Hindus, Muslims share same ancestry: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday asserted Hindus and Muslims share the same ancestry and every Indian citizen is a "Hindu".

Speaking at an event here organised by Pune-based Global Strategic Policy Foundation, he said "sane" Muslim leaders should stand firmly against fundamentalists.

"Islam came to India with invaders. This is history and should be told in that manner. Sane Muslim leaders should oppose unnecessary issues and stand firmly against fundamentalists and hardliners. The more we do this at the earliest, the less damage it will cause to our society," he said at a seminar titled 'Nation First, Nation Supreme'.

While explaining the concept of the word Hindu, the RSS chief said, "The word Hindu was equivalent to motherland, ancestors and Indian culture, and every Indian is a Hindu. This is not disrespecting other views. We have to think in terms of gaining Indian dominance and not Muslim dominance."

The Hindus and Muslims share the same ancestry, he noted.

Stating that India, as a superpower, will not scare anyone, Mr Bhagwat added that for all-round development of India, everyone should work together.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd), chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, were among other prominent speakers at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khan said more diversity leads to a prosperous society and added "Indian culture considers everyone equal."

Lt Gen Hasnain asked Muslim intellectuals to help thwart Pakistan's attempts to target Indian Muslims. (UNI)