RSS Editorial Criticizes Bengali Nation’s Ideological Identity, Ignoring Progressive Icons

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 15, 2025, Kolkata : In a controversial editorial titled 'Bengali's Chaitanyadaya', the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has drawn strong criticism for its assessment of the Bengali nation. The editorial dismisses key figures from Bengal’s progressive history, such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rammohan Roy, and Rabindranath Tagore, focusing instead on religious figures and ideological narratives rooted in Hindu nationalism.

The editorial begins by lamenting what it perceives as the loss of Bengali identity due to the influence of foreign ideologies and religious ‘heretics’. It highlights figures like Sri Chaitanya, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and others, portraying them as beacons of nationalism and spirituality. However, it critiques modern Bengalis for disregarding the unifying messages of these figures in favor of foreign ideas. The editorial claims that Bengalis have focused on the love aspect of Sri Chaitanya’s teachings, neglecting his call for unity and protection of the nation, religion, and society.

The RSS article argues that this failure to uphold the principles of self-respect and national unity has led to the Bengali nation being condemned both within India and internationally. It insists that while the spiritual teachings of these revered figures have survived, the supposed lack of ideological clarity among Bengalis in West Bengal has caused the region to face criticism.

The editorial further asserts that despite challenges, the people of East Bengal have continued to fight for their religion, and it expresses optimism that the “confused” Hindus of West Bengal are beginning to rediscover their cultural and spiritual identity.

Critics of the editorial have expressed concerns that it represents a narrow view of Bengal’s identity, overlooking the rich legacy of social reformers and intellectuals who shaped the region’s progressive traditions. The omission of icons like Vidyasagar and Tagore, who championed rationalism, education, and social reform, has sparked backlash, with many arguing that the RSS perspective fails to capture the full complexity of Bengali cultural and political identity.