Advani, Joshi come together at RSS function

Speaking at a function to mark the release of a book on him, both leaders agreed that Golwalkar’s principles had a "spiritual" halo, reports Shekhar Iyer.

Not known for speaking for the same cause, senior BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi on Thursday came together on the same platform to pledge their commitment to the RSS ideology as enunciated by the Sangh Parivar’s second chief MS Golwalkar.

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Speaking at a function to mark the release of a book on him, brought out by Bhopal-based Swadesh newspaper, both leaders agreed that Golwalkar’s principles had a "spiritual" halo.

While Joshi held that Golwalkar’s teachings were still relevant at a time when the buzz word was globalisation, Advani said the late RSS ideologue had ruled out the creation of a Hindu theocratic state because the concept was alien to Hindus. Alluding to criticism that the BJP and RSS were not secular, Advani said he had himself raised this issue with Golwalkar, who had categorically rejected such talk way back in 1948 after Gandhiji’s assassination.

Advani also referred to Golwalkar echoing Swami Vivekananada’s appeal in 1897 that Indians, for their emancipation, needed to worship one goddess — Bharat Mata — for the next 50 years.

Joshi said the RSS ideology of Hindutva-based nationalism — as put forth by Golwalkar — had a spiritual dimension and differed with the western approach towards the subject. It was not in conflict with any other section of the world and had humanism as its core belief.

"The Hindu’s world view is for peace and harmony."