Mohan Bhagwat Rejects ‘Hatred’ Claims, Says RSS Is Built On ‘Pure, Noble Love’

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said the loyalty of British Hindus lies with the United Kingdom, their ‘karma bhoomi’ or field of duty, while stressing that Hindutva does not ask people to betray the country where they live and serve.

Addressing the ‘Celebration of Oneness’ event in London on Sunday, Bhagwat responded to questions about divided loyalties between a person’s birthplace and country of residence. He said the ‘janma bhoomi’, or birthplace, provides cultural values, while the ‘karma bhoomi’ is where those values are put into practice through service and responsibility.

“If at all that happens, it is obvious that British Hindus will go with Britain,” Bhagwat said, adding that there should be no conflict between British and Indian interests when diaspora members remain committed to their responsibilities in the UK.

Bhagwat also rejected criticism that the RSS is driven by hatred, saying such claims are the opposite of its philosophy. He described ‘Shuddha Saatvika Prem’, or pure and noble love, as the foundation of the organisation’s work, alongside ‘apnapan’, a sense of belonging and oneness. He said this feeling extends from individuals and families to communities, society, humanity and nature.

Explaining Hindutva, Bhagwat said it should not be understood solely through religion or worship. He argued that different schools of thought and forms of worship can coexist without seeking to replace or convert one another.

He described Hindu Rashtra as an idea centred on accepting diversity while recognising an underlying unity, saying “diversity is natural, unity is truth”. He also stressed that “uniformity is not necessary for unity”.

Bhagwat linked this vision to environmental responsibility, saying humans are part of nature and development should complement rather than undermine environmental protection. He summed up the principle as “live, let live, and make others live.”

He also expressed confidence in younger generations and highlighted ‘sewa’, or selfless service, as a key RSS principle.

His UK outreach included a visit to the Khalsa Jatha British Isles Gurdwara in London, where he interacted with the British Sikh community, and the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Willesden.

Bhagwat’s London programme marked the final leg of his RSS centenary international outreach, which began in New York and continued in Toronto. He arrived in London on September 2 and is expected to return to India on Monday.