Vadodara – Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), made an impactful statement, asserting the fundamental right of every individual to access any temple. Addressing a gathering of local RSS workers at an open venue in Vadodara, he passionately advocated for the eradication of caste-based discrimination, emphasizing that such practices tarnish the reputation of the broader Hindu community.
Hosabale asserted, “Any person can enter any temple, and everyone has the right to fetch water from any source of water. We must not tolerate such discrimination in the name of caste or untouchability because it brings disrepute to the entire Hindu community. Instead of merely opposing such practices, we must actively engage in their elimination.”
The RSS leader drew attention to instances in which caste and religion did not play a role, such as when Indian athletes excelled in the Asian Games or during the COVID-19 lockdown when people aided migrant laborers, irrespective of their caste or faith. He underscored that the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission did not inquire about the caste or religion of the scientists involved, emphasizing that the unity and cooperation exhibited in times of crisis and success should be perpetual.
In his discourse, without specifying names, he alluded to those who threatened the integrity of Sanatan Dharma and accused the RSS of being communal for advocating the interests of Hindus. He clarified that Sanatan Dharma encompassed not just rituals and modes of worship but, more significantly, the recognition of the divine within human beings, the promotion of virtuous conduct, and the pursuit of societal welfare.
He lauded India’s practice of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) by welcoming Jews, Parsis, and the Dalai Lama and his followers. He highlighted India’s humanitarian role in developing vaccines for the world during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing assistance to Sri Lanka amid its recent economic crisis. This, he argued, entitled India to embrace the notion of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Hosabale envisaged India as a potential Vishwaguru (world leader) with the ability to illuminate the world with its values.
Dattatreya Hosabale’s speech underscored the RSS’s commitment to inclusivity and the removal of caste-based barriers, asserting a vision of unity and cooperation that transcends mere moments of crisis or triumph.
