"Greatest religion is humanity": RSS leader Indresh Kumar at session of 'Harmony Week'

New Delhi : A special dialogue session was held with madrasa children in Delhi as part of the "Harmony Week" organised by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on Sunday.
The session was attended by the platform's mentor and senior member of the national executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Indresh Kumar.
RSS leader Indresh Kumar emphasised the importance of national identity, urging children to prioritise being "Hindustani" above all else.
He stressed that education should extend beyond textbooks to encompass values like humanity, patriotism, and unity.
"The greatest religion is humanity, the greatest action is patriotism, and the greatest identity is 'Hindustani,'" he stated, encouraging young minds to adopt this spirit to eradicate hatred and discrimination.
The air at the madrasa was filled with patriotic slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad," "Vande Mataram," and "Jai Hind."
Speakers at the event, while remembering the heroes of the freedom struggle, emphasised that freedom is not just a right but also a responsibility.
RSS leader Indresh Kumar engaged with the children and asked questions, "What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist, doctor, engineer, or an administrative officer?" He encouraged the children to aim high and inspired them to dream big.
He conveyed a message to the students of the madrasas, emphasising that along with religious education (madrasa teachings), modern education (worldly knowledge) is also crucial.
He stated that to excel in fields like science, medicine, engineering, and administration, children need to be proficient in subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, and technical education.
Indresh Kumar while speaking to the children said, "If a child aspires to be a doctor, they must not only be knowledgeable in religious texts but also excel in physics, chemistry, and biology. Similarly, to become an engineer, a deep understanding of mathematics and science is essential. To become an administrative officer, one needs reasoning skills, knowledge of law, and an awareness of contemporary issues."
Indresh Kumar also stressed that in today's world, knowledge is the greatest power, and every community must focus on the education of their children for a better future.
He appealed to parents to not limit their children's education to just religious teachings but to make them proficient in modern subjects so they can play an active role in nation-building.
He motivated the youth of the Muslim community, saying that if they advance with mainstream education, they can contribute significantly to the development of the country and society and emphasised that the fusion of nationalism and education will take India towards becoming a global leader.
Indresh Kumar conveyed the message, "Be First a Hindustani." He said, "Children, your education should not be limited to books alone. You should also learn what the greatest religion in the world is. -- The greatest religion is humanity, the greatest action is patriotism, and the greatest identity is 'Hindustani.' Whatever you want to be-- doctor, engineer, officer, scientist-- first and foremost, identify yourself as Hindustani. When we move forward with this spirit, we will be able to eliminate hatred and discrimination."
He narrated stories of India's freedom struggle heroes, including Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr Zakir Hussain, and Sardar Patel, highlighting their contributions.
He stated, "The freedom and rights we enjoy today are not the result of any single religion but are the result of the unity of all of India. When we say 'Jai Hind,' it is not just a slogan; it is a symbol of our culture. We need to strengthen this culture."
Indresh Kumar concluded by linking the entire campaign to the message "Be First a Hindustani" and emphasized that India's identity lies in its unity. He stated, "When we all work together, India will be stronger. This campaign will not remain limited to one week but will become a part of our thinking, culture, and service spirit."
Dr Shahid Akhtar, the acting chairman of the NCMEI, emphasised, "Our education should aim at ensuring that children are not limited to religious education alone but excel in modern sciences, mathematics, computers, and vocational education as well. The Muslim community must accept the truth that without change in education, progress will be difficult."
He highlighted the importance of education, culture, upbringing, and progress.
Akhtar stressed that madrasas should be aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to incorporate modern education, ensuring children are successful in any field they choose.
He said, "Whether it is a madrasa or any other institution, we must develop education in a way that the coming generations can build a better India."
Dr Shalini Ali, the National Convener of MRM, stated, "We all know that an educated woman educates an entire family. Therefore, Muslim Rashtriya Manch is committed to ensuring that every poor and needy child receives education, especially girls."
She announced that the Manch will provide self-employment training to women in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, including facilities like sewing machines, tuition centres, and computer training.
"When women become self-reliant, their family, society, and country will also become self-reliant. Our campaign will not only focus on education but will also continue for health, employment, and women's empowerment," she said.
The Muslim Rashtriya Manch's service journey is not limited to education; it is also advancing in the healthcare sector. In Bokaro, Jharkhand, the "Medicine Cancer Hospital and Research Center" with 550 beds was inaugurated, which will prove to be a boon for cancer patients in Jharkhand and Northeast India.
Dr Majid Talikoti, the National Convener of MRM and the managing director of the hospital said, "Service is true religion."
He said, "Our aim is not just to open a hospital but to provide affordable and accessible treatment to the poor and needy patients. This hospital will not only serve Jharkhand but will be a lifesaver for all of Northeast India."
Talikoti announced that free cancer treatment will be provided every year on 18th February for needy patients, and this initiative will continue. He said, "We are running this hospital with service and dedication. Our goal is to provide healthcare to every poor and needy person."
Acting chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) Dr Shahid Akhtar, Dr Shalini Ali, Colonel Tahir Mustafa, Justice Tashi Raftan, Senior Advocate Shiraz Qureshi, Hafiz Sabreen, Imran Chaudhary, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Shakir Hussain, and Maulana Mohammad Saad of the madrasa, along with other teachers and dignitaries, were present.
The "Harmony Week" was not limited to just one city but saw active participation of MRM workers across India.
In Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, ration, warm clothes, blankets, medicines, and fruits were distributed to the poor.
Blood donation camps were organised in Lucknow and Dehradun to assist needy patients.
In Bhopal and Jaipur, cleanliness drives and tree planting were carried out to promote environmental protection.
Prayers for peace and brotherhood were held in mosques, temples, churches, and gurudwaras.
"Harmony Yatras" were organized in Patna and Bhopal, with participation from people of all communities.
The platform's officials reiterated that they will work for education, health, employment, and social services in every village, city, and community. "Harmony Week" is not just a program; it is a resolve-- for national service, brotherhood, and unity.