Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach to caste through social harmony rather than structural confrontation (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Drawing a line between welfare and politics on caste data, RSS national publicity head Sunil Ambekar said the Sangh backs caste census but opposes its use for “dividing society”, even as he outlined the organisation’s position on key debates from caste reform and women’s participation to its equation with BJP.In an interaction with TOI, Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach to caste through social harmony rather than structural confrontation. “If mutual affection grows and discrimination disappears, even large issues can be resolved. Without harmony, even small issues become major conflicts,” he said.He said access to temples, cremation grounds, water sources and public spaces should be open to all, with RSS volunteers engaging at the local level to address such concerns. He pointed to institutions such as Vidya Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalaya and Seva Bharati as part of a wider outreach network, adding that leadership is increasingly emerging from marginalised communities, including women.On women’s participation, Ambekar defended the parallel structure ofRashtriya Sevika Samiti, saying it mirrors the RSS shakha model. At the same time, he acknowledged the need to expand women’s role, noting that participation in decision-making and outreach is rising through a coordination mechanism called “Mahila Sambandh”. He also flagged the centenary theme of “Kutumb Prabodhan”, which seeks to encourage families to support women’s participation in public life.On the caste census, he reiterated that while RSS supports it for welfare, it opposes political misuse. “Democracy requires representation, but politics should not pit one community against another,” he said, arguing that societal unity can counter divisive mobilisation. Despite perceptions of polarisation, he said “on the ground we see unity”, citing gatherings such as the Kumbh and the Ram Mandir consecration.Addressing the RSS-BJP equation, Ambekar said the Sangh remains a social organisation focused on “building individuals”, with swayamsevaks working across sectors, including politics. He stressed that organisations operate independently, while describing India’s framework as “society-centric” in contrast to Western state-centric models. While political parties function within electoral cycles, he said RSS works on a longer civilisational horizon through “Lokmat Jagran”.On criticism linking Hindu nationalism to democratic backsliding, Ambekar rejected the premise, describing Hindu culture as “unifying” and rooted in ideas such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He argued that India’s civilisational ethos enables coexistence and strengthens democracy in a diverse society.On concerns over discrimination against people from the north-east, he said the term “racial discrimination” is misplaced, attributing past tensions to historical distortions and limited interaction. He said exchange programmes have reduced misunderstandings and called for sensitive handling of such issues.On global conflicts, Ambekar said India should be guided by peace and principles, with the govt taking decisions based on strategic assessment.