Washington, April 24: Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed pride in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s enduring connection with the organization. He emphasized that the relationship between the RSS and the current government is both deep and longstanding.
During a fireside chat at the Hudson Institute, Hosabale stated that PM Modi’s roots lie within the RSS, which has been a crucial part of his public life and leadership. He remarked, “It is true; he has mentioned this several times, and we take great pride in it.”
This statement came during a discussion about the relationship between the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Hosabale acknowledged the profound and continuous bond between the two entities, noting that when the BJP was formed in 1980, its founders decided to maintain ties with the RSS.
He stated, “The founders of the BJP wanted to preserve this relationship. It is a bond that cannot be broken.” He also pointed out that many individuals in the government have connections to the RSS, saying, “Those in the government have backgrounds linked to the RSS.”
However, he clarified that the RSS does not directly interfere in government decisions. “The RSS does not engage directly in the politics of the Indian government,” he said, adding that the organization always supports policies that are in the national interest.
Hosabale explained that the RSS’s role is not to intervene directly in politics but to have a positive impact on society and culture over the long term. The organization builds a network of volunteers based on service, discipline, and social unity.
The discussion also touched on the evolution of the RSS—from a small group to one of the most influential organizations in the world’s largest democracy. Hosabale emphasized the importance of humility in success, stating, “With success, there should not be arrogance, but humility.”
He reiterated that the RSS will continue to cultivate “selfless volunteers” dedicated to serving society and humanity. He also stressed that India should modernize without abandoning its cultural roots.
This conversation took place during the ‘New India Conference,’ which included policymakers, scholars, and strategic experts discussing India’s rise and its global relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his public life as an RSS pracharak and has often acknowledged the profound influence the RSS has had on his thinking and political training. Established in 1925, the RSS is now one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world, with an extensive network across the country, playing a significant role in India’s social and political life for decades.
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