On the landmark occasion of 90 years of RSS, Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat articulates accomplishments and challenges for the nation and provides with three point formula for unity and integrity of the nation.
Nagpur: “Synergy of government, administration and people alone can make the nation great in the world,” observed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat here on October 22. He was speaking at the annual Vijayadashami function organised at Reshambag Ground. NITI AAYOG member, noted scientist and former DRDO DG Dr Virendra Kumar Saraswat was the chief guest. Nagpur Mahanagar Sanghachalak Shri Rajesh Loya and other dignitaries were also present on the dais.
Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were conspicuous by their presence in full RSS uniform. Rashtra Sevika Samiti chief Shantakka Tai, former MP Banwarilal Purohit, and others were also prominently present on the occasion. Members of Muslim Rashtriya Manch and Rashtriya Sikh Sangat attracted the attention by their presence.
The RSS was founded in Nagpur on the auspicious Vijayadashami Day in 1925 by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar to organise the Hindu society by inculcating the ‘civic nationalist character’. The organisation has completed 90 years of its existence and this was the 91st Foundation Day.
Stressing on the synergy of government, administration and people the Sarsanghachalak said, “A nation becomes prosperous, safe and capable only when government, administration and public at large are on the same page on the issues of identity of nation, national pride and credible integrity towards nation, and ready for constant efforts with focused contemplation.”
Shri Bhagwat said three factors namely, Hindu culture, glory of our ancestors and our divine motherland can keep this diverse society together. The individuals can be easily assimilated while keeping one’s diverse identity of language, region, sect and party intact. Defining Hindutva as the perfect amalgamation of our larger social identity, humanitarian spirit, vision and philosophy based on the above factors, the decision in conformity and equally matched practice, the RSS chief said this lifestyle of Hindu society was evolved in keeping with time on the basis of the above three factors. The RSS has been engaged in organising the society on this edifice since last 90 years, he said making a fervent appeal to all to join the RSS and contribute in nation building.
New hope is visible
Making direct comment on the change in the mood of the people following the change of government at the Centre, Shri Bhagwat said the atmosphere of disappointment and lost faith that existed a couple of years ago has evaporated. An atmosphere of expectations and hopes has come to the fore generating a sense of optimism that such expectations will be fulfilled. We must ensure that these positive vibes reach the last man standing in the row bringing about a positive change in his life.
Expressing satisfaction over the positive global image of Bharat the the Sarsanghachalak patted the incumbent government for pursuing policies that helped create this positive image. A visibly happy Shri Bhagwat was jubilant over universal acceptance of Bharat’s yoga, Geeta, and Thathagat. He said all the developing nations are looking towards Bharat to assume their leadership to emancipate them from the undesirable influence of the so-called world powers. Hence “it is vital that we should make all walks of our national life vibrant with a new thought and new valiant efforts.”
Throw away mental slavery
Shri Bhagwat made a strong appeal to the people to cast away the yoke of mental slavery and imbibe Bharateeyaness in our mind and soul. He cited examples of how mindless application of development theories led to destruction of mind and soul, nature and environment forcing the policy planners to take a complete U turn from their earlier stated goals and work of sustainable, holistic development. Bharat has already evolved this knowledge based on its experiences of the past years.
Shri Bhagwat praised the present government for making mention of these realities in the manifesto of the NITI Aayog and government policies. At the same time he wanted people to wait with courage for the metamorphosis to take place. The government is facing a daunting challenge to bring back the inherited economy back to normal state, balance political compulsions, and straighten administrative machinery. The society needed patience to see the fruition of the efforts and to take their benefits to the lowest strata of the society and enlist their participation in the nation building mission, he added.
He was all praise for the schemes of Mudra Bank, Jan Dhan Yojana, voluntary surrender of LPG subsidy, Swatch Bharat initiative, and skill development terming them as useful initiatives of the present government. But at the same time he suggested to get credible data both qualitative and quantitative from the grass roots level to measure the efficacy of such schemes and policies.
Revamp of education system
The Sarsanghachalak called for revamping the present education system. He said that the education system is an important tool for social transformation. In recent years growing commercialisation has made quality education out of reach for the common masses. Apart from formal education, the system should also concentrate on shaping a complete man who is wise, self-respecting, self-reliant, compassionate, efficient and cultured.
Taking cognizance of various experiments conducted in the field of education elsewhere, the government must bring about a total revamp in our present education system, he said. Results from these experiments, and the suggestion made by various organisations, educationists and panels should form the basis for all the aspects of education be it curriculum, fee structure or management of education. Education should be society based. Education should be oriented towards fulfilling its goal as well as contemporary requirements of society. And in the light of these limits there should be freedom to chalk out the education system, he said.
He also stressed on the role of parents and society in shaping the character of students. Do we tell our children that it is more important to have a meaningful life than a successful life? Is our behaviour such, which instills the values of truthfulness, justice, compassion, sacrifice, patience and good behavior?
Efficacy of policies
To achieve the efficacy of policy measures aimed at changing the destiny of the nation requires enlightenment and training of the society, Shri Bhagwat said adding that we need to ponder over our population policy.
He stressed the need to discuss the population policy in respect of resources, future projections, requirement of manpower etc. and appealed to make it applicable to all the sections of the society. “We need to rise above vote bank politics and formulate a holistic approach towards the population policy, equally applicable to all citizens. Such a population policy cannot be enforced by our Governments or laws, all alone. Considerable efforts are required to tune social psyche to the same. It would be prudent to think about the same during policy making exercise,” he said.
Earlier, the swayamsevaks presented attractive physical drills and yogasanas besides the spectacular display by the RSS band unit. Virag Pachpore from Nagpur
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