Hinduism is not a religion, but a way of life, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Monday night in his maiden speech at the end of a month-long training camp at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.

Referring to religious conversions in the country, Bhagwat said one should have respect for other religions and hurling abuses at others faith was not good.

Expressing his concern over rise in terrorism and poverty, the RSS chief called for systematic efforts to eradicate the two evils from the society.

He said India can not be compared with other countries in the world as the country has its own identity which is unity in diversity.

Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice K T Thomas who was chief guest for the function did not turn up citing domestic problems at his residence in Kottayam, Kerala. Instead he sent a three page message which was read out on the occasion.