The Open Door? Unpacking Mohan Bhagwat's Stance on Muslim Inclusion in the RSS

It was a question many have pondered, perhaps even whispered in hushed tones: can Muslims genuinely join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, that formidable cultural organization so intrinsically linked with a particular vision of India? Well, the chief of the RSS himself, Mohan Bhagwat, recently offered a rather direct, and for some, surprising answer to this very query. And frankly, it’s worth taking a moment to consider.

When pressed on the matter, Bhagwat's response was, in essence, an emphatic 'yes.' You see, he stated quite clearly that there’s absolutely no bar, no hidden clause, no fine print preventing any Indian citizen from becoming a part of the Sangh. “The Sangh belongs to Bharat,” he apparently declared, “and Bharat, in turn, belongs to the Sangh.” A powerful statement, isn't it? But then he drove the point home, saying, and I quote, “If anyone wants to join, they can. There is no rule that one has to be Hindu to join the Sangh.” Now, that’s certainly a pronouncement that invites discussion, don't you think?

This isn't just about technicalities, of course. Bhagwat elaborated, emphasizing that the RSS, at its heart, strives to unite the entirety of Indian society. And that means all 1.3 billion people, give or take a few, regardless of their faith, the language they speak, their caste, or indeed, any other communal distinction. It's an ambition, one could argue, of grand scale. The underlying philosophy, as we understand it, rests on the belief that all those who call India home share a common DNA, a shared heritage. This isn’t a religious declaration, mind you; rather, it's presented as a cultural-nationalistic outlook where everyone living in Bharat is considered 'Hindu' in that broader, historical, civilizational sense.

One might wonder, then, what this looks like in practice. Interestingly, there are historical examples, moments where Muslims have indeed participated in various RSS programs – from engaging in open discussions to, perhaps surprisingly, attending 'iftar' parties hosted by the organization. These aren't isolated incidents, either; they serve as small, yet significant, signposts along a complex path. The ultimate goal, as the RSS articulates it, is to bolster the nation, to strengthen Bharat, and in this pursuit, every individual residing within its borders is viewed as an integral thread in the national fabric.

So, what are we to make of this? It's a nuanced position, to be sure, one that challenges preconceived notions and invites us to look beyond simplistic headlines. Bhagwat's words, you could say, open a door, or at the very least, prompt a deeper conversation about identity, inclusion, and the ever-evolving definition of what it truly means to be part of this incredible, diverse nation we call India.