The BJP is expectedly planning the party’s leadership transition assiduously and is making the right statements, as could be gauged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm endorsement of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a public forum.
India’s Prime Minister likened the RSS to a majestic banyan tree that stands as a symbol of India’s eternal culture and modern progress, continuously nourishing the national consciousness.
Addressing a gathering at the RSS-run Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Modi praised the organisation, stating, “RSS Bharat ki amar sanskruti ka, adhunikta ka akshay vatvruksha hain. Rashtriya chetna ko urja de raha hain.”
His words coincide with the organisation’s preparations to celebrate its centenary year. There is speculation that the new party president will be appointed with the approval of the RSS chief.
“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,” India’s PM said reflecting on the profound impact of the RSS since its inception in 1925.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat accompanied the Prime Minister during his visit to the RSS headquarters at Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur. For the record, Modi is the first sitting Prime Minister to visit the headquarters of the right-wing organisation.
“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.”
To accomplish the goal of Viksit Bharat, Modi stated that the nation must break the barriers that had held it captive for the past seventy years. He emphasised the need to shed the remnants of slavery, move forward, and write a new chapter in the country’s glory. He also mentioned that colonial laws had been abolished and replaced with the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita.
Modi said India is emerging as the voice of the Global South and reminded that the concept of ‘Vishwa Bandhu‘ is deeply rooted in the country’s culture.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the important role of youths in the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ roadmap. He mentioned that India’s youth demonstrate great capability and a willingness to take risks, are involved in innovations and startups, and take pride in the country’s culture and rich legacy.
Also Read: Know Nidhi Tewari: PM Modi’s New Private Secretary
