Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) hit out at DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatan Dharma and said just because Mr. Stalin wants it to end, doesn’t mean it will disappear.
Mr. Hosabale was speaking to PTI on wide range of topics, where he also batted for dialogue with Pakistan.
Responding to Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s renewed call for the eradication of Sanatan dharma, Mr. Hosabale described Sanatan Dharma as an enduring civilisational value that cannot be erased by political criticism. He added that it represented the spirit and worldview of India rather than merely a religious practice.
“Because I feel there should not be light or I feel there should not be shadows, that doesn’t mean they will go away,” the agency quoted Mr. Hosabale.
He added that Indian civilisation has preserved ancient traditions while simultaneously embracing modern advancements such as artificial intelligence and technology.
Speaking on India-Pakistan relations, Mr. Hosabale said trust in Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained absent because of repeated terror attacks, including 26/11, Pulwama and Pahalgam. While emphasising that India’s security and self-respect must be protected, he maintained that channels for dialogue should remain open. For the same, he pitched that trade, visas and diplomatic engagement should continue with the neighbouring country so that opportunities for communication are not completely shut down. He stressed that stronger people-to-people contact involving academicians, scientists, sportspersons and civil society groups could eventually help reduce hostility, arguing that cultural and historical ties between the two countries still offered hope for improved relations.
On the conflict in West Asia, Mr. Hosabale argued that wars generally arise from greed, arrogance and the desire to control resources. When asked if he was talking about U.S. President Donald Trump, Hosabale replied that he had not mentioned anyone by name.
VIDEO | When asked about TN LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin's 'Sanatana Dharma must be abolished' remark, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, in an exclusive interview with PTI, says, "It's his opinion, and people have answered in the election, but one thing, see Sanatan will not… pic.twitter.com/QlVFuKa2fY
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 12, 2026
He added that the present tensions were driven more by strategic and economic interests, including oil, than by a clash of civilisations.
Referring to predictions of future conflicts over water, he warned that wars continue to reshape human life without necessarily ending humanity itself. He also rejected the idea that the current conflict reflected a unified civilisational battle, pointing out that countries across religious lines were divided in their positions.
The RSS leader said India could play a constructive role by encouraging restraint and dialogue among global leaders. Supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity, he said simplicity and restraint should remain part of India’s way of life, especially during times of crisis.