“World peace is in fact our ultimate goal. In fact, it has been our nation’s life mission, and we have to fulfil it. To give lessons in peace to the world on a spiritual level and to create a sense of oneness in the whole of humanity has been our real national mission since ages. But when will all this become possible – Only when we succeed in bringing together crores of our own people and imbuing them with our sublime cultural values and sterling character and motivating them for the achievement of
that mission.”
—Shri Guruji (M S Golwarkar) SHRI GURUJI – Pioneer of A New Era, C. P. BHISHIKAR Translated into English by SUDHAKAR RAJE, SAHITYA SINDHU PRAKASHANA, BANGALORE, INDIA Page 81
In the history of modern Bharat, evolution of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its Vijayadashmi celebrations have a unique place. Since its inception ninety-seven years ago, the foundation day of the organisational movement of the entire Bharat on its civilisational edifice has acquired significance for the Swayamsevaks. With the changing times and growing influence and acceptance of eternal Bharatiya thought in a contemporary form, the message delivered by the Sarsanghchalak has acquired broader national significance. The revitalising mantra for the resurgent Bharat had a much wider reception than ever before.
As many as 19 national and 15 regional language channels and 12 digital platforms carried the Sangh’s Vijayadashmi programme live. The social media reach is much beyond this. Despite being maligned, misunderstood and misrepresented for its organisational effort, what is the reason behind this growing acceptance and connection? The answer lies in the speech delivered by the Sarsanghchalak.
Dr Bhagwat made a bold statement on women and minority issues without naming the usual critics, infected with political motives. Without the participation of women in all spheres of life, including the decision-making process, a real national resurgence is impossible. The complementarity of genders is our civilisational thought and practice. Like men and women teams in sports, Sangh and Samiti shakhas take place separately, while utilising that training for the society. Both work together was his clear answer to the critics on the RSS methodology of functioning.
Similarly, meetings with Muslim leaders are not new, and Sangh always believed in the dialogue process. He assured that this interaction with the so-called minority leaders would continue. He clinically dispelled propaganda against the idea of Hindu Rashtra. Common culture, ancestors and the motherland are our common binding factors based on which the concept of Hindu Rashtra has been existing. Different worships and external appearances cannot be the ground for separatist thinking. Bigotry and aggression have no place in our culture, as respect and acceptance are core virtues. While cautioning about the sinister attempts by evil forces, he emphasised resisting any provocation that leads to social fragmentation.
Societal participation as the precondition for the successful policy formulation and execution process was another constant thread of this address. State-driven change cannot be sustainable. Therefore, participatory governance, led by the society right from the grassroots, is the key to economic and technological advancement, which was the clear policy imperative by the Sarsangchalak. The realisation of Swa – our genius or national soul – was his core mantra for everyone. From economic policies to defence preparedness, from education policy, including the language question, to the need for a comprehensive and equally applicable population policy, Dr Bhagwat articulated Sangh’s point of view on every pertinent national issue, which can be a guiding force for the policymakers. Organising the entire society and strengthening the unifying factors are necessary for presenting Bharat as a virtuous power to the world. Sarsanghchalak outlined a path for individuals, families and the community to contribute to the national mission. Making of Aatmanirbharta and Vishwa Guru Bharat is not just a political but a social, cultural, economic and spiritual process and every Bharatiya should prepare to contribute to the same. This comprehensive, integral, inclusive and flexible approach is the secret behind the success of Sangh. And we have sustained ourselves as a civilisation for thousands of years due to the same balanced vision for humanity.
