Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that India does not need any constitutional amendment or formal declaration to be called a Hindu nation, stating that this identity already exists through the country’s culture, traditions, and collective memory.

Addressing a gathering in Kolkata, Bhagwat said the idea of India as a Hindu nation does not depend on legal approval but is rooted in civilisation and cultural continuity. He remarked that certain realities do not require official certification, comparing it to natural phenomena that are universally accepted without documentation.

Bhagwat said that as long as people regard India as their motherland, respect its cultural values, and take pride in the legacy of their ancestors, the nation’s character remains unchanged. According to him, this cultural bond, rather than political endorsement, defines the country’s identity.

The RSS chief also dismissed allegations that the organisation operates with a political agenda. He said criticism against the RSS has increased due to fear and misinformation, and urged people to form opinions based on direct understanding rather than campaigns or second-hand narratives.

On the issue of constitutional amendments, Bhagwat said the RSS does not depend on Parliament to validate its worldview. He added that whether or not lawmakers choose to include such terminology in the Constitution does not affect the organisation’s belief system.

Clarifying misconceptions around Hindutva, Bhagwat said that birth-based caste discrimination is not part of its philosophy. He also emphasised the importance of linguistic pride, encouraging people to use their mother tongue in daily life as a way of preserving cultural identity.

Responding to criticism that the RSS is hostile towards Muslims, Bhagwat rejected the charge and said the organisation’s work has always been open and transparent. He invited sceptics to observe the RSS firsthand and judge based on what they see rather than assumptions.