Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday described the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the banyan tree of immortal culture and modernisation that energises the national consciousness. Addressing a function of RSS-run Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Modi said, “RSS Bharat ki amar sanskruti ka, adhunikta ka akshay vatvruksha hain. Rashtriya chetna ko urja de raha hain.” Referring to the role played by RSS since its inception in 1925, PM Modi said, “The seeds sown hundred years ago have flourished into a vatvruksha (huge banyan tree). And lakhs of swayamsevaks are its stems and branches. It is not an ordinary banyan tree. It is an embodiment of India’s cultural nationalism and modernisation. It gives energy to national consciousness.” Earlier in the day, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat accompanied Modi during his visit to RSS headquarters at Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur. Modi is the first sitting prime minister to visit the headquarters of the right-wing organisation. Incidentally, Modi’s generous praise of RSS in a public platform comes at a time when the organisation is gearing up to celebrate its centenary year. Also, it comes ahead of the BJP’s plans to get a new party president, purportedly with the RSS chief’s approval. “RSS workers selflessly work on many fronts – some dedicated to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalaya, Sanskrutik Jagran, Seva Bharati. The role of the organisation at the recently held Kumbhmela in Prayagraj is an example. Jaha seva karya, waha swayamsevak (where there is service, you find swayamsevak),” the prime minister said. “Whether it is earthquakes, floods, or any natural calamities, the highly disciplined RSS swayamsevaks are always in the forefront, serving people and society at large. Like dutiful soldiers, they undertake the service, overriding their discomfort to help others. For RSS swayamsevaks, there is nothing like big or small work. As Guruji (M S Golwalkar) had said responding to a question on why RSS is called all-encompassing… it is like light which dispels darkness,” PM Modi said. To accomplish the goal of Viksit Bharat, Modi said, “We have to break the barriers that have held the nation captive for the last seventy years. We have to shed slavery and move ahead and write a new chapter in national glory. We have gotten rid of colonial laws and replaced them with the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita…” India is emerging stronger as the voice of the Global South, Modi emphatically said, and added that the “concept of ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ is rooted in our culture.” The prime minister also emphasised the role of youths in the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap. “Today’s youth displays great capability and capacity to take risks. They are engaged in innovations and startups. They take pride in our culture and rich legacy…” he said. Modi highlighted the significance of ‘Sanghatana, Samarpan, and Seva (Organisation, Dedication, and Service)’ in achieving the target of ‘Viksit Bharat’. “If RSS history from its foundation in 1925 to 1947 marked an era of struggle; today, as it marches ahead to complete its 100 years, it will write a new chapter as the country accomplishes its dream of Viksit Bharat,” the prime minister said. “We have achieved Ram temple in Ayodhya. We have to lay a strong foundation for (the next) 1,000 years. As we embark on our mission for Viksit Bharat, (RSS founder) Hedgewar will continue to inspire us in fulfilling the goal,” he added. Modi offered homage to RSS founder Dr K B Hedgewar and second sarsanghachalak M S Golwalkar at the Smruti Mandir. “The memorial of the two strong pillars of RSS is an inspiration to lakhs of swayamsevaks who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation,” the PM wrote in the visitors’ diary at the RSS headquarters. “I am overwhelmed to visit the Smruti Mandir, which cherishes the memories of Param Pujaniya Dr Hedgewar and Pujya Guruji,” he added. PM Modi also visited Deekshabhoomi, where Dr B R Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with his followers on October 14, 1956. He offered homage to Ambedkar inside the stupa. In his message written in Hindi in the visitors’ diary, Modi said, “I am overwhelmed that I got an opportunity to visit Deekshabhoomi, one of the five ‘Panchthirth’ of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, in Nagpur. One can feel Babasaheb’s principles of social harmony, equality, and justice in this holy atmosphere here.” “I have full faith that in this Amrit Kaalkhand, we will take the country to new heights of progress with the values and teachings of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Building a developed and inclusive Bharat will be the true tribute to Babasaheb,” Modi stated.
