On Thursday, J. Nandakumar, a member of the All India Executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), took the stage at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai. During the session titled 'RSS: Nation Building or Nationalism?', he candidly discussed the century-long achievements of the organization and the challenges that lie ahead. In response to a question, he remarked that branch activities stand as the greatest achievement of the RSS over the last century.
The leader emphasized that the format with which branch activities began continues to persist. He noted that the number of branches has now reached nearly one lakh. Nandakumar stated that while the RSS itself may not act, its volunteers leave no stone unturned. When questioned on the greatest challenge facing the RSS in the next 25 years, he asserted that while there is no challenge to the organization itself, the nation will face several challenges that volunteers must confront.
Nandakumar explained that Hindutva serves as the thread that unites the country, recalling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s words about Hindutva as the binding force from north to south India. Notably, Netaji wasn't affiliated with the RSS. He further stated that a narrative against Hindutva may be attempted with some political parties and foreigners like George Soros contributing to this agenda. Overcoming this will be a significant challenge for the volunteers.
On the question of differences between Hinduism and Hindutva, he mentioned they see no distinction. Hindutva is perceived as the world’s most liberal community. The RSS leader elaborated on the term Hindutva, explaining it as a concept akin to humanity, translating to Hinduness rather than Hinduism. Addressing queries about UP CM Yogi Adityanath's and PM Modi’s statements, he referred to examples set by Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Nandakumar reflected on historical disunity, stating that India's failure to remain united cost it dearly. He elaborated on the metaphor comparing India to a beautiful garden, which needs soil rather than air to endure, implying Hindutva is the very foundation of this garden. Contesting a question about Kerala, he pronounced its identity as inherently Hindu, extending from the Sindhu River to the Sindhu Sea - with illustrious ancestors like Brihaspati, Vasishta, Arjuna, and Ram.
