RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat: Eradicating Caste from Minds Key to Ending Discrimination

Bhagwat Urges Mental Shift to End Caste Discrimination

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat recently asserted that the eradication of caste discrimination from society hinges on a fundamental shift in individual mindset, specifically the removal of the concept of caste from people's minds. Speaking on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at a 'Jan Sangoshthi' (public interaction) organized as part of the RSS centenary year celebrations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Bhagwat outlined his vision for a casteless society.

Bhagwat elaborated that caste, which was historically linked to profession and work, gradually became deeply entrenched in society, leading to widespread discrimination. He expressed optimism that if this mental eradication of caste is pursued honestly, caste discrimination could be eliminated within 10 to 12 years.

RSS's Vision for Nation-Building and Social Harmony

During his address, Bhagwat also reiterated the core objectives of the RSS. He stated that the organization works for nation-building through individual character building, emphasizing that the Sangh is not an entity created out of reaction, nor is it in competition with anyone.

The RSS chief stressed that the Sangh's ultimate goal is to lead India towards its 'ultimate glory' in cooperation with society, rather than in isolation. He encouraged those unfamiliar with the RSS to visit its 'shakhas' (branches) to better understand its ethos and work towards societal empowerment.

Consistent Messaging on Caste System

Bhagwat's recent remarks are consistent with his previous statements on the caste system. In October 2022, he had called for the complete discarding of concepts like 'varna' and 'jaati' (caste), stating that 'everything that causes discrimination should go out lock, stock and barrel.'

Earlier, in February 2023, while addressing a birth anniversary celebration of Sant Ravidas in Mumbai, Bhagwat had declared that the caste system was created by 'pundits' and not by God, asserting that 'what some pundits say on the basis of shastras is a lie.' More recently, in April 2025, during a visit to Aligarh, he advocated for the principle of 'one well, one temple, one crematorium' to foster unity among Hindus and eliminate caste barriers.