Bhagwat Lauds Unity in Diversity But Says Muslims Have Hindu Roots

He said he didn’t believe in Sachar Committee recommendations because “all Muslims in India have Hindu lineage.”

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. 

(Photo: Reuters)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday emphasised the country's unity and a distinct nationality among a diversity of languages and communities.

He said India does not believe in "one language-one nation, one community-one nation". Quoting Sister Nivedita, he said: "Reconstitution of a nation has to begin with its ideals." According to him, when the Ramayana serial was telecast, every household used to watch it and the same also happened in Pakistan when the serial was telecast there.

"This is because this land since the early ages through its experience created a consciousness," he said at a programme organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita.

"There is no need to fight," Bhagwat said, adding that people of different languages, ethnicities and religions were respected and recognised in India.

He called Bharat Mata "the base of the unity".

Being a geographically distinct nation, India had the capability of giving birth to nationality and the country considered the world as its relative, he said, adding that "despite people wanting to be our foes, we (India) do not have enemies".

Dwelling on why he opposed the Sachar Committee recommendations, Bhagwat said one of his Muslim friends appreciated the Hindu lineage of Indian Muslims, but the community he represented largely did not believe that.

Over the years there has [sic] been so many outside influences in Bharat and we assimilated all, we digested all. It is true. So many rivers have flowed into Ganga, but Ganga remained Ganga. I told him once they educate themselves and understand the fact, we are ready to withdraw our opposition.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief

"Once Rabindranath Tagore said that these two communities will not die while fighting with each other but they will find a way to stay together...that will be the Hindu way," Bhagwat said.