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RSS Calls for an End to Lynching in India
In a powerful statement made in Patna, Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar emphasized the need for peace and respect among all communities. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he firmly asserted that there should be “no man lynching and no cow lynching.” His comments come amid ongoing debates over lynching incidents in India, particularly those related to cow vigilantism. Kumar’s message underscores the importance of harmony among people of different faiths and beliefs, calling for a united society that celebrates diversity without violence.
Promoting Unity and Respect for All Religions
Indresh Kumar, a national executive member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), reiterated the importance of religious tolerance and mutual respect. He stressed that people should follow their own paths while respecting the beliefs of others. “There are, and there will be, many religions,” he said. “But we must be on guard against religious fanaticism and the violence it leads to.” His message of peace and respect was clear: to build a harmonious society, people must coexist without resorting to violence.
The focus keyword, “No lynching in India,” captures Kumar’s central message of rejecting violence in all forms, whether it involves men or cows. His call for respect across faiths is significant in a country where religious diversity is both a strength and a challenge.
Condemning Both Cow and Man Lynching
Addressing the issue of lynching, particularly the incidents of cow-related violence, Kumar urged people to recognize the cultural and emotional significance of cows for many communities in India. “In many parts of the country and the world, people eat meat,” he acknowledged. “But we must recognize that people are sensitive about cows.” However, he was clear that violence should never be the answer. He advocated for creating an environment where “there is no cow lynching and no man lynching.”
Kumar’s remarks are especially relevant in light of recent criticisms of the RSS and its political offshoot, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), regarding the rise of cow vigilante groups. Opposition parties have accused these groups of instigating violence under the guise of protecting cows. By calling for an end to both cow and man lynching, Kumar sought to address these concerns and promote a message of non-violence and unity in diversity.
RSS Backs Caste Census for Equality
In addition to addressing lynching, Indresh Kumar spoke about the importance of acknowledging and addressing caste realities in India. He echoed the views of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who recently expressed support for a caste census. “Caste is a reality which we cannot wish away,” Kumar said. “But we must take care to keep at bay the venom of casteism.” His statement highlights the RSS’s stance on promoting equality while being mindful of the deep-rooted caste divisions in the country.
By supporting a caste census, Kumar and the RSS aim to foster a more inclusive society where caste discrimination is actively addressed. However, he warned against the dangers of casteism and called for efforts to unite communities across caste lines. The focus keyword, “No lynching in India,” extends beyond religious violence to include caste-based discrimination and the violence it can provoke.
Fostering Compassion and Ending Discrimination
Indresh Kumar’s call for peace extends to other forms of discrimination as well. As a patron of the “Pancham Dham” initiative, he has launched a statewide program in Bihar aimed at creating a society free from riots and caste-based discrimination. The program, which began at Singheswar Mahadev Sthan in Madhepura district, seeks to promote compassion for the poor and marginalized communities.
The program will cover 108 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and will culminate in a grand ceremony in Patna in February 2025. The focus of this initiative is to foster a sense of unity and compassion among people, encouraging them to move beyond caste and religious divides.
A Vision for Unity in Diversity
The central message from Indresh Kumar and the RSS is clear: India must strive for unity in diversity. The RSS leader emphasized that people from different faiths, castes, and backgrounds must come together to build a society where there is no violence, no religious fanaticism, and no lynching. Whether it involves men or cows, lynching is a form of violence that has no place in a peaceful and tolerant society.
Kumar’s appeal for “No lynching in India” is part of a broader vision to promote respect for all, end caste-based and religious violence, and celebrate the country’s diverse cultural and religious heritage. He called on citizens to follow their own faiths while respecting the beliefs of others, ensuring that peace prevails across communities.
