RSS chief launches tirade against Indian churches, urges a “Swadeshi” identity

Panaji – The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, K.S. Sudarshan, has lambasted the churches in India, accusing them of lacking “swadeshi” identity and being confined to foreign ethos and customs.

Sudarshan was in Goa, recently, to preside over a three–day RSS conclave. In his hour–long speech, he advocated the need for a Swadeshi church in India saying that only such a religious institution would be rooted to the country’s culture and way of thinking.

The RSS chief also emphasized that foreign religions need to be one with the country and its ethos. “Churches in India should be independent and have their own identity on line with the country of their base,” he said, noting that already some Christians in Kerala, besides practicing Hindu customs followed by their ancestors, have also devised their independent set of rules for their functioning and have claimed autonomy from the Vatican.

Claiming that India gave birth to several religions and inspired many others, Sudarshan said that only Hinduism could bring about world peace and even Jesus Christ got inspiration from India to spread the message of peace.

The conclave that was held in early January was the second large congregation of RSS activists in Goa in recent years. The first one took place four years ago in Panjim when BJP assumed power in the state government and some ministers including then chief minister Manohar Parrikar had attended the Vijayadashmi rally on the occasion of Dussera wearing the RSS uniform.