In a significant address at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale provided a deep dive into the organization’s worldview, the evolving identity of India, and how the RSS navigates the complex socio-political landscape of South Asia. Speaking to a global audience, Hosabale emphasized that from the RSS’s perspective, “Hindu identity is a civilisational identity,” rather than a narrow religious construct.
The discussion, titled “On how the RSS navigates tensions between an India that is becoming more Hindu and states that emerged from British India after the partition,” touched upon historical contexts, modern governance, and the global perception of Indian nationalism.
Redefining Hindu Identity on a Global Stage
During the session, Hosabale sought to clarify the term “Hindu” as used by the RSS, arguing that it encompasses a broad cultural and civilizational spectrum that predates modern political boundaries. He suggested that the identity is rooted in the ancient heritage of the Indian subcontinent and is inclusive of the diverse spiritual traditions that have flourished there.
By framing Hindu identity as “civilisational,” the RSS leader aimed to bridge the gap between traditional cultural values and the requirements of a modern, democratic state. He argued that this identity serves as a unifying force that connects the Indian diaspora and the domestic population to their ancestral roots, regardless of individual religious practices.
Navigating Post-Partition Tensions
A key theme of the talk was the relationship between India and its neighbors—states that emerged following the 1947 partition of British India. Hosabale addressed the inherent tensions that exist in a region defined by shared history but separated by distinct national identities.
Key points from the discussion included:
- The Impact of Partition: How the ideological split of 1947 continues to influence regional geopolitics.
- Civilisational Continuity: The RSS’s belief that despite political borders, a shared civilisational thread remains between the peoples of the subcontinent.
- India’s Rising Profile: How India’s internal cultural consolidation is perceived by neighboring states and the Western world.
Hosabale noted that the RSS views India not just as a post-colonial nation-state, but as an ancient civilization finding its voice in the 21st century. This “becoming more Hindu,” according to him, is a process of decolonization and reclaiming a cultural heritage that was suppressed during centuries of foreign rule.
The RSS and Modern India
The General Secretary also addressed the role of the RSS in shaping contemporary Indian society. Often described as the ideological mentor of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the RSS’s influence on policy and national discourse is profound.
Hosabale emphasized that the organization’s primary goal is “character building” and social service, aimed at creating a disciplined and culturally aware citizenry. He dismissed criticisms of the organization being exclusionary, asserting instead that a strong, self-aware India is a prerequisite for global stability and peace.
Global Implications and the Diaspora
The choice of Washington, D.C., for such a discourse is notable. As India’s influence grows on the world stage, Western think tanks and policymakers are increasingly keen to understand the underlying ideologies driving the world’s most populous democracy.
For the Indian diaspora in the United States, Hosabale’s comments provide a framework for maintaining a connection with their homeland while participating in a multicultural society. The “civilisational” argument allows for a cultural pride that is not necessarily tied to the day-to-day politics of the Indian state, though the two are often inextricably linked.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Dattatreya Hosabale’s address at the Hudson Institute marks a continuation of the RSS’s efforts to articulate its vision for India to a global audience. By shifting the focus from religion to civilization, the organization seeks to present a more expansive and historically rooted version of Indian nationalism.
As India continues to navigate its path as a rising global power, the tension between its secular constitutional framework and its burgeoning civilisational identity remains a focal point of international observation. Hosabale’s insights suggest that the RSS sees no conflict between the two, viewing the civilisational core as the very foundation upon which a modern, prosperous India is being built.
The dialogue in Washington serves as a reminder that understanding modern India requires a deep engagement with the cultural and ideological currents that have shaped its past and continue to direct its future.
