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RSS general secretary in US calls for India to embrace modernity rooted in civilisational ethos
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale spoke in the Washington, D.C. area about India's civilisational vision and global role, describing RSS-inspired organisations as independent yet aligned with RSS philosophy. He criticized modern paradoxes, highlighted historical coexistence in India, and urged India to rise as a self-confident, prosperous global partner. The event was hosted by the Indo American Community of Greater DC and drew support from numerous diaspora organizations.
Why It Matters
The speech signals RSS efforts to project a civilisational-driven vision of India's global role and to mobilise diaspora networks in the United States around that narrative.
Timeline
1 Event
RSS General Secretary addresses Indo American Community of Greater DC in Washington, D.C.
April 23, 2026
At the reception in the Washington, D.C. metro area on April 23, 2026, the theme was India’s Global Vision and Role in the Emerging World: Civilisational Foundations for Prospering Together. Hosabale spoke about India’s civilisational ethos guiding modernity and its global role. He thanked Walter K. Anderson for his understanding of RSS and its contribution, and for introducing the organisation to a broad audience outside the RSS world. He clarified that RSS-associated organisations are independent, RSS-inspired activities rather than wings controlled by RSS, and described coordination as a family among these organisations, each with its own constitution. He noted that swayamsevaks started these initiatives and that participants may come from non-RSS backgrounds but share RSS philosophy. He cited paradoxes of modern times, including taller buildings but shorter tempers and more degrees but less sense, and highlighted India's history of coexistence, such as Parsis and Tibetans who have sought shelter in India. He referenced the world is one family concept as based on experience and urged India to be self-confident and prosperous while collaborating with other civilisations. He expressed hope that India can rise to play this role on the world stage, supported by cultural values, yoga, pranayama, and other fronts. The event drew support from diaspora organisations including the American Hindu Coalition, AHEAD, India Israel Coalition, Indo American Community, IADA, Overseas Friends of BJP, Rajdhani Mandir of Virginia, Sikhs of America, UHJT, SV Lotus Temple, VHPA, US India Security Council and Samskrita Bharati.