"Being a Brahmin is not a qualification”: Mohan Bhagwat on RSS chief post

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): On the second day of the 'Mumbai Lecture Series', Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat clarified the Sangh's stance on burning issues like the caste system, religious conversions, and illegal immigration. Speaking on the topic '100 years of Sangh Yatra - New Horizons,' Bhagwat clearly stated that a person from any caste can reach the highest position in the Sangh. He stressed that belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is not a barrier in the organization, nor is being a Brahmin a special qualification. He admitted that in the beginning, the number of Brahmins in the Sangh was higher, but now the organization works equally for the entire society and all castes.

Government should expel illegal immigrants, emphasis on 'ghar wapsi'

Mohan Bhagwat expressed his views on the issue of religious conversion. He said that different religious views should be respected, but those who have been forcibly converted should be "returned home." Citing the example of Narayan Wamanrao, he said that he had converted to Christianity and was a good poet, whom we respect. However, those who forcibly converted should be brought back. He also appealed to the government to take strict action on the issue of illegal immigrants. He said that the government should identify such people and deport them. However, he also added that businesses in the country should be given to Indians, regardless of their religion.

No hostility towards English, advice for restraint in Muslim areas

Speaking on the language controversy and social harmony, the RSS chief said that we have no enmity with the English language. Where English cannot be used, it can be used, but priority should be given to one's mother tongue or Hindi. He described the language controversy as a "local disease" and urged that it not be allowed to spread. Referring to the challenges of working in Muslim areas, he advised volunteers to exercise restraint. Bhagwat said that even if someone uses abusive language, one should not react, as this increases conflict and creates distance in society.

Karan Johar and Ananya Panday also attended the hearing and explained how the Sangha manages its expenses.

A special feature of this program was that many prominent personalities from the film industry had also come to listen to the RSS chief. Filmmaker Karan Johar, actress Ananya Pandey, actor Jackie Shroff, and several senior IAS officers were present in the audience. In his address, Bhagwat also answered questions raised regarding the RSS's funding. He explained that the RSS does not run on any external funding, but with the support of its volunteers. During travel, instead of eating out or staying in hotels, the preachers and workers stay in the homes of the volunteers and eat their home-cooked food, which keeps the organization's expenses low and maintains intimacy.