Caste bias is a ‘stain’ on Hindu society: RSS leader Hosabale; calls for behavior change
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale described caste-based discrimination as a “stain” on Hindu society and said that casteism and untouchability cannot be ended by laws alone but require a change in individual behaviour.
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Addressing a rally of RSS volunteers at Lal Parade Ground here on Sunday (September 20, 2026), he also said that India’s rise should be for the benefit of humanity rather than its aim to dominate other nations and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enhanced the country’s global standing.
The RSS leader called for an end to caste discrimination and untouchability, calling them a “stain” on Hindu society.
He said that casteism and untouchability cannot be removed through laws or preaching alone but requires a change in individual behavior.
“There should be no discrimination of any kind between people. Discrimination on the basis of birth is not a part of Hindu culture,” said Mr. Hosabale.
He quoted Lord Rama accepting berries offered by Shabari in the Ramayana and asked how people could practice discrimination in the name of caste.
“Any mistreatment in the name of caste weakens the society,” Mr. Hosabale said, urging people to start the change with their own behavior and in their homes.
He further said that India’s 5,000-year-old civilizational journey has shown that the country has repeatedly risen after facing crises and conflicts.
“Indian people and its scientists have earned the name of the country in various fields internationally and the Prime Minister leading the country has enhanced India’s international fame,” he said.
Hosabale said India’s progress should not be measured only in terms of economic or material progress but by the contribution it brings to humanity.
“India is advancing fast, but that means India is rising and should rise. India’s rise should bring many benefits to humanity,” he said.
The RSS leader hoped that India would rise up and progress not to dominate or exploit anyone, nor to suppress the world with arrogance or crush anyone, but to serve humanity.
Emphasizing the role of society in times of crisis, Mr Hosabale said that RSS volunteers had participated in relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, but stressed that such efforts should involve society as a whole.
Referring to the recent floods in Assam, he said volunteers from the RSS-affiliated Seva Bharati had gone there to help the affected people and found that youths, college students and members of various sections of society had also come to extend relief.
“That’s how it should be. Work for the country should happen in every settlement and every village,” he said.
On environmental protection, Mr Hosabale said merely passing resolutions in public forums does not protect the environment and urged people to make conservation part of their daily behavior at home, schools, workplaces, markets and neighbourhoods.
He urged the RSS volunteers to work towards keeping the rivers clean and protecting the environment through their own actions.
Mr. Hosabale also said that India’s progress should show the world how material well-being and spiritual happiness can be achieved together in a balanced manner.
Three days ago, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a rally in Ujjain and said that a person’s ego can create a misconception that his government and everything works according to his authority and that he can control everything.
“Take the Sun for example; you can’t do anything about it. If you don’t believe in it, that’s fine, but it will still rise and set,” he told about 1,700 Gen Z attendees at the ‘Yuva Dharma Sansad’.
Published – 21 Sep 2026 09:46 IST