While the atmosphere in the country is vitiated over the expression of intolerance and animosity towards some sections of the society, Nagpur presented a different picture on October 18. As per the tradition and practice, the Nagpur Mahanagar unit of RSS organised Vijayadashmi and Shastra Pujan programmes for Bal and Shishu swayamsevaks at three different places. One of them was held at Buddha Nagar Park situated in the northern area of Nagpur.
This area has a mixed population of Sikhs, Muslims, Sindhis and Christians and of course the neo-Buddhist, who are followers of Dr Ambedkar and Lord Buddha. Though the RSS had made some inroads in this area in the past, this was probably the first such programme organised in a public park. The programme assumed more significance and importance as Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat attended the functions. Though he didn’t addressed the gathering, mere his presence there made all the difference.
Bal and Shishu swayamsevaks from Lalganj, Binaki, Sadar and Jaripatka sub-zones of Nagpur assembled at 4.30 pm in the Park donning the RSS uniform. Soon they were made to stand in formation and the impressive route march began on the tunes of RSS Ghosh unit. As the route march entered the main street, members of Muslim community gathered under the banner of Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) and showered flowers on the marching swayamsevaks. It was a scene to be seen. Muslim women clad in their tradition nikab and Muslim men showering flowers on the route march. The route march was welcomed by the members of Sikh community also under the banner of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat.
The RSS Sarsanghachalak came exactly at the appointed hour along with the chief guest Dr Rajpal Singh and Nagpur Mahanagar Sahsanghachalak Shridhar Gadge and Bhag Sanghachalak Anil Bhardwaj. The saffron flag was hoisted along with the tunes of band and then began the physical demonstrations by the students, most notable and appreciated by all were the presentations by Shishu swayamsevaks.
Later, addressing the gathering Dr Singh stressed the need to present our views and thoughts forcefully before the world. He works as a research scientist in the famous CIIMS Hospital. He unfolded many a secrets of success impressing on the audiences to imbibe positive attitude to succeed in life. Shridhar Gadge explained the RSS view and thought process with the help of small examples. Dr Sushil Gawnade addressed the similar functions at Dharampeth, Trimurthinagar and Somalwada Bhag at Bajajnagar Basketball Ground. (Virag Pachpore from Nagpur)
