The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated its 100th foundation day on the occasion of Vijayadashami, symbolising the victory of dharma over adharma. "On this day in 1925, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Sangh with a few children, and today it has grown to become the world’s largest non-governmental organisation," said Yashdeep Puri, Prachar Pramukh, RSS Ludhiana unit. On this occasion, ceremonies were held at various places across the country. In Ludhiana city alone, 18 programmes were organised. During these programmes, RSS office-bearers, key speakers, and chief guests performed shastra pujan (worship of arms). Many dignitaries, citizens, and swayamsevaks (volunteers) of the area were present on the occasion. Addressing the ceremony at Raghunath Nagar in Ludhiana, chief speaker Lalit Gupta, Sah-Karyavah of RSS said that the holistic development of India was possible only through self-awareness, environmental conservation, adherence to civic duties, social harmony, and an ideal family system. He said, "For the building and upliftment of any nation, it is necessary that its citizens possess character and patriotism. Sometimes, education and knowledge without character can even become dangerous. Sangh is working for the glory of the nation through its process of nation-building based on character-building." Keeping in mind the sacred sentiments of the 350th martyrdom anniversary year of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur, Gupta said that Guruji by sacrificing his life, conveyed the message of protecting human rights and human values. He also taught that every religion in the world is respectable, and no one has the right to oppress others or force anyone to change religion. A nation divided on the basis of caste, religion, family lineage, or gender can never maintain its unity, integrity, and security, he added. Addressing another gathering, RSS functionary and Sah-Prant Prachar Pramukh Sukhjinder Rishi said that economic self-reliance is necessary for the nation’s development. "Consumerist culture and excessive imports are dangerous for our economy. The welfare of our society and nation lies in adopting and promoting Indian products and local trades," he added. Speaking on civic duties, the Sangh functionary said that for an enlightened and progressive democratic nation, it is necessary that its citizens are aware and responsible not only about their fundamental rights but also about their duties. Civic duties include voting, paying taxes honestly, protecting public property, following laws, and actively participating in social work. He said that the Sangh is reaching out to the citizens of the nation with these five calls for transformation, he added. At the Sundar Nagar function, chief guest Gyaneshwar Sood said, "Through its good deeds and positive methodology, the Sangh has, in its 100 years of life, become synonymous with patriotism, brotherhood, and service. Whenever the nation has faced any crisis, the swayamsevaks of the Sangh have come forward to fulfil their national responsibility."
