“No nation can be built by a handful of people. A country becomes great only when ordinary citizens are filled with patriotism and a sense of duty toward their society.” These were the words of Ramdutt Chakradhar, Sah-Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), during the samarop karyakram of the Karyakarta Vikas Varg-1 (Samanya) and Sangh Shiksha Varg (Samanya) of Odisha Purva, held on the evening of May 31 at the Shishu Vidya Mandir premises, Gatiraut Patna, Cuttack.
He emphasised that the RSS has, over the past 100 years, dedicated itself to shaping individuals committed to selfless service to the nation and society, driven by deep patriotic values. “For a strong, empowered, and great Bharat, the RSS is continuously striving,” Chakradhar stated. He appealed to the righteous and responsible citizens (Sajjan Shakti) of the country, urging them not to remain passive observers but to become active collaborators in the RSS’s mission. “Come closer, experience the Sangh, and contribute directly,” he added.
Reflecting on the RSS’s journey since its inception in 1925, Chakradhar noted that it has not been a smooth path. The organisation initially faced neglect, followed by strong opposition and criticism. He recalled that in 1948, following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the RSS was unjustly banned. Despite no evidence of involvement, the ban was imposed, and over 77,000 swayamsevaks participated in satyagrahas across the country. Every commission formed to investigate the assassination ultimately acquitted the Sangh of any wrongdoing. He also recalled the Emergency period in Bharat (1975–77), when the RSS was banned once again. During that time, over 67,000 swayamsevaks were jailed for 18 months in their fight to restore democracy. Eventually, the government had to relent.
“Today, we’ve moved beyond neglect and opposition. Society has embraced the Sangh’s vision with open arms. The atmosphere is now favourable for the RSS’s activities,” he stated.
Currently, the RSS operates over 73,000 daily shakhas across the country. Including periodic gatherings (milans), the total number exceeds one lakh. Swayamsevaks trained through these shakhas are active in various fields of public life, with more than 40 different organisations working for societal transformation under their leadership.
In his speech, he posed the question: “What is the achievement of the RSS in 100 years?” Answering it himself, he said, “The RSS has no special achievement except one — the creation of millions of swayamsevaks. Individual development is the true foundation of nation-building.”
Chakradhar emphasised that the RSS envisions the holistic development of the nation. He asserted that swayamsevaks are always among the first responders during any national calamity, whether it be an external threat or a natural disaster.
Highlighting the RSS’s contributions during national emergencies, Chakradhar recalled, “In 1962, when China invaded Bharat, thousands of swayamsevaks donated blood for wounded soldiers in Delhi’s military hospitals. In recognition of this, then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru invited swayamsevaks to participate in the Republic Day Parade in 1963, where over 3,000 swayamsevaks marched in full uniform.”
“In 1965, during the war with Pakistan, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri personally requested RSS Sarsanghchalak Shri Guruji to assist in managing traffic in Delhi. For 17 of the 22 days of the war, swayamsevaks ensured smooth traffic operations,” he added. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, RSS swayamsevaks extended support to soldiers in border areas, risking their lives.
Chakradhar stated that the RSS is currently focusing on five key areas of transformation to address societal challenges: Kutumb Prabodhan, Samarasta, Environment Protection, Swabodh, and Nagarik Kartavya. These initiatives are being implemented with the cooperation of well-meaning and responsible individuals in society.
Speaking on Bharat’s progress, he said, “Bharat is rapidly advancing. Our Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was completed at a fraction of global costs—Rs 450 crore. In 2017, Bharat launched 104 satellites in one go, breaking Russia’s record. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat developed and supplied Covishield and Covaxin to over 100 countries. This reflects our belief in the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.” He expressed confidence that a powerful Bharat would be a boon not just for the nation but for the entire world.
As the RSS approaches its centenary in 2025, Shri Chakradhar stated, “Post-centenary, the organisation’s efforts will be even more focused on social transformation. However, for real change, society’s noble and virtuous forces must also dedicate themselves fully to this mission.”
He appealed to the public to not just observe the Sangh’s work from afar but to participate actively and embrace it as their own mission.
Paying tribute to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary, he called her an epitome of righteousness, public service, effective governance, and women’s empowerment. “Her legacy is being celebrated with great fervour across the nation,” he noted. This year, the Karyakarta Vikas Varg–1 (General) was hosted at Keshav Dham, Gatiraut Patna, Saraswati Vidya Mandir, with participation from five prants: Odisha East, Odisha West, Dakshin Bang, Madhya Bang, and Uttar Bang. A total of 219 trainees took part in this programme. In the Sangh Shiksha Varg (General), 446 trainees from 18 districts and one metropolis of Odisha East participated.
Samarop karyakram of the Karyakarta Vikas Varg-1 (Samanya) and Sangh Shiksha Varg (Samanya) of Odisha Purva, held at the Shishu Vidya Mandir premises, Gatiraut Patna, Cuttack
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