VP Radhakrishnan Releases ‘Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka’

• VP Radhakrishnan released Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka.
• He described Hindutva as inclusive and non-exclusionary.
• VP highlighted the RSS’s centenary and its organisational journey.
• He urged youth to study India’s civilisational heritage.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Sept: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday released the book Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka, published by Saptahik Vivek, at Uprashtrapati Bhawan.

Speaking at the event, Radhakrishnan highlighted the long history of Saptahik Vivek, established in 1948, and its contribution to Maharashtra’s social, cultural and public life. He also appreciated its work in publishing literature and research on Indian culture, national and international affairs and social issues.

The Vice-President said the book’s release was particularly significant as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925, has completed 100 years.

“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 stresses inclusive character of Hindutva
Speaking about Hindutva, the Vice-President said, “Hindutva is not against anyone. Hindutva cannot be against anyone. It takes everyone together.”

He described cultural Hindutva as encompassing core values, cultural ideals, human relationships and the idea of universal well-being.

Radhakrishnan also noted that the term “Hindutva” has acquired different meanings across historical and intellectual contexts and has been interpreted differently by political thinkers, scholars, organisations and critics.

He said serious engagement with the subject requires examining its historical development, philosophical dimensions and the different interpretations associated with it.

Compares RSS journey with Ganga
Drawing an analogy with the Ganga, the Vice-President said the river begins as a small stream in the Himalayas and grows into a major waterway capable of carrying large ships.

He similarly described the RSS as having grown from a small organisation into what he described as a global organisation, with its volunteers contributing across different spheres of social and national life.

Radhakrishnan also cited Yoga as an example of an ancient Indian discipline that has travelled beyond its geographical and cultural origins and become a global practice.

He said the term “Vishwasanchar” evokes the movement and communication of ideas across the world, adding that the book invites readers to examine how elements of India’s cultural heritage have travelled, interacted with other societies and acquired new forms and meanings.

Calls on youth to study India’s heritage
The Vice-President called upon young people to read, question, investigate and understand India’s civilisational heritage, while remaining conscious of constitutional values and democratic institutions.

He said a civilisation grows when it engages with change while retaining its foundational values, culture and ethos.

Radhakrishnan congratulated the authors, researchers, editors and the Saptahik Vivek team for bringing out the book and expressed hope that it would encourage deeper study of India’s cultural journey and discussion on Hindutva, cultural identity and India’s relationship with the world.

Among those present at the event were Rajya Sabha MP Vinod Tawde, Suyog Telematic Limited Managing Director Shivshankar and Saptahik Vivek Editor Ravindra Gole, among others.