Ranchi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that Sarna is a form of worship and not a separate religion, cautioning that social fragmentation weakens society and makes it vulnerable to external forces. He was addressing the Janjati Samvad Karyakram, a dialogue programme with tribal communities, where he called unity the key to national strength.
Bhagwat said the concerns of Adivasi society are not limited to any one group but are national in nature, and their solutions require collective responsibility. The two-session programme enabled direct interaction between tribal representatives and the RSS chief on social, cultural, educational, economic and constitutional issues.
Tribal Voices Highlight Ground Realities
In the first session, speakers raised a range of challenges including religious conversions, poor access to quality education, substance abuse, land encroachment, weak implementation of PESA, and the gradual erosion of Adivasi settlements and cultural identity.
Students said the absence of scholarships was forcing many to drop out, while women representatives flagged rising conversions and political marginalisation of Adivasi women.
Unity Above Differences
Responding in the second session, Bhagwat said India is one society despite its diversity, and that different traditions of worship share the same civilisational values. He described Hinduism not as a single method of worship, but as a way of life rooted in harmony with nature, service and coexistence.
He explained that dharma means swabhav (inherent nature), and that humanity itself is the highest religion. He added that Vanvasi communities are the custodians of forests and land, and their participation is vital for the nation’s progress.
Warning Against Social Fragmentation
Bhagwat cautioned that internal divisions weaken societies and open the door to exploitation by outside forces. He said the RSS works to strengthen social unity and assured that the concerns raised would be conveyed to the Prime Minister.
Calling for sustained action, he urged a renewed focus on education, employment, self-respect and cultural pride. “If Adivasi society is uprooted, the nation’s civilisational foundation will weaken,” he said, appealing for unity and collective effort.
