Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, currently visiting the United States as part of an Indian delegation, said the organisation is using its centenary year as an opportunity to expand its global outreach and address what he described as long-standing misconceptions and “malicious propaganda” about both the RSS and India. He noted that recent international discourse has made it necessary for the organisation to more actively present its perspective to global audiences.
Hosabale pointed out that differing views about the RSS have recently surfaced across international media platforms, including television channels and newspapers, which has contributed to renewed debate. He added that the issue gained wider visibility after the President of Pakistan referred to the RSS by name during remarks at the United Nations, prompting the organisation to respond by sharing its narrative more directly on global platforms.
Speaking during an interaction, Hosabale said that the outreach is not only about clarifying perceptions regarding the RSS but also about presenting a broader understanding of India’s civilisational depth and contributions. He emphasized that India’s identity extends beyond contemporary political narratives and reflects a long-standing cultural and historical continuum that should be better understood internationally.
His visit coincides with wider diplomatic engagements involving Indian representatives in Washington, DC, where discussions on bilateral cooperation, including trade-related matters, have been taking place. Within this context, Hosabale’s interactions have focused on engaging with diverse audiences and explaining the organisation’s activities and philosophy.
Reflecting on his meetings in the United States, Hosabale said that many individuals expressed surprise upon learning about the scale and scope of the RSS’s social initiatives. He cited examples such as the Ekal Vidyalaya programme and other community-based efforts in underserved areas, stating that much of the organisation’s work remains relatively unknown outside India. According to him, the publicly visible aspects of the RSS represent only a small portion of its overall activities, while a large part of its work is carried out quietly through volunteer-driven initiatives.
He further observed that common perceptions often reduce the RSS to visible activities such as drills, processions, or political associations, without acknowledging its broader social and cultural engagements. Hosabale also addressed generational perceptions, noting that some critics view the organisation as outdated or incompatible with modern values, a claim he rejected by stating that its members actively engage with contemporary ideas, technology, and evolving societal needs.
Responding to criticism that the RSS is opposed to minorities or aligned with supremacist ideologies, Hosabale reiterated that such narratives have developed over time and do not accurately reflect the organisation’s stated philosophy. He argued that the cultural framework associated with Hindu thought promotes unity and coexistence rather than dominance.
On comparisons drawn between the RSS and certain conservative movements in the United States, including organisations such as Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, Hosabale rejected any equivalence. He stated that the RSS operates within its own distinct framework shaped by India’s unique historical and cultural context, and therefore should not be directly compared to organisations in other countries.
Hosabale concluded by stressing that his key message to audiences in the United States is the importance of understanding India in its proper civilisational context. He described India as a civilisation with a history spanning thousands of years and said that meaningful global engagement requires mutual understanding. While noting that India seeks friendship with other nations, he added that such relationships must be based on reciprocity rather than being one-sided.
