logo
RSS discusses religious conversions, demographic 'imbalances' during 3-day meet

RSS discusses religious conversions, demographic 'imbalances' during 3-day meet

The Hindu6 hours ago
Intense discussions on a wide range of issues, including religious conversions and the perceived demographic imbalances arising from differential population growth, were held during the three-day annual meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) 'prant pracharaks', which concluded in New Delhi on Sunday (July 7, 2025).
While the organisational matters and plans for the RSS' centenary year remained the key focus of the meeting, the organisation also deliberated on various internal security challenges facing the country, according to sources.
The meeting, which began on Friday (July 4, 2025), concluded with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressing the delegates.
Sources said the meeting expressed concern over the recent incidents of attacks on Hindu temples in Canada and the U.S., as well as "unrelenting violence" against Hindus and other religious minority community members in Bangladesh.
Deliberating on the current political scenario in the country, the meeting took note of the efforts being made to create a division in the society along regional, linguistic, and caste lines, as it discussed a strategy to promote social harmony and unity in the country, they said.
The delegates also discussed the situation in Manipur that witnessed ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities, they added.
Sources said the recent Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj and its contribution to uniting Hindus around Sanatan spiritual values also featured in the discussions, with delegates hailing its success, and sharing their experiences from the ground.
The meeting raised concerns over certain digital contents adversely impacting the Indian family structures and societal norms, and discussed ways to address the issue.
Operation Sindoor also figured in the meeting with delegates sharing their experiences from border areas during the military conflict between India and Pakistan and the role of the RSS cadres in a war-like situation.
The annual meeting, which reviewed the progress made in the RSS' organisational work in the country, also discussed plans to organise several events — from Hindu Sammelans to launching a door-to-door contact drive — to mark the organisation's centenary year.
The RSS will complete 100 years of its foundation on Vijayadashmi which will be celebrated this year on October 2.
The three-day meeting, presided over by RSS chief Bhagwat and its general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, was attended by all RSS joint general secretaries, heads of its various departments and national organisational secretaries of its 32 affiliates.
More than 200 prant pracharaks and sah-prant pracharaks and kshetra pracharaks, sah-kshetra pracharaks from across the country participated in the meeting.
RSS pracharaks are full-time workers of the organisation. According to the RSS organisational structure, there are a total of 11 'kshetras' (regions) and 46 prants (provinces). Each 'kshetra' comprises three to four RSS provinces.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Attacks on Hindi-speaking people: BJP leader draws Pahalgam parallel to target Thackeray cousins
Attacks on Hindi-speaking people: BJP leader draws Pahalgam parallel to target Thackeray cousins

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Attacks on Hindi-speaking people: BJP leader draws Pahalgam parallel to target Thackeray cousins

Amid violence against Hindi-speaking people, Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Ashish Shelar on Sunday (July 6, 2025) drew parallels between the Pahalgam terror attack and the beating of "Hindus" in Mumbai in a veiled attack on the reunion of the Thackeray cousins. The senior BJP leader's remarks come amid an outrage caused by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists thrashing a sweet shop owner in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for not speaking Marathi. On Saturday, MNS workers damaged the glass door of Mumbai-based share market investor Sushil Kedia's office in Worli after he declared he would not speak Marathi and dared the party chief Raj Thackeray. The row over speaking Marathi is escalating into a major political flashpoint ahead of the civic polls. "In the Pahalgam terror attack, people were asked about their religion [by terrorists] before shooting them. Here, people are being attacked based on their language, which is disappointing. "The state is watching how these leaders are enjoying other Hindus being beaten up," Mr. Shelar told reporters when asked about attacks on Hindi-speaking people allegedly by MNS workers. With MNS resorting to street-fighting over Marathi, actor and singer Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, has dared the Thackeray cousins to drive him out of Maharashtra for speaking in Bhojpuri. "I am giving an open challenge. I do not speak Marathi. I speak Bhojpuri, and I am staying in Maharashtra. Why are you driving poor people out? If you have the courage then drive me out. I am giving you a challenge, even in Mumbai," he told reporters. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray shared a stage after nearly 20 years for the cause of the Marathi language and vowed to oppose the 'imposition' of Hindi in Maharashtra after the state government rolled back the GRs on the introduction of Hindi as a third language in primary schools. Slamming the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the coming together of the Thackerays has unnerved ruling Mahayuti leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Targeting Fadnavis who had claimed that Uddhav Thackeray delivered a 'rudali' (professional mourner) like speech at the joint rally, Raut said, 'Fadnavis and [Deputy CM Eknath] Shinde should start a weeping programme now [with the two Thackeray brothers coming together]'. After the rally, Mr. Raut said, leaders from several south Indian states, particularly Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, have asserted that they can fight the Centre and 'overthrow the imposition of Hindi". As the row over true custodians of Marathi escalated, Shiv Sena MLA and Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik on Sunday credited Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for giving justice to Marathi manoos and ensuring classical language status for the Marathi language by following up with the Centre. In a letter to Mr. Shinde, Mr. Sarnaik stated that people are wise to understand that the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS have come together to win power in the Mumbai civic body and not in the interest of Marathi. He said the Sena (undivided) controlled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for 25 years and during this period, the Marathi manoos was driven out of the hotel industry, real estate, and gold and silver jewellery shops. "People are wise enough to know that they (Sena UBT and MNS) have come to win power in the BMC. Their [the Sena UBT's] soul is stuck in the coffers of the BMC. UBT's politics has been very selfish, fake and treacherous. Which is why UBT's colleagues are abandoning the party," Mr. Sarnaik said. "The MNS and the Sena (UBT) keep saying that they have come together in the interest of Marathi. So, for whose interest did they separate years ago? There is no love for Marathi, its culture and language, and Marathi manoos," he added. Mr. Shelar, meanwhile, said the attacks on Hindi-speaking people allegedly by MNS workers were disappointing and asserted "Marathi is not a political issue for us." He said the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its allies would perform poorly in the upcoming civic elections. "Compared to the previous elections, they will win fewer seats. They are going to lose," he added.

Eastern Command Makes Regional Language Debut On X With 2025 Durand Cup Posts
Eastern Command Makes Regional Language Debut On X With 2025 Durand Cup Posts

News18

time2 hours ago

  • News18

Eastern Command Makes Regional Language Debut On X With 2025 Durand Cup Posts

Last Updated: Sources in the defence establishment told News18 this is part of a larger plan to regularly communicate in local languages, making the Army's outreach more inclusive & accessible The defence communication strategy in India has undergone several changes, with a renewed focus on local outreach and public engagement. In a notable shift, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army has started using regional languages on social media to connect with a broader audience. For the first time, the Eastern Command has posted updates in Bengali and Manipuri (Meitei) languages on its official social media platforms. Sources in the defence establishment told News18 that this is part of a larger plan to regularly communicate in local languages, making the Army's outreach more inclusive and accessible. Two days ago, the Eastern Command shared a post about the upcoming 2025 Durand Cup in Bengali and Manipuri — marking the first time such communication has gone regional. A senior officer told News18, 'For the first time, we are putting out content in Bengali and Assamese, in addition to Hindi and English. The aim is to connect with everyone, across all regions." Officials within the Eastern Command emphasised that this initiative is not just about promotion — it's about strengthening the Army's bond with the people. 'It is important that villagers and citizens across the country, especially in border areas, understand what the Indian Army stands for. From the Bengal border to Arunachal Pradesh, these are sensitive zones. Misinformation often spreads easily. Our goal is to build trust and provide a sense of security," said a source. This digital regional outreach is expected to be especially impactful in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, where disinformation campaigns are frequent. The Army believes that communicating in local languages will not only counter misinformation but also reassure civilians of the Army's presence and support. The Eastern Command's initiative has started with Bengali and Manipuri, but officials confirm that posts in other regional languages will follow soon. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 2025 Durand Cup — officially titled the IndianOil Durand Cup due to its sponsorship by Indian Oil Corporation. The tournament, now in its 134th edition, is Asia's oldest football competition and the fourth to be organised under the aegis of the Asian Football Confederation. The Durand Cup is jointly hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Eastern Command of the Indian Armed Forces, and the Government of West Bengal, with additional support from the governments of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Jharkhand. This tournament holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, and officials believe that the use of Bengali in Army communications around the event will forge a deeper emotional connection with the local population. 'This is just the beginning," a senior officer added. 'We want the people to feel the Army is not distant — we are with them, speaking their language." First Published: July 07, 2025, 10:36 IST

‘Reject double standards in countering terrorism': BRICS leaders condemn Pahalgam attack
‘Reject double standards in countering terrorism': BRICS leaders condemn Pahalgam attack

Scroll.in

time3 hours ago

  • Scroll.in

‘Reject double standards in countering terrorism': BRICS leaders condemn Pahalgam attack

The BRICS countries on Sunday condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and called for combating terrorism in all its forms, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. In a joint declaration, the multilateral grouping expressed 'strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed'. The group reiterated that 'terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice' under national and international laws. BRICS comprises India, Brazil, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The leaders of the BRICS nations met in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The declaration did not name Pakistan, whom New Delhi has accused of supporting cross-border terrorism. In the past, China has blocked attempts by India to sanction terror groups based in Pakistan at the United Nations. The BRICS grouping has condemned terrorism in its past declarations too. The BRICS nations on Sunday urged 'to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism'. The declaration also emphasised the 'primary responsibility of states in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law…' During the BRICS summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Pahalgam terror attack was a ' direct assault on the soul, identity and dignity' of India. 'This attack was not just a blow to India but to the entire humanity,' Modi said. The prime minister said that condemning terrorism must be a matter of principle and not just of convenience. Modi said that there must be no hesitation in imposing sanctions on terrorists. 'The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be treated equally,' he said. 'For the sake of personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism or supporting terrorists or terrorism, should never be acceptable under any circumstances…' The terror attack at Baisaran near Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 left 26 persons dead and 16 injured. The terrorists targeted tourists after asking their names to ascertain their religion, the police said. All but three of those killed were Hindu. In response to the terror attack, India launched military strikes – codenamed Operation Sindoor – on what New Delhi claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Pakistan Army retaliated to Indian strikes by repeatedly shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. At least 22 Indian civilians and eight defence personnel were killed. On May 10, India and Pakistan reached an 'understanding' to halt firing following a four-day conflict.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store