PANIPAT: As the RSS completes 100 years, the Centenary Year is being observed not for self-praise or glorification, but to unite society around the resolve for Panch Parivartan to advance national progress. Only by adopting social harmony, environmental protection, Swa, family awakening (Kutumb Prabodhan), and a sense of civic duty can Bharat once again move forward on the path of becoming a Vishwaguru, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sah Sarkaryavah Alok Kumar while addressing a seminar on “The Role of Sports and Sportspersons in Nation Building” organised at SD College, Panipat, Haryana on January 18, 2026.
The Sah Sarkaryavah said that India, with a population of 140 crore, must convert this vast population into its strength. For this, collective and positive efforts are essential.
He said that families together form the nation. Bharat traditionally had a joint family system, but due to the growing influence of modernism and Western culture, this tradition is weakening, giving way to nuclear families. Ironically, Western countries are now adopting the joint family model developed by Bharat’s ancestors. He cautioned that distancing from this system would increase conflicts, stress, and social evils. To prevent this, Kutumb Prabodhan must be promoted. He urged families to spend at least one day a week together, eat meals collectively, and engage in conversation to strengthen emotional bonds. He added that protecting youth from substance abuse is possible only through strong family systems, and the joint family remains the most effective solution.
Alok Kumar also highlighted that caste discrimination and untouchability remain major challenges for the country, and the RSS is continuously working to eliminate them. This, he said, is possible only through the promotion of social harmony.
To make the nation economically strong, he emphasised adopting Swadeshi. He said that often old things are considered inferior when new ones arrive, but this mindset is incorrect. He cited that when the British were establishing educational institutions in the 15th century, Bharat already had centres of learning like Nalanda and Takshashila, with education systems far superior. Therefore, he stressed the need for self-awareness (Swabodh) and balancing modern practices with ancient traditions to build a prosperous nation.
He further said that in today’s society, awareness of rights has overshadowed the sense of duties. While people are conscious of their rights, they often step back when it comes to responsibilities. He cited the COVID-19 period as a living example of India’s humanity, when society spent many times more than government budgets to help people, often risking lives. He stressed the need to cultivate a strong sense of civic duty, stating that no nation can progress unless its citizens responsibly fulfil their duties.
Sportspersons as role models for youth
Calling upon athletes, Alok Kumar urged them to inspire youth to stay away from substance abuse and actively pursue sports. Renowned sportspersons should act as role models, raise awareness against social evils, and connect youth with social service. In the era of social media, prominent athletes have a strong following, and they should use their platforms to promote Indian traditions, social harmony, environmental protection, Swadeshi products, family values, and civic duties, so that these values are passed on to future generations.
Sportspersons are the nation’s assets
Olympic medalist Ravi Dahiya said that times have changed significantly, and athletes must remain vigilant, as they are national assets. He encouraged sportspersons, stating that those who work hard with sincerity inevitably achieve success in life.
On this occasion, Prant Sanghchalak of Haryana Pratap Ji, Vice-Chancellor of Rai Sports University and former Uttarakhand DGP Dr Ashok, international wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, India’s first woman Paralympic medalist Deepa Malik, along with Padma Shri awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, Arjuna Awardees, Bhim Awardees, and several international and national-level sportspersons were present.
