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From Anil Nair in Mumbai
?Every time we are criticised, we only establish ourselves better in the minds of the people??, said RSS Sarsangha-chalak, K.S. Sudarshan. Probably on cue, he spoke of the trials and tribulations of the RSS during the freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by the RSS leaders in uniting the Hindu society.
During the life and times of Dr Hedgewar there was this all-pervading feeling that the Hindu society could not be united-it was considered beyond redemption. Attempts by different castes, languages and various sects within the religion at uniting the Hindu society proved futile. ??But Dr Hedgewar proved all the sceptics wrong when he brought about a revolution in the Hindu society by bringing all the fissiparous elements together in building the nation,?? explained the RSS Sarsanghachalak.
He was speaking at the function to mark the release of two special issues of Vivek weekly on Guruji. The fucntion was organised by the Vivek Marathi Saptahik in Navi Mumbai on April 17, 2005. An air of expectancy hung all over Navi Mumbai ever since it was announced that Shri Sudarshanji and Shri Narendra Modi would be coming to address the meeting of Vivek magazine. Security was unusually tight, metal detectors were ubiquitous, but the celebratory mode was not disturbed at the Vishnudas Bhave Natyagrih, the huge auditorium and entertainment complex in the heart of Navi Mumbai.
?Dr Hedgewar proved all the skeptics wrong when he brought about a revolution in the Hindu society by bringing all the fissiparous elements together in building the nation??.
Impressively, the programme started on schedule, including the entry of the RSS Sarsanghachalak and the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Delving into the life and philosophy of Shri Guruji and his rich contribution to nation-building, Shri Sudarshanji told the packed-to-strength Vishnudas Bhave Natyagrih that there were several instances in history when Guruji had approved of violent action by freedom fighters. One such was the murder of British General, Sanders, who was assassinated by Bhagat Singh and his team-mates. ?The RSS has grown to be even more influential in the post-1947 period,? he added.
In a discourse spanning Hindu philosophy, he explained the concept of existentialism beyond the mind and the body. ?The Western civilisation does not recognise the truth which abounds beyond the realm of the being,? he said. Shri Sudarshanji even recollected folktales to explain his philosophy which is based on the teachings of Bhagwad Gita. The occasional cheer and laughter in the auditorium showed the enthusiasm that the RSS Sarsanghachalak bears upon the people and the followers of RSS philosophy. The crowd, which even included five-year olds in their cultural finery, listened to the hour-long speech of Shri Sudarshanji with rapt attention.
Speaking on the occasion, the Gujarat Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, said, ?When a Swayamsevak becomes a Chief Minister, it shows. Look at these facts, compare them with those in the better developed states in India and Gujarat will come up trumps.?
?As a Swayamsevak, it is our responsibility to make this country prosperous. India'sstrength lies in krishi and rishi. That is why, we in Gujarat have successfully encompassed our development programme around agriculture, and the results are showing,?? the Chief Minister said.
