“Army gave strong reply to Pahalgam attack, we must stay strong”: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Vijayadashami event
Nagpur (The Uttam Hindu): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has completed 100 years of its founding. To mark this historic occasion, a grand event was held at the Reshimbag grounds in Nagpur on Vijayadashami, with former President Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest. This event not only symbolized the Vijayadashami celebrations but also marked the beginning of the Sangh's centenary year. The program began with the worship of weapons by Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.
The army responded forcefully to the Pahalgam attack… we must remain strong,' said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Vijayadashami celebrations: In his address, Mohan Bhagwat, referring to the recent Pahalgam attack, said that the terrorists killed innocent Hindus after asking their religion, but our army and government responded with full preparation and strength. He said that such incidents make it clear who is a friend and who is an enemy. We have to be cautious in international relations. Praising the bravery and capabilities of the Indian army, he said that the world has seen our valour, but this incident also teaches us that we have to remain more alert and capable regarding security.
Bhagwat further stated that the government and administration have taken strict action against Naxalism in the country, and now it is essential to prevent extremism from resurfacing. Discussing the global landscape, he cited examples such as violent movements in neighboring countries, the French Revolution, and American tariffs. He stated clearly that change is impossible through violence, and no country should become dependent out of compulsion. India must ensure its economic strength by pursuing a self-reliant and indigenous path.
He said that India represents a culture that advocates for the welfare of all creation. The world is looking to India today, and we must work patiently toward social and mental change. He added that we cannot change course suddenly, or the vehicle will overturn. We must make small changes and offer the world a balanced, creation-based religion.
Clarifying the relationship between society and the system, the Sarsanghchalak said that systems are created according to society, and only if society's behavior changes will the system change. Sharing the Sangh's experiences, he said that individual change leads to societal change, and societal change leads to system change. This process can be the foundation for global change.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind began his address with Vijayadashami greetings. He said that two great men from Nagpur hold a special place in his life—Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. Recalling his early association with the Sangh, he said that he was introduced to the Sangh when he was the BJP candidate from the Ghatampur assembly seat in Kanpur. He also said that the Sangh's volunteers transcend caste discrimination and that the Sangh has always championed social unity.
He stated that his autobiography, which will be published by the end of this year, details his experiences with volunteerism and the inspiration he received from human values. Citing a rally by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Kovind said that Atalji had clearly stated that his government was run by Ambedkar's memory, not Manusmriti.
He spoke of the similarities between the ideas of Dr. Ambedkar and the Sangh. He underscored the role of women, saying that women have been equal partners in India's family system. He described the formation of the Rashtriya Sevika Vahini as a symbol of the Sangh's vision. He mentioned women like Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and Sushma Swaraj, praising their contributions to nation-building. He also mentioned Mahatma Gandhi, who had attended a Sangh event in Delhi and praised the Sangh. He also quoted a statement by Baba Saheb in which he had spoken of viewing the Sangh "with a sense of belonging."
The former President said that along with family, society and the country also play a major role in a person's achievements. He also said that it is our national duty to take along those who have been left behind in the country's development journey. He said, "The country gives us everything, we should also learn to give something."
On this occasion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and former President Ram Nath Kovind paid floral tributes to the statue of RSS founder Dr. Hedgewar and participated in the RSS prayer. Several prominent leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, were present at the event. 21,000 volunteers participated in the event. This event also marked the formal beginning of the year-long celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the RSS's founding, a plan for which has already been prepared by the RSS.