Recalls 100 years journey of RSS
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Dec. 6: Refuting the oft repeated claims of critics that founder and first Sarsangchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr Keshaw Bhai Hedgewar did not take part in the freedom movement of country, Dattatreya Hosbale, the Sarkaryawah of Sangh today said that he (Dr Hedgewar) took active part in the freedom struggle of India and was twice jailed during his life time.
Dattatreya Hosbale, who was the main speaker during a programme held in connection with centenary celebration of RSS at Convention Centre here, said that Dr Hedgewar was very eager for emancipation of India from British rule and he worked for betterment of Indian society since his childhood.
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“He ( Dr Hedgewar) was so enthusiastic for India’s Liberation that he inspired his colleagues to join freedom movement actively”, the RSS Sarkarivah said. “For liberation of India he ( Dr Hedgewar) was in total touch with freedom fighters and he had a firm belief that country will definitely get liberated,” Hosbale added.
He said Dr Hedgewar was twice jailed during freedom movement, first soon after laying the foundation of Sangh in 1925 and later seven years after that. The founder of RSS was astonished that how India became slave which was a rich civilization and a great land of sages and saints like Gautam Buddha, Lord Mahavir, Guru Nanak etc.
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He said Dr Hedgewar thought over it and reached a conclusion that India will get freedom but there is need to change the slavery mindset of the people so he worked for it in brining a social change and awakening among the people by laying foundation of Sangh. He said “Dr Hedgewar became concerned that being a proud nation how India surrendered to foreigners. Bharat is a nation which has tradition of keeping values of humanity alive for ages together so what was the cause of its surrender before foreigners struck Dr Hedgewar’s mind,”.
He said, RSS founder had a belief that India was an organsied society from times immemorial and had it not been so the people from different corners of country would not have been visiting holy Ganga for taking a dip or Somnath, Malikarjun, Rameshwaram and other Joterlingas for darshan.
Hosbale, while throwing light on the role of Dr Hedgewar further said “Even Lord Rama and Lord Krishna travelled from North to South and East to West to unite India which indicated India had a rich past. He (Dr Hedgewar) thought what went wrong with India which has such an organised society and despite that we were not united,” . Dattatreya Hosbale said that while seeking reply to these questions, Dr Hedgewar came to conclusion that people need inspiration for building a modern India and their self confidence can lead to nation building. “ Individual development can lay a strong base for nation building” and keeping this idea in mind Dr Hedgewar laid foundation of Sangh on Vijay Dashmi in 1925 to raise the level of national consciousness among ordinary citizens.
Dattatreya Hosbale threw light on 100 years journey of Sangh and highlighted the role of second Sarsanghchalak Guru Golewalkar who, he said, expanded Sangh across country saying at present RSS has over 100 social organizations working in various sectors of social service.
He also highlighted the contribution of J&K people in the fostering the ideology of Sangh and participating its struggle whether for abrogation of Article 370, rights of people of Ladakh or PoJK issue.
He explained how, over the last hundred years, the Sangh has continuously worked at the grassroots through daily shakhas, service projects, educational initiatives and social reform efforts. He also stressed that the central idea of the Sangh has always been to build a strong, self-confident, culturally rooted and united Bharat. Further, he pointed out that Swayamsevaks have contributed, often silently, in various fields of national life while remaining committed to the ideals of discipline, character-building and selfless service.
Looking towards the future, he outlined the “bhavishya ki disha” (future direction) of the Sangh, emphasising the need to connect more youth with positive and constructive social work, and the importance of social harmony and overcoming all forms of discrimination. He also outlined the responsibility to protect the environment and strengthen family and community bonds. Along with this he also highlighted the duty of every citizen to contribute actively to nation-building.
He called upon the gathering to view the centenary of the RSS as a milestone in a long journey of service to society and the nation.
The programme concluded with the singing of the National Song Vande Mataram,.
The central theme of the today’s programme was “100 years journey of RSS and the vision for future”, focusing on the RSS’s journey over the last hundred years and its vision for the future.
Chief Justice (Retd.) Tashi Rabstan graced the event as the chief guest. Prant Sanghchalak Dr. Gautam Mengi and Vibhag Sanghchalak Surinder Mohan were also present on the dais.
More than 500 people attended the event, including Swayamsevaks, intellectuals, social workers, academicians, professionals, and representatives from various sections of society.
On the occasion floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Bharat Mata, which created an atmosphere of patriotism and devotion.
This was followed by the formal introduction and welcome of the dignitaries on the stage. The organisers briefly explained the objective of the Jan Goshthi, highlighting that the centenary of the RSS is an occasion to recall its social and national contribution and to discuss the path ahead.
In his address, Chief Justice (Retd.) Tashi Rabstan reflected on the constructive role of RSS in promoting social harmony, national unity, and civic responsibility.
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