A democracy is more than a form of government; it is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. John Dewey – Quoted by Dr. Ambedkar
The Controversy over the visit of Honourable Pranab Mukherjee at the RSS program was essentially raised by people who believe in ostracizing all other thoughts than their own.
The RSS and Sangh-inspired-organisations have always tried to break the barriers and invite people of different thoughts and ideologies to share the RSS dais. Vidya Bharati, a Sangh-inspired-organisation and the largest network of schools, has always made it a point to have a student interaction program with dignitaries from various walks of life.
After the China war of 1962, the RSS participated in the national republic day parade of 1963 to express solidarity. In 1965, the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri invited the RSS Sarsanghachalak Guruji Golwalkar to participate in the crucial all-party meeting to decide the war strategy.
When the historic Vivekanand rock memorial was completed by Shri. Eknath Ranade, Ex- Sarakaryavh of the RSS, he invited the then president and Prime Minister of India to attend various inaugural programs of the event which was gladly accepted by both of them. Shri Guruji also used to have informal meetings with the leaders of various ideologies.
Shri Guruji Golwalkar with Shri. Ram Manohar Lohia
After the Emergency, the then President Nilam Sanjiv Reddy, Vice President Shri. B. D. Jatti, Defence Minister Shri. Jagjivanram attended the Shishu Sangam of Vidya Bharati held at Delhi. The RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Balasaheb Deoras was also present at this time.
Shri Shri Ravishankar, Mata Amrithananda Mayi and various prominent saints have blessed the RSS programs on various occasions. It has been a continous tradition of dialogue.
Hon. Gyani Jhail singh in dialogue with veteran Sangh leader Shri. Bhaurao deoras
Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee has joined this illustrious tradition of all these people who, in spite of differences, have attended the RSS programs in true democratic spirit. Those who are opposed to it, continue to dwell in their tradition of intolerance, mediocrity and narrow-mindedness.
