Bhubaneswar: Marking the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bhubaneswar Mahanagar’s Boudhik Vibhag organised a unique musical programme titled ‘Shat Kanthe Shatabdi Ra Swara’ at the Buddha Mandir in Bhubaneswar.
The programme brought together 105 RSS Swayamsevaks, who presented more than 100 patriotic and Sangh songs in a range of Indian languages. The event sought to use music as a medium to express patriotism, dedication to the nation, cultural unity and the spirit of service.
The programme featured songs in Odia, Hindi, Sanskrit, Bengali, Assamese, Telugu, Malayalam and Punjabi, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of India. The organisers said the initiative was not merely a musical presentation but an effort to strengthen the spirit of dedication and service towards the nation through the power of music.
‘Sangh Songs Awaken the Spirit of Patriotism’: Parag Abhyankar
Addressing the concluding session, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh Parag Abhyankar said music was not merely a combination of melody and rhythm, but also a powerful medium for awakening emotions and inspiring people towards a larger purpose.
He said the songs traditionally sung at RSS shakhas were not intended simply for entertainment or relaxation. Rather, the words and emotions expressed through these songs were aimed at inspiring Swayamsevaks to work for the nation and deepening their sense of dedication towards the motherland.
Parag Abhyankar said that the worship of Bharat Mata is an integral part of the activities at RSS shakhas, and that Swayamsevaks, by imbibing the emotions expressed through the songs, deepen their dedication to the nation. He said that songs can serve as a powerful medium to inspire people to contribute towards the service of the nation.
He emphasised that music could play an important role in carrying the message of rashtra seva to people and nurturing a sense of commitment in their hearts.
‘An Unique Initiative in Ekamra Kshetra’
Abhyankar also highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Bhubaneswar, describing Ekamra Kshetra as the city of Lord Shiva and referring to the traditional association of Lord Shiva with music.
He said organising such a programme in Ekamra Kshetra during the RSS centenary year made the initiative particularly significant. He described it as an unusual and innovative experiment by the Bhubaneswar Mahanagar’s Boudhik Vibhag.
He also stressed the need to consider how similar initiatives could be developed further and taken to the grassroots level so that their message could reach a wider section of society.
Appreciating the efforts of the Swayamsevaks, Abhyankar said initiatives aimed at strengthening the spirit of rashtra seva through music should continue on a sustained basis. He said the programme assumed special significance as it was organised in the land associated with Mahaprabhu Lingaraj.
Five Months of Preparation
Speaking at the programme, RSS Odisha (East) Prant Bauddhik Pramukh Tanmaya Mahapatra explained the preparations behind the event. He said work on the programme had been underway since April, making it a nearly five-month-long preparation process.
Mahapatra said the original concept for the programme was conceived by Asit Baran Mahapatra, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Geet Toli of the RSS Boudhik Vibhag. Although he could not attend the programme physically, he remained connected with the preparations online from Bengaluru and contributed to its successful execution.
The Bhubaneswar Mahanagar Boudhik Vibhag subsequently worked to translate the concept into a large-scale musical presentation involving Swayamsevaks from different age groups.
Swayamsevaks Take on Challenge of Performing with Instruments
Mahapatra said RSS Swayamsevaks generally sing songs at shakhas without musical instruments. The Bhubaneswar programme, however, involved Swayamsevaks presenting songs collectively with instrumental accompaniment, creating an additional challenge for the participants.
He said shifting from regular practice without instruments to performing with musical accompaniment required considerable preparation and coordination. The Swayamsevaks successfully took up the challenge and delivered the programme under the leadership of Bhubaneswar Mahanagar Sah-Bauddhik Pramukh Amarendra Sahu.
The programme also witnessed participation from Swayamsevaks across a wide age spectrum, ranging from seven to 70 years. Several new Swayamsevaks also joined the initiative, adding to the diversity of the participants.
Patriotic Songs in Eight Indian Languages
One of the major highlights of the programme was its multilingual character. Along with Odia, Swayamsevaks presented patriotic and Sangh songs in Bengali, Assamese, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Hindi and Sanskrit.
The songs were arranged in different musical rhythms and styles. Amarendra Sahu, Bauddhik Pramukh of Bhubaneswar Mahanagar, along with fellow artists, played an important role in arranging and musically preparing the presentations.
The programme opened with around 100 Swayamsevaks singing ‘Vande Mataram’ collectively, setting the tone for the musical proceedings. This was followed by a series of patriotic and Sangh songs presented by Swayamsevaks and functionaries.
Collective Effort Highlighted as Inspiration
Mahapatra described the collective participation of Bhubaneswar’s Swayamsevaks during the RSS centenary year as an initiative of a unique nature. He said the programme could serve as an inspiration for Swayamsevaks in other parts of the country.
The event was coordinated by Bhubaneswar Mahanagar Sah-Bauddhik Pramukh Amarendra Sahu. Khordha District Bauddhik Pramukh Labanyendu Dalai and Cuttack District Bauddhik Pramukh Bighneshwar Sahu extended their support in organising the programme.
The musical presentations, spanning several Indian languages, showcased the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity while conveying themes of patriotism, national unity, dedication.
The ‘Shat Kanthe Shatabdi Ra Swar’ programme thus emerged as a collective musical initiative marking the RSS centenary year, bringing together Swayamsevaks from different generations and using music as a means of expressing the organisation’s emphasis on patriotism and national service.
