RSS celebrated its 94th Foundation Day on October 18 with vigour in the presence of swayamsevaks in uniform, eminent personalities from various walks of life
From left Shri Rajesh Loya, Shri Ram Harkare, Shri Mohan Bhagwat and Shri Kailash Satyarthi at the function in Nagpur
“Organising the Hindus is a mission leading to universal good, Bharat’s welfare and wellbeing of the humanity. It is an appeal to all of you to be part of this sacred divine task, in cooperation with the Sangh Swayamsevaks, to carry forward Bharat’s chariot of destiny in order to put Bharatmata at the pedestal of Vishwaguru,” said RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat while delivering the Vijayadashami speech here on October 18, 2018. He said Hindutva is behind Bharat’s capacity to embrace the entire universe with acceptance and appreciation of all its distinct diversities. That is why Bharat is the Hindu Rashtra. The acceptance of eternal Hindutva ethos is the panacea for fundamentalism, petty selfishness, unrestrained consumerism arising out of hardcore materialism and insensitivity.
The celebration witnessed impressive route marches (pathasanchalayans), various physical demonstrations of Yoga, niyuddha, (unarmed combat skills), stick drill, and melodious band plus equally thought provoking speeches by Shri Bhagwat and Nobel Laurette Kailash Satyarthi.
The RSS has completed 93 years of its foundation. It was in 1925 on this auspicious day of Vijayadashami that Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded this unique organisation that has now, after the journey of various ups and downs, assumed a massive dimension in national, social and cultural life of the nation. Not only this, RSS today has become the largest voluntary organisation to run 1.70 lakh service activities spread all over the country.
This year’s VIjayadashami was seen as special because of the controversy generated over ‘Shastra Pujan’ (worshipping of the arms) tossed by leaders like Prakash Ambedkar and his cohorts. Also, the RSS Sarsanghachalak had addressed a three-day lecture – cum – Questions & Answer session just a month ago in Delhi. So, all eyes and ears were focused on what new he would say in his annual Vijayadashami address, which is taken as future strategy of RSS, conventionally though.
This year’s Vijayadashami was marked with the presence of famous personalities from various walks of life. Ustad Rashid Khan and his wife Soha Khan were present from the field of Music. Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alfons, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadanvis, Warkari Sant Ranuji Maharaj, NDA senior director Anvar Ali, Indigo director Nitin Chunani, Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pramukh Sanchalika Vandaniya Shantakka, former Sanchalika Sushri Pramilatai Medhe, senior political leader Datta Meghe and others were present at the function.
Special mention should be made to the presence of 30-odd people from Arunachal Pradesh. They arrived under the aegis of “Bharat Mera Ghar”. This troupe is currently on the tour of Vidarbha and would be visiting Wardha and Chandrapur Districts.
Earlier in the morning two route marches of the swayamsevaks were taken out from Reshambagh at 6.15 a.m. The first pathsanchalan began from Reshimbagh Ground and after traversing a distance of around 1.5 km returned to the starting point. This group comprised mostly of the professionals and businessmen. The other group comprised of college students. Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat inspected both the route marches.
The swayamsevaks presented attractive demonstrations of stick drill, yogasanas, Niyuddha and Ghosh (the RSS band). The band tunes regaled the audience.
Utsavas for Bal and Shishu Swayamsevaks
Earlier, on October 14, the RSS Nagpur unit organised Vijayadashami Utsavas for Bal and Shishu swayamsevaks at various places in the city. The North Nagpur programme comprising areas of Binaki, Lalganj, Sadar and Gittikhadan was held at Shivaji Maidan, Police Line Takli, where Amrut Dairy CEO Shyam Laddha was the chief guest.
Another programme was held at Jagjivanram Vidyalaya ground at Ghatate Nagar on Pardi Road, where Bal and Shishu swayamsevaks from Mohite Vibhag participated. Secretary of Kachcha Patidar Yuva Samaj and member of Nagpur Timber Merchants’ Association Natwar Bhai Patel was the chief guest. Senior Pracharaks Shrikrishna Motlag, Babanrao Sahasrabhojani and Rambhau Bondale were conspicuous by their presence.
The third programme was held at Corporation Ground in Ramnagar area where swayamsevaks from Dharampeth, Trimurti and Somalwada areas participated. Famous pediatrician Dr Rajiv Mohta was the chief guest here. Dr Ritesh Goimase addressed the Bal swayamsevaks of Itwari area as chief guest of the Vijayadashami programme. In all these four programmes ‘Shastra pujan’ was performed. The Bal swayamsevaks presented attractive physical demonstrations.
