Stanford (USA), April 2026: Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary (Sarkaryavah) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has described the RSS as a “people’s movement rooted in civilisational values,” while addressing a gathering during his recent visit to the United States.
Civilisational Values at the Core
Speaking at an international forum, Hosabale emphasised that the RSS is not merely an organisation but a broad-based social movement grounded in India’s civilisational ethos. He highlighted that the Sangh draws inspiration from centuries-old cultural traditions that integrate spirituality, knowledge systems, and social responsibility.
He noted that in the Indic worldview, there is no strict separation between scientific and spiritual knowledge, and both coexist as part of a holistic civilisational framework. This approach, he said, forms the philosophical foundation of the RSS and its activities worldwide.
RSS as a Social Movement
Hosabale stressed that the RSS has evolved into a mass movement involving people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. He pointed out that the organisation conducts thousands of daily grassroots gatherings, known as shakhas, aimed at instilling discipline, service, and social harmony.
He further underlined that RSS volunteers are actively engaged in areas such as education, healthcare, rural development, disaster relief, and environmental conservation, reflecting its broader societal role beyond ideological discourse.
Culture and Modernity Can Coexist
Addressing concerns about tradition versus modernity, Hosabale asserted that cultural values and modernisation are not contradictory. Instead, he argued that both must evolve with time and can coexist harmoniously.
According to him, while modernisation brings industrial and technological advancement, civilisational values provide ethical direction and societal balance.
Message to Indian Diaspora
During his US visit, Hosabale also spoke about the role of the Indian diaspora. He said Indians living abroad should integrate fully into their host countries and contribute positively to those societies, while maintaining a cultural connection with India.
He described this as a “dual approach” — combining national allegiance to the country of residence with a continued civilisational linkage to India’s heritage.
Emphasis on Universal Values
Hosabale reiterated that the RSS promotes universal human values such as harmony, service, and coexistence. He maintained that civilisational principles from India are not confined to any one community but have global relevance in addressing modern challenges.
Background
The RSS, founded in 1925, positions itself as a cultural and social organisation aimed at strengthening societal values and national unity, with a wide network of volunteers and affiliated bodies across India and abroad.
Conclusion:
Hosabale’s remarks in the United States reflect the RSS’s attempt to project itself as a global, value-driven social movement rooted in India’s civilisational heritage, while advocating a balance between tradition and modernity and encouraging diaspora engagement in host societies.
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