,” “eco-friendly life,” “family values,” and “civic duties,” which he described as “universal” principles applicable beyond India.
Hosabale said these ideas are central to the RSS vision of nation building and global engagement. “A nation has to be strong and self-confident… then only we can serve humanity wherever there is misery and hardship,” he said. (IANS)
