“Hinduism, one of the world’s great and ancient religious traditions, must not be confused with Hindutva political ideology,” IOCUSA said.
It stressed that its criticism was directed at what it called the “political weaponisation of religious identity”, rather than at Hinduism or Hindus.
“Millions of Hindus in India and throughout the world embrace pluralism, democracy and peaceful coexistence,” it said.
IOCUSA raises minority rights concerns
IOCUSA said the RSS’s emphasis on “oneness” abroad should also be examined against concerns raised by human rights organisations, religious freedom monitors, journalists and civil society groups over discrimination, hate speech and violence affecting minorities in India.
The organisation argued that national unity could not be based on religious conformity.
“The RSS may speak of ‘oneness’ abroad, but genuine unity cannot be built by demanding conformity at home,” it said.
IOCUSA further said that a credible message of national unity required minorities to feel secure about their faith, culture and citizenship.
“There is no meaningful democracy when the worth of citizenship is measured by religious identity,” it said.
The statement comes as the RSS steps up international outreach during its centenary year, with Bhagwat’s US visit expected to include interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and American society.
The RSS has sought to use the outreach to explain its views on Hindu society, India and the organisation’s role, while IOCUSA has urged American stakeholders to examine those claims alongside broader debates surrounding the RSS’s ideology and its influence in India.
About the Author
