Bhubaneswar: The Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Parag Abhyankar, emphasized that the true meaning of Swatantrata is not merely freedom from foreign rule but the establishment of a self-reliant and indigenous system that reflects Bharat’s own values, vision, and national goals.
Addressing the valedictory session of the Yuva Sammelan organised by RSS Bhubaneswar Mahanagar at the Convocation Auditorium of Utkal University, Abhyankar stated that on August 15, 1947, we attained independence and freedom from subjugation. No longer dependent on the British Viceroy for our decisions, we were rightfully called independent. We gained the ability to shape our own destiny. However, he asserted that freedom in its complete sense is achieved only when a nation develops and operates through its own governance, education, and economic systems rooted in native ethos.
“On August 15, 1947, we became free from foreign dominance and gained the right to make our own decisions. But true independence lies in developing our indigenous systems to achieve our real progress and national aspirations,” Abhyankar remarked.
He observed that even after 75 years of independence, Bharat continues to identify itself as “India , that is Bharat,” instead of simply calling itself “Bharat” or “Hindustan.” According to him, this reflects a lingering colonial mindset that prevents Bharat from realizing its full potential.
Abhyankar lamented that for decades, Bharat’s governance has continued to follow the education, judicial, and economic frameworks inherited from its colonial past, disregarding the time-tested indigenous systems that once made the country a global leader in knowledge, culture, and prosperity.
“For thousands of years, through our own education, justice, and economic systems, Bharat achieved the stature of ‘Vishwaguru’ and was known as the ‘Golden Bird.’ Unfortunately, in the last 75 years, we continued to operate under the same colonial systems instead of reviving our native structures,” he said.
“Only when we adopt and re-establish our ancient Bharatiya policies and frameworks can we truly call ourselves Swatantra.”
Citing Swami Vivekananda’s 1897 Lahore address, Abhyankar recalled that Bharat’s destiny was to spread the universal values of peace, spirituality, and brotherhood across the world. He said that this moral and cultural mission must be reignited within every individual in society.
“When the spirit of sacrifice and service is embedded in both the society and the system of governance, only then can we say that true freedom has been achieved,” he stated.
Calling upon the youth to take an active role in nation-building, Abhyankar highlighted the contribution of the RSS over the past century in strengthening Bharat’s cultural and moral foundations.
“The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been working tirelessly for the last 100 years towards this goal. It is now the responsibility of the youth to take this mission forward,” he said, urging young participants to contribute proactively to shaping a self-reliant and value-based Bharat.
The valedictory session was attended by Prof. Yagneswar Dandapat, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, as the Chief Guest, who lauded the efforts of the RSS in mobilising youth for constructive social change.
Earlier, the inaugural session of the conference featured Dr. Shrikant Mishra as the Chief Guest, who said that the RSS has made consistent progress towards its objectives over the past century. The keynote address was delivered by Tanmay Mahapatra, boudhik pramukh of RSS Odisha (Purv) prant who highlighted Bharat’s historic global stature in education, culture, and healthcare systems.
Mahapatra stated that Bharat’s youth have always played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny, particularly during the freedom movement. He noted that the Bharatitya knowledge tradition has always been scientific in nature and guided the world when much of it was in darkness.
“When the rest of the world was struggling in ignorance, Bharat’s scientific and philosophical wisdom illuminated the path for humanity,” he said.
The inaugural session was also graced by Manoranjan Sahu, Sangh Chalak of Puri Vibhag, and Kshirod Bihari, Karyavah of Bhubaneswar Mahanagar.
The second session of the yuva sammelan featured a range of cultural performances, including dramas, devotional songs, and patriotic competitions. A quiz event on the theme ‘Panch Parivartan’ was organised, along with plays focused on cleanliness and environmental awareness.
More than 1,700 young participants attended the sammelan , which showcased an impressive sand art performance by Manoj Sahu, along with several energetic patriotic song and dance presentations by youth groups. The event concluded with the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, filling the auditorium with nationalistic fervor.
The event was coordinated by Devi Prasad Mahapatra (Karyavah, Chandrasekhar Bhag, Bhubaneswar Mahanagar) and Pratap Dwivedi (Karyavah, Vasanti Durga Bhag), with assistance from Divyajyoti Bishal, Sindhu Sagar Mohanty, Manoj Puhan, Subhasis Mahapatra, and other karyakartas .
