RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Tuesday that anyone who takes “pride in Bharat” is a Hindu. He explained that people who respect the country, honour their ancestors and value India’s cultural heritage can be called Hindus. He added that Muslims and Christians who love and respect India, even without changing their own faith or customs, also fall under this broader definition of Hindu.
“Those who carry forward the devotion to the motherland, the pride of our ancestors and the legacy of our culture are all Hindus. If Muslims and Christians, even without giving up their worship, customs and traditions, worship this country, follow Indian culture and take pride in Indian ancestors, then they are Hindus,” Bhagwat claimed.
#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam | RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, "… Those who carry forward the devotion to the motherland, the pride of our ancestors and the legacy of our culture are all Hindus. Hinduism should not be taken in religious connotations. Hinduism and Hindu culture are… pic.twitter.com/eVKnQVz7Cs
— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2025
During his three-day visit to Assam for RSS’s centenary celebration, he addresses a gathering of prominent people in Guwahati. Bhagwat said the word ‘Hindu’ is not just about religion but represents a civilisation that has continued for thousands of years.
“Hinduism should not be taken in religious connotations. Hinduism and Hindu culture are not food and worship”.
‘India already reflects Hindu rashtra spirit,’ Bhagwat says
He noted that India does not need an official label to be a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ because its civilisation already reflects it.
Bhagwat also said the RSS was not formed to oppose anyone but to build strong character and help India become a global leader. He described the RSS as a way to unite the country’s diverse society.
Talking about concerns over changing demographics in Assam, he said people should stay confident, alert, and connected to their land and identity. He raised issues such as illegal immigration, the need for a population policy that includes a three-child norm for Hindus, and stopping religious conversions that create divisions.
Bhagwat urged everyone to work together and selflessly contribute to building the nation.
He arrived in Guwahati on Monday for a three-day visit and will address a youth meeting on Wednesday. He will travel to Manipur on November 20.