RSS and Muslim Scholars Unite for Inclusive Bharat: A Historic Dialogue for Trust and Harmony

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Mohan Bhagwat emphasizes unity, respect, and cultural coexistence at a landmark meeting

Educational reforms, skill development, and social harmony top the agenda in dialogue with Muslim Clerics

Shyam Sood – Manzoor Ahmed Naik

RAJOURI AUGUST 02:-In a landmark step towards strengthening national unity and fostering interfaith understanding, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat recently held a historic dialogue with 60 eminent Muslim scholars, clerics, and intellectuals at Haryana Bhavan. The event, organized by the All India Imam Organisation, marked a significant moment of trust-building and constructive engagement between communities.

Dr. Bhagwat emphasized that “India belongs to all of us. Muslims are as much respected citizens of this nation as anyone else. It is our shared responsibility to preserve its unity, integrity, and sovereignty.” His words resonated deeply with the participants and underscored the RSS’s commitment to inclusive nation-building.

Key Focus Areas: Education, Employment & Harmony
The dialogue centered on vital issues affecting the Muslim community, including:

Educational reforms in madrasas to better integrate with mainstream curricula

Employment-linked skill development for Muslim youth

Collaborative efforts to foster lasting communal harmony and mutual respect

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief organizer of the event, highlighted the significance of open dialogue, saying, “Despite differences in worship or caste, our nation is supreme. Dialogue is the solution to every problem.”

Dr. Bhagwat reiterated that Hindutva is not anti-Muslim, but a reflection of Bharat’s inclusive cultural identity — one that embraces diversity and peaceful coexistence.

RSS: A Quiet Force of National Service
Far from public attention, the RSS continues to operate as one of India’s most extensive grassroots volunteer organizations, running thousands of service-oriented projects.

Highlights include:

Over 25,000 Ekal Vidyalayas and education centers in tribal and rural regions

Skill development labs, scholarships, and free coaching for underprivileged youth, including those from SC/ST and minority communities

Seva Bharati health initiatives, offering free medical services, mobile clinics, and emergency support across the country

Women empowerment programs, such as vocational training, tailoring centers, and micro-finance support

During the COVID-19 pandemic, RSS Swayamsevaks were among the first responders, delivering food, oxygen, and medicines, and even assisting in last rites irrespective of religion.

Samajik Samrasta: Harmony Through Dialogue
The recent engagement is part of the RSS’s broader “Samajik Samrasta” (social harmony) initiative, which aims to bridge social and religious divides through meaningful conversations and grassroots collaboration.

Several Muslim participants expressed appreciation for the respectful tone and sincerity of the interaction. They welcomed RSS’s openness and agreed that continued dialogue was essential for national unity.

As Dr. Bhagwat aptly concluded, “Differences may exist, but there should not be discord in hearts.”

A Vision for an Inclusive Bharat
The RSS envisions a Bharat where no child is denied education, no citizen lacks healthcare, and no community is marginalized. Its guiding principles — selfless service, respect for all, and national pride — continue to inspire its mission.

In an age of polarization, the RSS reminds us that unity is a shared duty, and service is not charity, but true patriotism in action.