Hinduism is ‘global heritage’, not ancestral property of Indians: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

New Delhi: Quite vocal about his views on Hinduism, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh’s chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that for Indians ‘Hinduism’ is not their ancestral property but a heritage that belongs to everyone in the world.

Bhagwat, who was present at the launch of the international edition of Encyclopedia of Hinduism on Friday along with other dignitaries, stressed on the need of imparting knowledge among the children about their cultural roots.

“Children must be made aware about their roots as such knowledge is missing from their education and learning system today. It is important for the countrymen to have knowledge of Hinduism than those abroad,” said he.

He also gave voice to the ideology that says, ‘religion never divides, but unites’ and said that Hinduism is something that can benefit the entire world.

Lauding those behind bringing out the encyclopaedia, Bhagwat said there was a need for it in society and hoped it will not find its way only in museums but will be read by the people.

He said those behind the encyclopedia have done their job by launching it and by giving the people of the country the responsibility to gain knowledge of their roots.

Vice President Hamid Ansari was also present during his address.

Among others who also spoke included HRD Minister Smriti Irani, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, Swami Chidanand Saraswati of India Heritage Research Foundation, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, president of All-India Imam Organisation and Dewan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan of Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Jain saint Acharya Lokesh Muni of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati, besides industrialist B K Modi.

Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit was also present.