Prayagraj, August 30, 2026: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised a Raksha Bandhan celebration at the auditorium of IIIT Allahabad, with Sah Sarkaryawah Dr Krishna Gopal as the chief speaker and the institute’s Director Mukul Sharad Sutawane as the presiding guest.
Dr Krishna Gopal said that during major social movements in history, people gathered on the banks of the Ganga, tied Raksha Sutras to one another and pledged unity and dedication.
He said Dharma was not initiated by any one individual but represents universal values that bind society together. Referring to the saffron flag as a symbol of Dharma, he said, “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” — Dharma protects those who protect it.
Dr Krishna Gopal emphasised that Bharat is a multilingual, multi-religious and multicultural country, where Dharma serves as the element that binds diversity together. He said foreign invasions and Partition led to social fragmentation, while the Sangh has consistently worked to strengthen unity and fraternity.
He added that the RSS has sought to take Raksha Bandhan beyond the traditional brother-sister relationship by making it a pledge of affection, protection and solidarity towards the deprived, forest-dwelling and hill communities.
Expressing concern over the contemporary social landscape, Dr Krishna Gopal said that despite increasing material prosperity, poverty of the mind is also growing. Referring to apartment culture and loneliness, he stressed the need to promote social connectedness and a sense of belonging to preserve the sanctity of society.
Addressing the gathering, Sutawane said Raksha Bandhan is no longer confined to the bond between brothers and sisters, but has evolved into a festival symbolising protection and care between the weak and the strong.
More than 1,500 workers and citizens participated in the programme.
