“The Congress often accuses us of being unregistered. But even the British, who ruled then, would not have registered us,” Bhagwat said. “After independence, registration was never made mandatory. The Income Tax Department and courts recognise the RSS as a group of individuals, and our organisation enjoys tax exemption.”
Responding to questions about past government bans, Bhagwat noted that the Sangh was banned three times in its history but continued to operate through its volunteers’ social commitment. “If we did not exist, on whom would the ban have been imposed? Many things are unregistered — even Hinduism is not registered,” he remarked.
Bhagwat outlined the Sangh’s vision for the coming years, emphasising unity and social inclusion. “Our goal is to reach every village, caste, and community. Diversity is the ornament of unity,” he said, underscoring that the RSS seeks to unite society, not divide it.
Highlighting India’s civilisational identity, Bhagwat stated that the nation’s core culture is inherently “Hindu,” adding that being Hindu means taking responsibility for the country. He asserted that calling India a Hindu nation “does not go against the Constitution but aligns with it.”
The event was attended by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and several intellectuals, marking a significant moment as the organisation approaches its centenary. Bhagwat’s remarks reflect the Sangh’s effort to reassert its ideological relevance amid changing political and social currents.
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