Washington, April 18 (NationPress) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is advocating for a stronger initiative to “decolonise the mind”, with General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale asserting that misleading narratives surrounding India’s history, culture, and identity continue to dominate public discussions even decades after the nation gained independence.

In a special interview commemorating the RSS's centenary, Hosabale expressed to IANS that while India has attained political freedom, the journey toward intellectual and cultural decolonisation is far from finished.

“Decolonisation must occur,” he stated, noting that “it remains incomplete in many areas.”

The enduring reality of a “colonised mind” has contributed to the proliferation of narratives that are disconnected from the actual historical facts or the lived experiences of Indian civilization.

“Political freedom should pave the way for additional freedoms—cultural and otherwise,” Hosabale emphasized, underlining the importance of rectifying the narrative surrounding India and its civilisational foundations.

He pointed out the persistent inaccuracies in education and public perception, including the teaching of the Aryan invasion theory.

“Even today, many believe in the concept of an Aryan invasion, despite the fact that it has been disproved,” he remarked.

Hosabale further emphasized the need for greater awareness of India’s scientific heritage and contributions, asserting that these gaps have led to a weakened sense of national pride.

“Often, there is insufficient awareness regarding our scientific legacy,” he noted.

Language is another area where colonial-era attitudes persist, he added.

“For years, people have perceived speaking Indian languages as a sign of inferior education,” he explained, detailing how such beliefs induce a sense of inferiority even among the educated.

Hosabale contested narratives that depict India as a recent political entity, asserting that the nation has enjoyed deep civilisational unity for many centuries.

“We are not a nation in formation. We have been a cohesive nation for millennia,” he stated.

He argued that claims suggesting India became unified solely after independence or under colonial governance disregard the long-standing cultural continuity present across various regions.

According to Hosabale, rectifying these narratives is crucial for attaining “true and complete freedom,” as it would alter how Indians view themselves and their global standing.

The RSS leader connected this intellectual endeavor to broader national progress, asserting that a confident society rooted in its civilisational values is more prepared to make global contributions.

“If the narrative of India is accurately portrayed, then the decolonisation of the mind will follow,” he remarked.

He mentioned that the organization's initiatives over the past century have been directed at building this confidence through cultural appreciation and societal involvement.

“The influence of the RSS promotes Hindu nationalism… fostering pride in our nation, culture, and civilisational values,” Hosabale said, calling it a guiding principle for national existence.

He added that these values remain relevant today and should guide both domestic priorities and India’s role on the global stage.

Hosabale framed decolonisation as part of a broader strategy to tackle modern global challenges, including identity conflicts, social fragmentation, and ideological divisions.

He contended that restoring a balanced understanding of history and culture could enhance social harmony and national unity.

At the same time, he recognized that this process is ongoing and demands continuous engagement from various institutions, including education, media, and civil society.

These comments arrive amid ongoing discussions concerning educational reforms, historical interpretations, and cultural identity that continue to influence public discourse in India and among the diaspora.

In recent years, successive governments have aimed to revise school curricula, promote Indian languages, and elevate indigenous knowledge systems as part of a larger cultural realignment.

Founded in 1925, the RSS has played a pivotal role in shaping these discussions, with its network of affiliates impacting education, social policies, and public discourse.

As the organization approaches its second century, its focus on decolonisation indicates a sustained commitment to redefining India’s intellectual and cultural framework both at home and abroad.