RSS Sarsangha-chalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat hoisted National Flag on the occasion of 64th Independence Day on August 15 in the premises of Rashtrotthana Parishat, a premier social service organisation near Chamarajpet in Bengaluru. Other senior RSS leaders including Sarkaryavah Shri Sureshrao Joshi, Sahsarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh Shri Madandas, Shri MC Jayadev, Shri Mukund, Shri V Nagaraj, Shri Dinesh Hegde, general secretary of Rashtrotthana Parishat were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to a select audience Shri Mohan Bhagwat said, “The remembrance of glory of our country twice in a year during Independence Day on August 15 and Republic Day on January 26 is becoming part of our social life these days. Though it is a happy and good approach in a healthy society, it should not be mechanical. We need focus on the real importance behind these celebrations.”
“Even after 63 years of Independence, our nation is not out of external and internal problems. Our Prime Minister in his speech listed several issues which are disturbing national integrity. Lack of unity amongst all is also a problem. Kashmir is burning and the exact problem there is not yet specifically pointed out. Border infiltration is also causing a major threat. Though people are independent they need to focus more on self-discipline (anushasan) to make a society which is highly healthier.”
He further stated that “since 1857 and even earlier to it freedom movement of India has witnessed several inspiring sacrifices to achieve independence. From 1857 to 1947; these 90 years are period of extreme struggle (sangharsh) and which was successful to achieve independence. After obtaining independence one should realise that independence is a responsibility. Each citizen of this nation individually has this responsibility. Being a democratic nation responsibility is to be shared individually by all and should not merely finger each time at government or politicians only.”
He further said, “meanwhile one has to understand the meaning and importance of the term ‘swathanthrya’ and what ‘swa’ stands for? What is the importance of tricolor and Ashok chakra or dharma Chakra represented in national flag? Saffron represents sacrifice (tyaag) and knowledge (jnaan); white for peace (shanti) and purity (nirmalata) and green symbolizes prosperity (samruddhi or goddess Lakshmi). A nation requires all these three aspects equally from every citizen hence one need to focus on the self-contribution to the nation in these three aspects in each sector of life,” Bhagwat said.
“We became independent in 1947. Rulers were changed. Now we have democracy and we are republic. We got independence to make our society stronger and prosper in every aspect. Our works and duties should focus on overall prosperity of the nation. To bring all positive changes required to make our country superior and stronger; all of us should think and work towards it” Bhagwat opined.
The programme was organised by Rashtrotthana Parishat Chamarajpet, Bangalore.
(FOC)
