NEW DELHI: Dattatreya Hosabale , the Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasised the importance of a 'Swa'-based lifestyle aligned with India's cultural heritage while pursuing modern development. He made these remarks, on Saturday, during the conclusion of the two-day Akhil Bharatiya Karaykari Mandal Baithak, held at the Deendayal Gau Vigyan Anusandhan evam Prashikshan Kendra in Gaugram Parkham, Mathura.
Hosabale outlined the concept of 'Swa,' which he described as “the fragrance of the soil,” drawing connections to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Swarajya. "'Swa' means 'Swadheenta' (self-rule), Rashtriya Swatva (national identity)," he explained. He added, "We must integrate our traditions and civilization's values while embracing modernity, without losing sight of our unique identity."
The RSS leader also talked about the Sangh having commitment to individual character development and revealed plans for training camps aimed at strengthening the organisation’s outreach. “We discussed the need for Kaaryakarta training camps and reviewed various areas of our work," he said, adding that the discussions focused on expanding the RSS's engagement with people of diverse age groups and social backgrounds.
Hosabale praised RSS swayamsevaks for their relief work across India, mentioning that during floods in West Bengal, the swayamsevaks assisted 25,000 people, and in Odisha, 4,000 individuals received health and food assistance. "In Karnataka and Wayanad landslides, and floods in Vadodara, Jamnagar, and Dwarka, our volunteers provided essential aid and performed last rites for 600 people, regardless of religious background," he said.
Reflecting on India’s cultural heritage, Hosabale honored the 300th anniversary of Punyashloka Ahilyabai Holkar, commending her contributions to social awakening, temple renovation, and public governance, which, he said, highlighted the power of women in leadership centuries ago.
Hosabale also addressed concerns over increasing drug addiction, talking about how RSS is focused on promoting culture, harmony, education, and health. Responding to questions on social media content, he advocated for regulation rather than control, emphasising that society should reinforce cultural values to guide online discourse.
Discussing the recent incidents affecting Hindus in Bangladesh, Hosabale encouraged the Hindu community to remain in their homeland. "It is their land, and we have Shaktipeeths in Bangladesh. Hindus worldwide look towards Bharat in times of crisis,” he remarked.
Regarding the Waqf Board, he said any decisions taken by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) would consider public sentiment. On the issue of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, he stated that the matter was in court, which would make the final decision, and that the RSS stood in support of societal consensus.
Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, Sah Prachar Pramukh Narendra Thakur, and Pradeep Joshi were also present at the press conference.
Hosabale outlined the concept of 'Swa,' which he described as “the fragrance of the soil,” drawing connections to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Swarajya. "'Swa' means 'Swadheenta' (self-rule), Rashtriya Swatva (national identity)," he explained. He added, "We must integrate our traditions and civilization's values while embracing modernity, without losing sight of our unique identity."
The RSS leader also talked about the Sangh having commitment to individual character development and revealed plans for training camps aimed at strengthening the organisation’s outreach. “We discussed the need for Kaaryakarta training camps and reviewed various areas of our work," he said, adding that the discussions focused on expanding the RSS's engagement with people of diverse age groups and social backgrounds.
Hosabale praised RSS swayamsevaks for their relief work across India, mentioning that during floods in West Bengal, the swayamsevaks assisted 25,000 people, and in Odisha, 4,000 individuals received health and food assistance. "In Karnataka and Wayanad landslides, and floods in Vadodara, Jamnagar, and Dwarka, our volunteers provided essential aid and performed last rites for 600 people, regardless of religious background," he said.
Reflecting on India’s cultural heritage, Hosabale honored the 300th anniversary of Punyashloka Ahilyabai Holkar, commending her contributions to social awakening, temple renovation, and public governance, which, he said, highlighted the power of women in leadership centuries ago.
Hosabale also addressed concerns over increasing drug addiction, talking about how RSS is focused on promoting culture, harmony, education, and health. Responding to questions on social media content, he advocated for regulation rather than control, emphasising that society should reinforce cultural values to guide online discourse.
Discussing the recent incidents affecting Hindus in Bangladesh, Hosabale encouraged the Hindu community to remain in their homeland. "It is their land, and we have Shaktipeeths in Bangladesh. Hindus worldwide look towards Bharat in times of crisis,” he remarked.
Regarding the Waqf Board, he said any decisions taken by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) would consider public sentiment. On the issue of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, he stated that the matter was in court, which would make the final decision, and that the RSS stood in support of societal consensus.
Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, Sah Prachar Pramukh Narendra Thakur, and Pradeep Joshi were also present at the press conference.
You may also like
Govt asks dist collectors to crack down on unsafe, substandard helmets amid rising road fatalities
Sante powers Mumbai to title in T20 National Physical Disability Championship
After over 3 decades, Assam Rifles to vacate HQ in Aizawl
This actor was the first choice for Don, not Shah Rukh
Here's what the actor who played Coronation Street's Curly Watts is up to now
