The route marches, part of the 99th foundation year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), were taken out after a lot of legal hurdles. RSS celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Vadalur Vallalar), and honoured the nationalistic ideals of Swami Vivekananda and B.R. Ambedkar on November 19 by taking out the route marches.
The RSS had initially faced resistance from the DMK government, which challenged the Madras High Court’s order permitting the RSS to conduct flag marches on October 22 and 29. Instead of appealing the High Court’s decision, the DMK government moved the Supreme Court to contest the order.
The Supreme Court’s intervention eventually led to the DMK government granting permission for the rallies, with November 19 chosen as the final date. The RSS, in response, organised route marches throughout the state, emphasising the peaceful nature of the events.
In Chennai, thousands of RSS cadres, adorned in ‘purna gana vesh,’ participated in the rally, which covered a distance of over three kilometres. Prior to the march, a ceremonial homage to the flag and a prayer meeting were held. Women along the route showered the swayamsevaks with flowers, creating a vibrant atmosphere akin to an army parade accompanied by rhythmic band music.
Union Minister of State L Murugan was a special guest at the Chennai Chromept rally, where over 1,000 sevaks participated. The march concluded at Vivekananda School, marking a significant gathering.
In Karaikudi, the rally began at Magar Nonby Thidal and concluded at Thevar statue. Over 400 sevaks from Karaikudi district walked the assigned route, with Advocate Arun Swaminathan flagging off the event. A public meeting near Municipal Park followed the rally, with Arumugam Pillai Seethaiammal Educational Group Vice Chairman Rameswaran presiding.
The route march in Tudiyalur, Coimbatore, witnessed a start from the bus stand, passing through Railway Station road, Cheran Colony, Viswanathapuram, and concluding at Mettupalayam road. A public meeting at the Circus ground featured speakers such as Coimbatore District Thevan Peravai President Sundra Thevar and Varahi Manikanda Swamigal.
In Tirupur, the rally started near Aalangadu Nataraj Theatre and concluded at Chellamnagar, hosting a public meeting. Participants included Kamatchi Dasa Swamigal of Avinashi Tirupukolliyur Vaakesa Mutt, former president of the Civil Engineer Association Shanmugaraj, and others.
The Nilgiri district witnessed a march starting from Pandalur Erumaadu area, accompanied by a public meeting. The procession, led by Advocate Issac and Dakshina Tamil Nadu Secretary Mohan, started at Government Higher Secondary School. Patriotic songs resonated during the rally, followed by a public meeting at Sivan Koil Street.
In Thanjavur district, route marches took place in Thanjavur and Peravoorani. The Thanjavur rally started at Bangaru Kamatchi Marriage Hall in West Street and concluded at Panagal Building. In Peravoorani, Neelakantan led the rally, starting at the Tehasildar office and concluding at Vedanantham ground.
Salem witnessed a rally starting at the RSS karyalaya at Maravaneri, flagged off by Utter Tamil Nadu Executive Council Member Vivekanandar. Over 500 sevaks participated in the event.
In Vazhapadi, Salem district, RSS cadres actively participated in the rally, with children and youngsters enthusiastically joining the event.
The successful execution of the route marches marked a significant achievement for the RSS in Tamil Nadu, showcasing a blend of cultural celebration and political significance.
