Decoding 'Hindu Rashtra'

It may surprise many that the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) prayer invokes 'Hindu Rashtra' only once. It says: "vayam Hindu rashtraanga bhoota (we are all part of 'Hindu Rashtra')". The RSS does not say we will create a new Hindu Rashtra.

Nor does it say we will amend the Constitution of India and declare this country a Hindu Rashtra. Yet, the Sangh's commitment to a Hindu Rashtra evokes everything from fear to anger to dismay. Opprobrium is heaped on the RSS even as an overwhelming majority praise and welcome the 'creation' of Hindu Rashtra. There is ignorance or lack of clarity on both sides. Where the mention of Hindu Rashtra causes any apprehension or a sense of unease, it is really a fear of the unknown-an unknown that also unites and gives a false sense of pride and security.

The Sangh, in fact, believes that there is no need to create a Hindu