Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, during a public interaction (Jan Sangoshthi) organized as part of the RSS's centenary year on Saturday, January 17, 2026, asserted that to eliminate caste discrimination from social practice, caste must first be erased from the mind. He highlighted that in the past, the caste system was associated with profession and work but subsequently became entrenched in society, leading to widespread discrimination. Bhagwat articulated a timeline, stating that if this effort to remove caste from one's mindset is undertaken honestly, caste discrimination could be eradicated within 10 to 12 years. His remarks underscore the RSS's long-standing stance against caste-based discrimination, a point he has reiterated in various addresses. Corroborating reports from The Hindu, The Indian Express, Outlook India, and other reputable Indian news outlets confirm the veracity of his statements and the context of the event. Responding to audience questions, Bhagwat further clarified that the Sangh's objective is to lead India to its ultimate glory in conjunction with society, rather than working in isolation. He emphasized that the RSS is dedicated to nation-building through individual character development and is not an organization formed out of reaction or in competition with anyone. This recent statement aligns with Bhagwat's past calls for social harmony and unity, and the discarding of varna and caste systems, as reported by various media outlets in recent years.