Everyone living in India is Hindu: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat lists 4 types of Hindus

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that “everyone living in India is Hindu,” asserting that Hindu is not a noun but an adjective that reflects India’s civilisational nature.

Speaking at a programme titled ‘100 Years of the Sangh Journey’, Bhagwat said India would become a world leader “not through speeches, but through example.” He added, “If you are Indian, this nature is inherent in you,” and stressed that the Muslims and Christians of India belong to the country.

Bhagwat outlined four types of Hindus in India. The first, he said, are those who declare, “Say it with pride, we are Hindus.” The second category includes those who say, “We are Hindus, so what? What’s there to be proud of?” The third comprises people who believe, “Speak softly, we are Hindus. If you ask us at home, we’ll tell you.” The fourth category, he said, includes “those who have forgotten, those who have been made to forget,” adding that efforts are underway to make even more people forget.

The RSS chief said the Partition of India took place because the “Hindu bhav” or Hindu sentiment was forgotten. “Partition happened because of religion. We said we respect all religions, because we are Hindus. There are people who say this was wrong. Islam, Christianity still exist in India. There are skirmishes, but the country has remained united. ‘Hindu bhav ka vismaran’ led to the partition of India,” he said.

Bhagwat emphasised that accepting Hindutva does not require anyone to give up their faith, language, or religious practices. “You don’t lose anything by accepting Hindutva, neither your religious practice nor your language. Hindutva is a guarantee of your safety,” he said.

He added that while a person’s faith, food habits, and language may differ, “we are all one as a society, culture and nation.” “We call this Hindutva, and you may call it Bharatiyata,” he said. Bhagwat also argued that the phrase “Hindu-Muslim unity” is incorrect because “you unite two people and not those who are already one.”

Calling for dialogue, Bhagwat said the RSS cannot be understood without engaging with it directly and that the organisation should not be judged on perception or propaganda. “If there is any opposition to the Sangh on a factual basis, we will improve, but to know the facts you must come to us,” he said. He also stressed the need to activate the strength of righteous and peaceful coexistence so that communities can complement each other.

Bhagwat underlined the importance of dialogue within families to ensure the younger generation does not fall into drug abuse or suicide. He said inculcating self-pride (swa ka gaurav) and self-understanding (swa ka bodh) is essential.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan was present at the event and was seen listening attentively to Bhagwat’s address. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai and lyricist Prasoon Joshi were also in attendance.

The lecture marked day one of a two-day series titled ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons’ at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai’s Worli area. The event aims to reflect on the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, its role in society, and the ideas shaping its future, bringing together senior RSS leaders, invited speakers, and members of the public as part of the organisation’s centenary outreach.

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