India: RSS Leader Says Hinduism Is ‘Supreme,’ Suggests Muslims Adopt Hindu Practices

India: RSS Leader Says Hinduism Is ‘Supreme,’ Suggests Muslims Adopt Hindu Practices
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Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Dattatreya Hosabale has said Hinduism is “supreme” and suggested that Muslims in India should adopt practices such as surya namaskar and nature worship, remarks that have drawn criticism from activists and opposition voices.

According to the Muslim Mirror Network, Hosabale made the comments on December 20 while addressing an event in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh that was attended by several Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. He framed practices including sun salutation, worship of rivers and trees, and pranayama as scientific, health-oriented, and environmentally beneficial, arguing they were not religious rituals.

Hosabale said such practices would not prevent Muslims from offering prayers at mosques and maintained that the RSS does not consider any community an enemy. He described what he called a “human religion” rooted in Sanatan Dharma and non-violence, asserting it was aimed at collective welfare.

The remarks have been criticised for promoting religious superiority and cultural assimilation. Activists noted ongoing concerns over violence and discrimination faced by minorities.