Former Congressman Highlights India’s Secular Vision Amid RSS Debate

Former Congressman Sam Piturda reminded listeners that India was founded as a secular republic that guarantees equal rights to all communities. Referring to Mayor Mamdani’s comments, he said there is a kernel of truth in the concerns about RSS influence in schools and public institutions. Piturda recounted his birth in 1942 under British rule, growing up in a small tribal settlement where Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and Odia tribal families lived side by side without conflict. He warned that fear and hatred have risen sharply in recent years, making the mayor’s observations more relevant.