The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has marked a century of its existence, a milestone that has prompted a fresh wave of public discourse and introspection about the organisation’s purpose and journey. Addressing the gathering at Vigyan Bhawan on August 26, on the occasion of 100 years of Sangh Yatra, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat provided a factual account of the Sangh’s history and philosophy, countering what he described as widespread misinformation. The address, a follow-up to a similar event in 2018, sought to clarify the Sangh’s foundational principles and its vision for Bharat.
- Lot of discussion takes place about Sangh but most of it is not based on facts or authentic information – not to convince but to inform the facts – the similar interaction was organised in 2018 at the same venue
- The world comprises of numerous nations, and the globe has drawn closer in its interconnectedness. Yet, although the life of the world is singular and humanity is one, it is by no means homogeneous. This diversity manifests itself in its own distinctive shades and expressions.
- The raison d’être (purpose of formation) of the Sangh is Bharat; the very course of its functioning is Bharat; and the true significance of the Sangh lies in elevating Bharat to the stature of a world preceptor (Vishwaguru).
- Dr. Hedgewar was a patriot by birth. The spark of devotion to the nation had been kindled in his mind since childhood.
- This life of mine is dedicated to the nation; concern for personal happiness shall be reserved for the next birth.” – Dr Hedgewar
- Leaders, policies, and political parties are supportive instruments; the fundamental endeavour is the transformation of society itself. For the advancement of the nation, there are certain virtues that must be cultivated
- Before independence, a movement named Indian national Congress was launched to awake people. Today many political parties have emerged from that movement. After independence, if this movement was given the right direction, today the picture would have been different. But this did not happen.
- One who is of unimpeachable character, who remains in constant communion with society, who enjoys its implicit trust, and who is prepared to dedicate his very life for its cause, such a leader is required. From the very fabric of his life an atmosphere of inspiration emanates. It is such heroes that must be nurtured and shaped. Rabindranath Tagore has written of this with utmost clarity.
- Dr Hedgewar undertook an experiment and, following its success, engaged in deliberations on the matter. The conceptual germination of the Sangh had, in fact, taken place several years earlier; however, it was only after the Vijayadashami of 1925 that he made its formal proclamation.
- Dr Hedgewar initiated the work of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925 but the seeds were sown in his mind much before that. He made the declaration of organising the entire society. The question would arise – why other faiths are left out? For us, Hindu is the one who is responsible for this nation.
- The meaning of being Hindu is to follow your own path without demeaning others’ faith. Those who follow this tradition are Hindus. And the reason behind this tradition is Bharat because of its geography
- In Hind Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi wrote that long before the advent of the British, our nation was one and united. The existence of our country is of a time-honoured lineage. Circumstances may change, but its essential unity remains unaltered.
- In the sacred words of Guru Nanak Dev, we find the following profound words: “Khurasan he seized with might, Hindustan he struck with fear.” In these lines, Guru Nanak Dev vividly portrays the tyranny of Babar, remarking that neither the chastity of Hindu women was safeguarded, nor was the honour of Muslim women spared.
- For 40,000 years, the DNA of people of Bharat – living in Akhand Bharat – is same. Our culture and worldview is same – of living with coordination.
- What is one’s intrinsic dharma? Harmony, not conflict.
- The journey of the Sangh has now completed a century. The very purpose of establishing and sustaining the organisation needs to be understood—why was the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founded, what obstacles did it face, how did its swayamsevaks endure every challenge and yet carry its mission forward, and even after completing 100 years, why does it continue to speak of new horizons? If one were to answer this in a single sentence, it is this—the Sangh’s prayer ends each day with the words: “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” It is our motherland; its glory must be exalted, and it must attain a pre-eminent position in the world.
- What is to be done? The organisation of society in its entirety. The organisation of the entire Hindu society. By the term ‘Hindu’, it must not be inferred that it implies ‘Hindus versus all others’; certainly not. The word ‘Hindu’ connotes inclusiveness.
- Even when differences of opinion arise, let there be no division of hearts. Let us move forward in harmony, embracing all—this, indeed, is the essence of true organisation
- Our primary concern is that thoughts, values, and conduct remain upright; beyond this, the responsibility for the organisation rests with the Swayamsevaks themselves. We must not form factions; the sole purpose of the Sangh is to organise society in its entirety.
- Hindu’s familiarity is not meant only for Hindus but for entire world – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- We talk about Hindu Rashtra. In English, we translate Rashtra into Nation, which is a Western concept. Because the state comes with the Nation. And the state is not necessary for Rashtra. Our Rashtra is old, even if we remove the word Hindu. We have even fought for this one Rashtra from north to south. We were not always independent; we had different kings, but this Rashtra was there. Turk, the British also became King, but this Rashtra was existing. Hindu Rastra has nothing to do with who is ruling.
- In our prayer, we say — ‘Vijetri cha nah samhata karya-shaktir’ (May our collective strength ever be victorious and effective in action)
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