During the ongoing controversy about the desecration of Aurangzeb's mausoleum in Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said Aurangzeb doesn't come under the definition of an icon and asserted that an effort to warp historical facts needs to be addressed.
At a press conference after the Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) session in Bengaluru, RSS Sahakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale broached the topic, stating: "While political freedom was attained in 1947, mental colonization continued. Hence, the current struggle for intellectual freedom is really about decolonizing the mind. This is what we are striving for."
Hosabale went on to say, "If anyone takes inspiration from an invader who aimed to destroy our national culture and identity, then that individual is an invader and is a threat to society."
He further stated that people who idolize the likes of Aurangzeb, even though he was a destructive person, are far from being an icon because they are ignoring his ill effect on India's heritage. He further indicated that the people who advocate for Ganga-Jamuni 'tehzeeb' tend to forget the heritage of Aurangzeb's brother, Dara Shikoh, who adopted the culture and traditions of India.
Hosabale stressed that it is important to choose who or whose philosophies are to be associated with the ethos of the nation today. He stated, "It isn't about whether you are foreign or native. Sister Nivedita, although a Christian, accepted the ethos of this nation, as did Dara Shikoh. We have to think of such examples while defining our national identity.". This view goes with the RSS's core ideology and corresponds to this country's philosophy."
Reflecting on past personalities, Hosabale also pointed out the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's sons who were killed for their refusal to bow down to tyranny. "We take inspiration from their valour," he added.
He added, "These personalities like Rani Abbakka, Bhagat Singh, Valmiki, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who struggled to safeguard the culture and heritage of our country, are also very inspirational. The erstwhile President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is still a symbol of national unity. All these people are the pillars for unity in our nation, and the RSS has always emphasized this."
With regards to inter-caste marriages, Hosabale reasserted, "We think that everybody born in this nation is Hindu, because his ancestors were Hindus. With time, those who attend Shakhas and interact with the Sangh come out of caste divisions over a period."
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