'Diversity does not cause disunity': Mohan Bhagwat at RSS centenary event

He defined “Hindu Rashtra (nation)” as a concept that has no link to "satta" (political power) and “does not mean excluding anyone”.

"Justice is the same for everyone. ‘Hindu Rashtra’ does not mean excluding anyone. It does not mean opposing anyone… Diversity does not cause disunity. That unity comes from uniformity is not the case. Unity is also in diversity," he said.

"Those who opposed us earlier have become our friends now. We never saw them as opponents even in the past," he said.

The three-day discussions, themed "100 Years of RSS Journey: New Horizons", seek to dispel misconceptions about the organisation and highlight how the Swayamsevaks view themselves.

Reviewing the 100-year history of the organisation, Bhagwat said, "Why was the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh started? Despite numerous challenges, the Swayamsevaks persevered through difficult circumstances to keep it going... If I were to answer this in one sentence, it would be: at the end of Sangh prayer, we say, 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.'.."

"Words like Bharatiya, Hindu and Sanatani are all the same. They are the context of how there is divinity and commitment to the motherland," he added.

The three-day series of talks will end on August 28 and will feature evening discussions each day.