“The Sangh works tirelessly for the empowerment of the nation. To achieve this goal, it empowers individuals, who in turn shape an empowered society. A culturally empowered society will build a strong nation. The message of Vijayadashami, the day of worshipping Shakti, is empowerment in all spheres of life. That is why this day was chosen for the founding of the RSS,” said Dr Jacob Thomas IPS (Retd.) in his speech as the chief guest at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Vijayadashami Utsav on date…. He emphasised that the RSS stands above caste, religion, language, sectarianism, or regional divides.
It is believed that this is the first instance where a chief guest has addressed an RSS event while wearing the organisation’s full uniform. The Kumarapuram event followed the conclusion of a path sanchalan (march-past).
The retired ADGP further noted that the RSS has set itself the mission of grooming society in line with the citizens’ duties outlined in Article 51-A of the Constitution. “I am extremely happy about this. RSS has always stood for dharma and opposed adharma. Our weaknesses must be identified and corrected. Adharma should be recognised, fought, and defeated. Cheating in examinations is adharma; it happens due to lack of wisdom. Those who supply adulterated food are wrongdoers, and we must oppose them as a constitutional duty under Article 51-A. Drugs and alcohol weaken society. Even in areas like road construction, a considerable portion of funds often goes into the pockets of the corrupt. Every citizen must participate in national reconstruction,” he said.
Dr Thomas also expressed satisfaction with the Sangh’s role in education and social service. “RSS runs thousands of schools with about 2.5 crore students studying there. The organisation is also engaged in strengthening all aspects of national life — from education to healthcare, old-age homes and hospitals. We must be strong enough to fulfil all these responsibilities,” he observed.
Observers note that the public participation of a senior IPS officer of ADGP rank at such a platform, and in full RSS uniform, is likely to enhance the organisation’s outreach among the state’s elite and intellectual circles.
This year, Dr Jacob Thomas IPS (Retd.), former Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), addressed two programmes near Kochi in Ernakulam district — one at Pallikkara near the famous Wonderla Water Theme Park and another at Muppathadam.
This Vijayadashami day, celebrated as the RSS’s foundation day, this year marking its centenary, was also marked by pathsanchalans, physical training demonstrations (vyayam yog), and public gatherings as usual. This year, the celebrations carried a special significance. Instead of large district- or taluk-level events, the Sangh organised the maximum number of path sanchalans across the length and breadth of the country, with programmes at mandal, upanagar and basti levels. Consequently, several eminent personalities graced events across Kerala on 30 September, 1 October and 2 October.
As a custom, the RSS has been inviting public figures from various walks of life to grace its Vijayadashami festivals as chief guests every year. This practice has been in place since the very inception of the organisation in 1925. Former Rashtrapati, the late Pranab Mukherjee, and renowned singer Shankar Mahadevan are among the personalities who have graced the Nagpur programmes. The RSS in Kerala also follows the same tradition, as in every other part of the country.
Dr Jacob Thomas was an IPS officer who retired as the Managing Director of Metal Industries Limited, Shoranur, Palakkad district. He was the captain of the athletics team of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy, Hyderabad, and was also adjudged the best probationer. He was selected as the Newsmaker of the Year 2025 by Manorama News. He was awarded the Rashtrapati’s Police Medal for meritorious services in 2016. He has held positions as the chief of Fire & Rescue Services, chief of the Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, and Director General of the Institute of Management in Government, the premier management training centre for the top officials of the Government of Kerala. He has shouldered several responsibilities in the police force and various government-controlled institutions.
Dr Jacob Thomas is a postgraduate in Agricultural Science and holds a PhD in the same field. He is a researcher and author, and his autobiography had stirred several controversies. After retiring from service, he joined the BJP and contested the state assembly elections in 2021.
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