India has one DNA and it's Hindu, says RSS leader
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Senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday said there is only one "DNA in Bharat" and that is "Hindu." Hosabale was speaking after releasing a book on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), written by the outfit's senior pracharak and All-India Sah Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
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Hindutva is a diverse idea: Hosabale
"There is one DNA in Bharat and the name of that DNA is Hindu. Hindutva has an identity and those terming themselves secular have propagated it as communal, despite the fact that it is a diverse idea," Hosabale said.
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Whatever RSS says on Hindutva should be understood: Hosabale
He added that whatever the RSS says on Hindutva should be "understood." The book, titled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - Swarnim Bharat ke Disha Sootra, was released by Hosabale at the Indira Gandhi Pratisthan. "A hundred years ago, the word Hindu was interpreted in a larger context. Those who did not understand the country's long-standing traditions made it communal," he said.
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Using correct names is important: Hosabale
"Some say, we are not Hindu but Indians. Some, due to political reasons, avoid it. That is their view but names are important. You cannot have a picture of Madonna and put someone else's name," the RSS leader said. Changing the name of Allahabad to Prayagraj reflects the history of the city, he said.
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Important to understand their aspect of service: Adityanath
"Some people say if Bharat becomes a Hindu rashtra, what will happen? These people do not understand the words 'Hindu' and 'rashtra.' If you call Ayodhya Honolulu, it will not be fair," Hosabale said. On the occasion, Adityanath said if one wants to understand the RSS, its aspect of service would have to be understood.
Pandemic
RSS workers help everyone in time of need: Adityanath
"In any calamity or disaster, RSS volunteers move ahead with the mission of service," he said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uttar Pradesh witnessed the movement of over one crore migrant workers, 40 lakh came back to the state and 60 lakh returned to other states, Adityanath said, adding that RSS workers served them irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, language or anything.
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Adityanath defends RSS against criticism
To a question on RSS's criticism, Adityanath said when someone is speaking against you it indicates you are doing good. "The RSS, when appreciated, never takes pride. And it never shows anger when criticized," he added. Earlier, Hosabale said the book could be a disha sutra (guiding principle) for knowing the RSS, but for understanding it, one would have to come into its fold.