NEW DELHI: When young people work for the nation in various fields, they must have a clear understanding of what the nation is, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat while interacting with youth from Saurashtra–Kutch at ‘Yuva Pratibha Milan’ at Seva Bharati Bhavan, Rajkot.
He further stated that in the past, due to the absence or dilution of this clarity, the country became enslaved. “Our nation is conscious and living; we call it Bharat Mata. It is not merely a piece of land. It cannot be divided, because it is bound by emotion,” he said.
Referring to the deliberations undertaken by RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar before the Sangh’s establishment, Dr Bhagwat explained the background and purpose of its formation. He said that the RSS is working with the objective of organising the entire Hindu society.
He stated, “Just as there are British in Britain and Americans in America, those living in Hindustan are Hindus. Bharat and Hindustan are not different; they are one. Bharat is a way of life, and Hindu is also a way of life. The nature of living together, moving forward collectively with unity, is what defines ‘Hindu’.”
He said that Bharat’s ethos has always been Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Sanatan, Bharatiya, Indic, Arya, and Hindu are different names conveying the same essence; however, the word Hindu is simple and easily understood.
Referring to ongoing conspiracies aimed at making Hindu society forget its identity, Dr Bhagwat said that Hindus have lived on this land since ancient times and that the responsibility of making the nation strong and developed rests with the entire society. Therefore, to unite the entire Hindu society, build quality within it, and advance the nation for the welfare of the world, the RSS continues its work.
He said that through the shakha, the Sangh prepares disciplined, capable, and committed swayamsevaks, who serve society selflessly in various fields. However, he added that the work of the RSS is not limited to this alone, and it cannot be assessed merely by observing such activities. To truly understand the Sangh, one must engage with it directly. Changing the nation’s destiny requires the active participation of the entire society and a transformation in social conduct.
Since everyone cannot attend the shakha, keeping this reality in mind, the RSS has presented the concept of Panch Parivartan— Social Harmony; Family Awakening (Kutumb Prabodhan); Environment (save water, eliminate plastic, plant trees); Swa and Civic Duty.
He said that in these five areas, every citizen can contribute to the national interest through small or large efforts.
At the end of the programme, youth participants asked questions related to the Sangh and national issues. Dr Bhagwat addressed their queries with various examples. Responding to one question, he said, “If you want to understand the RSS, do not read Wikipedia—read Sangh literature. The Sangh cannot be understood on the basis of others’ propaganda. If you perform any work for the nation with excellence, selfless intent, and honesty, the Sangh considers it as its own work.”
During the programme, a resolve for Matrishakti Jagran (the awakening of women’s power) was announced. On the occasion, Saurashtra Prant Sanghchalak Mukeshbhai Malakan, along with other senior functionaries, was present.
