RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has exhorted people to shun casteism and contribute to nation-building while quoting examples of Lord Shri Ram and Maharana Pratap.

"Lord Shri Ram never followed casteism and was fed berries by Sabari, a lower-class devotee. Even Maharana Pratap's Army comprised 'bheels' and people of other castes reflecting the cordial relations he shared with them. Why else would they have risked their lives in the war for him? When they did not discriminate, then why are we doing it? We should never forget that we are all Hindus and we are brothers," he added.

Hosabale was speaking at a program organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Sunday evening in the Bangar College campus of Pali.

"When the country gives us everything, we should also learn to give back something to it," he stated.

Addressing thousands of people, he said that everybody should instill a feeling of patriotism in their children. So that they can grow up to be good citizens. "Since 'Bharat mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' were slogans during the freedom movement, we should also chant them."

Referring to an article 'We all are Hindus' published in America's Newsweek magazine, he said the author, when asked, said, "Yoga and Ayurveda are all the gifts of Hindutva to the world. We are all Hindus. We should be proud of this."

He called upon society to contribute to making India prosperous and powerful, on the occasion of the centenary year of the Sangh coming after three years. Along with this, he gave the message of environmental protection. (KB/IANS)