Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday released the book Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka, published by Saptahik Vivek, at Uprashtrapathi Bhawan.
Speaking on the occasion, Radhakrishnan noted the long history of Saptahik Vivek, which was established in 1948, and its engagement with Maharashtra’s social, cultural and public life. He appreciated its tradition of publishing books and research-oriented literature on India’s culture, national and international affairs, and important social issues.
The Vice-President said the publication of the book was particularly timely as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925, has completed its centenary.
“I have had a long association with the Sangh and it is a personal honour for me to be a part of this book release,” he said.
Radhakrishnan said the RSS was established with the objective of reviving cultural Hindutva and that Hedgewar had underscored the bond between Hindutva and the Sangh.
He said the centenary provides an opportunity to reflect on the history, ideas and working methods associated with an organisation that has evolved over a long period. He observed that the Sangh’s working methodology had stood the test of time, enabling it to establish itself as a significant organisation with a presence across diverse areas of social life.
Emphasising what he described as the inclusive character of Hindutva, Radhakrishnan said, “Hindutva is not against anyone. Hindutva cannot be against anyone. It takes everyone together.”
He said cultural Hindutva represents a combination of core values, cultural ideals, human relationships and the ideal of universal well-being.
The Vice-President also noted that the term “Hindutva” has acquired different meanings in different historical and intellectual contexts and has been interpreted differently by political thinkers, scholars, organisations and critics. A serious engagement with the subject, he said, therefore requires an examination of its historical development, philosophical dimensions and the different interpretations surrounding it.
Drawing an analogy with the Ganga, Radhakrishnan said the river begins as a small stream in the Himalayas and, as it grows and reaches the Bay of Bengal, becomes capable of carrying even large ships.
He said the journey of the RSS could similarly be viewed as one of significant expansion.
“The Sangh started with a few people as a small organisation. Today, it has become a global organisation and spread across the country, with its swayamsevaks contributing to different spheres of national and social life,” he said.
Radhakrishnan said Yoga, which originated as an ancient Indian discipline, has become a global practice and represents how an Indian tradition can travel beyond its geographical and cultural origins and become part of a wider global conversation.
He said the term “Vishwasanchar” evokes the movement and communication of ideas across the world. The book, he said, invites readers to examine how elements of India’s cultural heritage have travelled, interacted with other societies and acquired new forms and meanings.
The Vice-President called upon young people to read, question, investigate and understand India’s rich heritage while remaining conscious of the constitutional values and democratic institutions that shape the present.
“A civilisation thrives and grows when it has the confidence to engage with change while retaining its roots in its foundational values, culture and ethos,” he said.
Radhakrishnan congratulated the authors, researchers, editors and the entire team of Saptahik Vivek for bringing out Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka.
He expressed hope that the book would encourage deeper study of India’s cultural journey and stimulate thoughtful discussion on Hindutva, cultural identity and India’s relationship with the world.
Those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha MP Vinod Tawde, Suyog Telematic Ltd Managing Director Shivshankar, Saptahik Vivek Editor Ravindra Gole and others.
