RSS Centenary: Mohan Bhagwat Calls for Self-Awareness to Build a Strong, United India
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks at the centenary Vijayadashami utsav in Nagpur, emphasizing self-awareness and a united India.
Marking a historic milestone, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated its centenary Vijayadashami utsav at the Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur. Addressing the gathering, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that the organization's century-long journey has been dedicated to awakening self-awareness among citizens to ensure India remains united and strong.
Honoring Spiritual and Social Icons
During his address, Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to several influential figures who shaped India's spiritual and social fabric. He specifically highlighted the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas Ji Maharaj, noting his courage during a period of oppressive foreign invasions.
Bhagwat remarked that at a time when people faced persecution and fear, Sant Ravidas fearlessly propagated spiritual devotion and social harmony. By his own example, he instilled confidence in the people of that era, encouraging them to maintain their dignity and stay true to their values.
The RSS chief also remembered two other figures who made supreme sacrifices for their faith and society:
- Swami Shraddhanand: A prominent freedom fighter, educationist, and leader of the Shuddhi movement from the Arya Samaj, who sacrificed his life 100 years ago.
- Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati: Whose birth centenary is being observed, having dedicated his life to the service of tribal communities in Odisha.
The Vision of 'Panch Parivartan' and National Identity
Connecting the organization's goals with the modern Indian state, Bhagwat discussed the concept of Panch Parivartan. He identified the practice of self-awareness and the adoption of Swadeshi (indigenous goods and practices) as critical components of this vision.
He drew a parallel between this self-awareness and the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, pointing out that the opening words, "We, the people of India," reflect the very identity and ethos that the RSS has sought to strengthen over the last 100 years.
A Century of Tradition in Nagpur
The event served as the conclusion to a year of various programs marking the RSS centenary. The organization was founded in Nagpur in 1925 by its first Sarsanghchalak, Keshav Hedgewar, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, and has maintained the tradition of celebrating the festival every year since.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The centenary celebrations saw the presence of several high-profile dignitaries, including:
- Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
- The Consul General of Israel in Mumbai (representing western India)
- Sanjay Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jagran, who attended as the chief guest
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
- Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule
The gathering of senior RSS functionaries and political leaders underscored the significance of the milestone as the organization looks toward its next century of influence on India's social and cultural landscape.