RSS Chief Bhagwat Calls for End to Caste Divisions

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), delivered a compelling Vijayadashami address in Nagpur, emphasising the need for unity among diverse sections of society, especially in the face of efforts aimed at fragmentation. Bhagwat pointed to a “deep state” at work, seeking to divide India along caste and community lines. “There are some people in the country who are helping these external forces trying to divide the society on the lines of caste and religion,” Bhagwat said, cautioning that political parties with selfish interests are exacerbating these divides​.

He urged the Hindu community to rise above caste divisions and extend support to marginalised groups, including Dalits. “Our diversity has reached a point where we have even divided our saints and deities. Why is Valmiki Jayanti celebrated only in Valmiki colonies?” Bhagwat questioned, adding, “Valmiki wrote the Ramayana for the entire Hindu society, so everyone should celebrate Valmiki Jayanti and Ravidas Jayanti together.” He encouraged collective celebration of festivals to foster unity and pledged to take this message to every section of the community​.

During the address, Bhagwat stressed that true harmony requires more than symbolic gestures, underscoring the need for personal and familial friendships across different sections of society. “Achieving this goal requires more than just organising symbolic programs. Friendship between individuals and families must exist across all sections of society. Wherever I go and work, I should have friends from all walks of life,” he said, emphasizing that cultural differences in language, food, or traditions should not become barriers to unity​.

Bhagwat also recounted an encounter with the Valmiki community, where concerns over inadequate educational facilities for their children were raised. In response, a nearby Rajput community offered to enroll 20% of children from Valmiki families in their school without fees. “Just as stronger family members make sacrifices for those who are weaker, such needs must be addressed with a sense of belonging,” Bhagwat said, framing this gesture as a model for other communities​.

In addition to addressing social divisions, Bhagwat highlighted broader threats to Indian unity. “Words like ‘Deep State,’ ‘Wokeism,’ and ‘Cultural Marxist’ are in discussion these days. In fact, they are the declared enemies of all cultural traditions,” he said. Bhagwat warned that such ideologies aim to undermine societal cohesion by spreading discontent and distrust in institutions, ultimately leading to anarchy​.

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This speech also comes in the aftermath of a tumultuous 2024 Lok Sabha election, where the BJP fell short of a majority, securing only 240 seats. Bhagwat’s remarks reflect a nuanced shift in strategy, with a focus on bridging caste and community divides, especially as political discourse around caste has gained momentum with calls for a nationwide caste census​. His speech reaffirms the RSS’s push towards social harmony as India navigates complex political and social challenges.