Pune / Correspondent
Hindus and Muslims in India have the same ancestry. Every Indian is a Hindu, said Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Bhagwat was speaking at a seminar on 'Nation First and Nation Supreme' organized by the Global Strategic Policy Foundation.
The word Hindu is associated with Indian culture, motherland and ancestors. Opposition to other ideas is not Hindutva. Sensible Muslim leaders need to stand firm against fundamentalists, Bhagwat said. "We need to work for the supremacy of India, not the Muslims," he said.
The arrival of Islam in India is a history of invaders. It is necessary to look at it in that form. The word Hindu is synonymous with rich Indian culture and tradition. Every Indian is a Hindu. As a superpower, India will not intimidate others, Bhagwat said. Thoughtful Muslim leaders should oppose unnecessary matters. We have to stand up against fundamentalist and backward thinking. The sooner we do this right now; That much damage to the society can be avoided, said Bhagwat.
The seminar was also attended by Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan and Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir Lieutenant General (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain. Indian culture is steeped in diversity. Diversity provides prosperity to society. "Indian culture is about giving equal status to everyone," Khan said. Lt. Gen. Hasnain expressed the need for Muslim intellectuals to take the initiative to thwart Pakistan's ploy to strangle Muslims in India.
