Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) joint general secretary Manmohan Vaidya emphasized that India is a nation that celebrates diversity within the framework of a single culture, and that the wheel on the national flag, the “Dharma Chakra,” symbolizes a foundational principle that unites the entire society.
Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Vaidya said, “We do not have different cultures, but one culture with diverse celebrations.” He also drew a distinction between ‘dharma’ and ‘religion,’ stating that the two are not the same.
“The wheel on the tricolour is the ‘Dharma Chakra’—a symbol of the societal foundation. Institutions like the Supreme Court, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha all use the term ‘dharma,’ which points to its deeper meaning beyond religion,” he said.
Criticizing the term ‘dharmanirapeksha’ (secular), Vaidya noted, “There is no equivalent of the word ‘exclusion’ in Indian languages, because our culture is inherently inclusive.”
Highlighting India’s spiritual values, Vaidya said, “Every soul is potentially divine, regardless of gender. Only Bharat believes this. In contrast, countries like the US denied women voting rights until much later.”
He also spoke about self-reliance, saying, “A swadeshi society is one that is least dependent on the state. During colonial rule, swarajya was the goal. Now that we have achieved it, society must be empowered to realize its own strength.”
Referring to freedom fighter Vinoba Bhave’s ideals, he reiterated that increasing state dependency weakens a society, and that the strength of Bharat lies in its self-sustaining, value-driven social structure.
