Hindu Spiritual Gurus Have Done Much More Service Work Than Christian Missionaries: RSS Chief

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (7 April) said that Hindu spiritual gurus in southern India have done more 'service' work than the Christian missionaries.

During the opening ceremony of Seva Sangam of Rashtriya Seva Bharati in Jaipur, Bhagwat addressed around 3,000 representatives from over 800 voluntary organisations across India. He was accompanied by Ajay Gopikisan Piramal, the chairman of Piramal Group.

The RSS chief highlighted that when people think of service, the common association is with missionaries and their global institutions, schools and hospitals.

"But the service work done by the Hindu spiritual gurus in the southern parts of the country is much more than that of the missionaries,” the RSS chief was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

Speaking after Umesh Das Nath, the chief of Valmiki Dham in Ujjain, Bhagwat concurred with Nath's speech, calling it "very clear and true." Although Bhagwat didn't specify which part of the speech he supported, he urged society to consider Nath's ideas and adopt them in their surroundings.

Das in his speech stated that internal infiltration, not just external, had ruined India.

Speaking further on missionaries, the RSS chief emphasised that Indians should prioritise national service and national security over everything else.

“The Missionary practice always tried to circumscribe the efforts of Indian culture, but there has been several examples where the Indian saints proved them wrong,” Bhagwat said, adding that he was not comparing anyone’s service as it was not measurable.

Bhagwat spoke about Rajasthan's 'Ghumantu', also known as 'Banjara' tribe, noting that many underprivileged tribal communities were disallowed from practicing their cultures during the colonial period. Unfortunately, even after gaining independence, these communities did not receive recognition in society due to the absence of government documentation.

By the grace of god, Bhagwat said, the Sangh learned about these sections, and has since worked tirelessly to secure their cultural right and rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, businessman Piramal praised the RSS for supporting disadvantaged sections of society and being the first to offer help during crises.

Sewa Sangam's Basant Jindal stated that Rashtriya Seva Bharati provided employment to over 25,000 individuals in the previous year. Additionally, the organisation remains invested in areas like health, efficiency, women empowerment and skill development. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati supports various voluntary organisations that serve the neglected, needy and suffering individuals within communities.