Event
Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—the world's largest right-wing group—granted a rare interview to NPR during a visit to Washington, D.C. The interview was arranged by a lobbyist representing Hosabale.
Key Details
- The RSS is an all-male Hindu nationalist organization based in India.
- Its stated goal is to alter India's secular constitution to reflect Hindu nationalist principles.
- Some RSS members and affiliates have been accused of instigating attacks against religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians.
- A former RSS member, Nathuram Godse, assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
- Critics allege that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government adopts RSS's Hindu nationalist ideology, particularly in policies affecting Muslims.
"The RSS's aim is to reshape India's secular constitution into one that embodies Hindu nationalist ideals."
Statements
Hosabale spoke with NPR's Rob Schmitz about the purpose of his visit to the U.S. capital and his decision to speak with Western media.
"This is a significant moment of engagement," Hosabale said, explaining the rationale for granting the interview. He emphasized that the RSS seeks to clarify its positions to an international audience.