RSS at 100: Mohan Bhagwat Highlights Plight of Hindus in Bangladesh Amid Regional Unrest
- MGMMTeam
- 2 hours ago
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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marked a historic milestone with its centenary celebrations in Mumbai, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a wide-ranging address touching on regional instability, minority rights, and India’s internal challenges. Speaking at the two-day lecture series titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons”, Bhagwat used the occasion to raise serious concerns about the safety and future of Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh, placing the issue within a broader regional and civilisational context.
The centenary event, attended by senior RSS leaders and invited guests, was positioned as both a reflection on the organisation’s century-long journey and a platform to articulate its vision for the coming decades. Bhagwat’s remarks underscored the RSS’s effort to project itself as a key voice on issues affecting Hindu communities beyond India’s borders.
Growing Insecurity for Hindus in Bangladesh
Bhagwat drew attention to the presence of nearly 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh and stated that if they choose to remain in the country and assert their rights, they would receive support from Hindus across the world. His comments came amid increasing reports of attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly in the wake of political turmoil following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
International media and human rights observers have documented a rise in mob violence, targeted killings, and vandalism of Hindu homes and temples. Several high-profile cases, including the killing of Hindu workers and traders, have triggered protests and diplomatic concern in India. The growing pattern of violence has intensified fears of long-term insecurity, displacement, and demographic decline among Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
Political Turmoil and Regional Implications
The instability in Bangladesh has added a new layer of complexity to India-Bangladesh relations. As street protests and political uncertainty continue in Dhaka, concerns over minority safety have become a prominent issue in regional discourse. India has expressed concern over the protection of minorities, while Bangladesh’s interim authorities have publicly pledged to maintain law and order and safeguard all communities.
However, reports from international agencies indicate that weak enforcement and limited accountability have contributed to a climate of fear. Observers warn that continued unrest could have broader regional consequences, including increased migration pressures, strain on border management, and heightened political sensitivities in India’s eastern states.
Bhagwat on Demographics and Internal Security
Beyond Bangladesh, Bhagwat also addressed domestic challenges, particularly issues related to population dynamics and illegal immigration. He argued that demographic changes and cross-border infiltration have long-term implications for social stability and internal security. According to him, earlier governments failed to address these matters decisively, while the current administration is taking steps to strengthen national resilience.
Bhagwat further asserted that India has reached a stage where efforts to weaken or destabilise the country would ultimately fail. His remarks reflected a broader narrative of national confidence and institutional strength, framing India as a country capable of withstanding both internal and external pressures.
RSS Approach to Social Organisation and Outreach
Addressing questions about the organisation’s functioning, Bhagwat said the RSS does not depend on corporate or institutional funding and operates primarily through voluntary contributions. He highlighted the Sangh’s emphasis on simplicity, grassroots engagement, and self-reliance, portraying it as a movement sustained by its cadre rather than external financial support.
He also spoke on caste and leadership, stating that the RSS does not practise discrimination and allows individuals from all social backgrounds to rise through its ranks. On community relations, Bhagwat said the organisation follows a restrained approach in sensitive areas and avoids confrontation, stressing the importance of maintaining social harmony even in challenging environments.
A Centenary Framed as a Statement of Future Intent
The centenary celebrations are being used by the RSS to project its long-term vision, combining reflections on its historical role with assertions about its relevance in contemporary regional and national issues. The Mumbai event formed part of a broader nationwide outreach programme aimed at reaffirming the organisation’s ideological positioning and social influence.
Through his address, Bhagwat sought to link the RSS’s past with what he described as emerging challenges for Hindu communities, both within India and in neighbouring countries. The focus on Bangladesh highlighted the Sangh’s intent to engage more directly with cross-border cultural and civilisational concerns.
The MGMM Outlook
The RSS centenary event in Mumbai has brought renewed focus on the worsening condition of Hindus in Bangladesh at a time of deep political instability in the country. Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks highlighted the growing sense of insecurity faced by Hindu communities amid reports of mob violence, targeted killings, and attacks on temples and homes following recent political upheaval. The situation has drawn attention to the long-term risks of displacement, demographic decline, and erosion of minority rights, raising serious concerns for regional stability. The issue has also added pressure on India-Bangladesh relations, as minority protection becomes an increasingly sensitive diplomatic and humanitarian matter.
At the same time, the address linked regional developments with India’s internal challenges, including illegal immigration, demographic changes, and national security concerns. The centenary was used to underline the RSS’s emphasis on social organisation, self-reliance, and grassroots strength, while projecting confidence in India’s ability to withstand destabilising forces. By connecting cross-border issues with domestic resilience and long-term civilisational concerns, the event positioned the RSS centenary not just as a historical milestone, but as a platform to shape ongoing discourse on Hindu safety, regional unrest, and India’s strategic and social priorities.
(Sources: India Today, Hindustan Times, Times of India)
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