Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s speech at the organisation’s centenary Vijayadashami celebrations in Nagpur, noting his focus on national development, social harmony, self-reliance and nation-building.Describing the address as “very motivating”, PM Modi said Bhagwat had covered several important subjects, including the need to strengthen society and promote self-reliance.In a post on X, the prime minister also highlighted Bhagwat’s remarks on the spirit of service and nation-building among RSS volunteers, along with the organisation’s initiative known as panch parivartan.“Particularly noteworthy was his emphasis on the commitment to Seva and nation building that is integral to every RSS Swayamsevak. He also spoke about the panch parivartan and how these can contribute meaningfully to positive social change,” PM Modi wrote.
Bhagwat highlights RSS’s century-long journey
The RSS marked its centenary Vijayadashami celebrations at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur, bringing its year-long commemorative programme towards its conclusion.Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat remembered Sant Ravidas, Swami Shraddhanand and Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, highlighting their contributions to spiritual devotion, social harmony and the preservation of religious values.He said the organisation had spent the past century seeking to awaken self-awareness and strengthen India’s unity and identity.“Remembering them is also appropriate because the work that the Sangh has been carrying out for the past 100 years is precisely aimed at awakening this self-awareness. On the foundation of that self-awareness, identity, and ethos, it strives to make India united and strong,” Bhagwat said.
RSS chief speaks on Panch Parivartan and Swadeshi
Bhagwat also discussed Panch Parivartan, highlighting self-awareness and the adoption of Swadeshi as key elements of the initiative.Referring to the concept, he said self-awareness was reflected in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, particularly its opening words, “We, the people of India”.“As our Prant Sanghchalak ji mentioned in his introductory remarks regarding panch parivartan, one of its key aspects is practising self-awareness and adoption of Swadeshi. This self-awareness is reflected in the preamble of our Constitution, where we refer to ourselves as ‘We, the people of India’,” he said.The RSS was founded in Nagpur by Keshav Hedgewar, its first Sarsanghchalak, on Vijayadashami in 1925. The organisation has observed the festival annually since its establishment.