Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that Hindutva represents not only a lifestyle but also a mindset, and emphasized the need for a clear understanding of its true meaning.

Speaking at a press conference in Panipat, Haryana, on March 15, Hosabale outlined five key issues addressed by the RSS last year from a societal perspective: social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental protection, indigenous conduct, and civic duty.

He said, “Last year, we took up five issues from the perspective of society. Panchparivartan, which includes social harmony, family enlightenment, environmental protection, indigenous conduct, and civic duty. Our country was under British rule, due to which a colonial mindset persisted in our society for some time. We need to remove it. There should be a conception of what Indianness is, what Hindutva is. This is not just a mindset but a lifestyle. Our thinking is that discourse on India is essential for a positive world. We do not believe that only RSS workers are patriots. Many institutions and individuals are working for the country across the nation. When there is mutual cooperation among these institutions and individuals, our strength will increase.”

Regarding the centenary of the Sangh, Hosabale said discussions focused on expanding the organisation’s work. He reported there are currently 88,949 Sangh branches (Shakhas) across 55,683 locations.

He added, “On the occasion of the centenary of the Sangh this year, we had specifically deliberated on the programs for the centenary year… From an organisational perspective, we discussed the expansion of Sangh work. We have made efforts in the past years to have more gatherings at the Sangh Shakhas present in various geographical regions across the country, and we have also seen the results of that.”

“There are 88,949 Shakhas at 55,683 locations… Population is, of course, a measure of this, but if there are more than 50 Shakhas, it is considered a metropolis. This is the terminology of the Sangh… The expansion of Sangh Shakhas has also taken place in tribal areas. If there is even one Shakha of the Sangh somewhere and Swayamsevaks are reaching there, it means that people who view the country with a sense of unity are being built,” he said.