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KOLKATA:<\/strong> The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is not an organisation driven by competition, reaction, or opposition, but one rooted in fulfilment and collective purpose, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat asserted while addressing the Kolkata Lecture Series marking the Sangh\u2019s 100-year journey. His address, delivered during the second session of the event, provided a comprehensive overview of the Sangh\u2019s origins, philosophy, and evolving responsibilities in contemporary India.<\/p>\n Dr Bhagwat began by underlining the importance of unity amid ideological diversity. \u201cThere can be competition of ideas, but hearts must remain united,\u201d he said, drawing a parallel with former US President Abraham Lincoln, who famously appointed a political rival as his Defence Secretary to strengthen national unity. The example, Bhagwat noted, underscored that leadership lies in inclusion, not exclusion.<\/p>\n Rejecting long-standing characterisations of the RSS as a paramilitary or reactionary organisation, Bhagwat stressed that the Sangh operates on the principles of friendship, selflessness, and collective discipline. \u201cSangh is not competition, not reaction, not opposition. Sangh has come to fulfil, not to destroy,\u201d he said, adding that true understanding of the organisation comes only through firsthand experience at its grassroots shakhas, rather than through external labels.<\/p>\n The RSS chief paid tribute to its founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, describing him as the ideological and moral cornerstone of the Sangh. Bhagwat highlighted that Hedgewar\u2019s life was defined by sacrifice and conviction, noting that he was sent to the National Medical College in Kolkata not merely to become a doctor but to build revolutionary networks linked to the Anushilan Samiti. \u201cIf Dr Hedgewar had not existed, the Sangh would not exist. To understand the Sangh, one must study his character,\u201d Bhagwat said.<\/p>\n Tracing the Sangh\u2019s journey through decades of opposition, violence, and political hostility, Bhagwat observed that no other voluntary organisation in the world has faced such sustained resistance. Yet, he noted, the Sangh\u2019s volunteers never responded with bitterness. \u201cThere were attacks, even murders, but there is no resentment in the hearts of swayamsevaks. This itself reflects the organisation\u2019s spiritual strength,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Dr Bhagwat emphasised that the RSS remains financially self-reliant, functioning entirely through voluntary contributions known as \u2018Guru Dakshina\u2019. \u201cWe do not take funds from outside. Every rupee is accounted for and audited,\u201d he said, adding that financial transparency is integral to the Sangh\u2019s credibility.<\/p>\n Highlighting the organisation\u2019s scale, Bhagwat revealed that RSS activities now span over 1.25 lakh locations across nearly seven lakh villages in India, while urban outreach covers roughly half of the country\u2019s 45,000 towns and cities. \u201cEarlier, we worked in an atmosphere of opposition. Today, the environment is more favourable. This means we must expand faster, but with greater focus on quality,\u201d he said, identifying cadre development as the key agenda of the centenary year.<\/p>\n A significant portion of Bhagwat\u2019s address focused on what he termed \u201cbehavioural transformation\u201d as the next phase of national awakening. He outlined five areas where change must begin, starting with swayamsevaks themselves.<\/p>\n The first is social harmony, stressing equal access to temples, water sources, and cremation grounds for all Hindus. The second is family awakening, which advocates regular family interactions, shared meals, devotional practices, and discussions of tradition and values. The third pillar is environmental responsibility, which urges practical actions such as water conservation, reducing single-use plastics, maintaining cleanliness, and promoting rooftop greenery.<\/p>\n The fourth focus area is Swadeshi, which Bhagwat linked to self-reliance, employment, and cultural confidence. He called for prioritising indigenous products, languages, food habits, and lifestyles. The fifth is constitutional awareness, encouraging families to educate children about the Constitution\u2019s preamble, duties, directive principles, and rights, noting that the civilisational ethos of India is deeply reflected in its constitutional framework.<\/p>\n Dr Bhagwat reiterated that India, Hindustan, and Hindu are synonymous civilisational terms, asserting that the Sangh views the entire society as its own. \u201cNo organisation walks with everyone and takes everyone along the way the Sangh does,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Concluding his address, Dr Bhagwat clarified that the RSS does not seek credit for its work. \u201cWe do not work for recognition. We work because it is our responsibility,\u201d he said, calling upon society\u2019s \u201csajjan shakti\u201d \u2014 ordinary citizens quietly serving the nation \u2014 to come together in coordinated, complementary efforts.<\/p>\n As the RSS celebrates its centenary year, Dr Bhagwat\u2019s message was clear: the next phase is not about expansion alone, but about deep, values-driven transformation of society itself.<\/p>\n Credit : Organiser Weekly<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" KOLKATA: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is not an organisation driven by competition, reaction, or opposition, but one rooted in fulfilment and collective purpose, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat asserted while addressing the Kolkata Lecture Series marking the Sangh\u2019s 100-year journey. His address, delivered during the second session of the event, provided a comprehensive overview …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[31341,2150,162,781],"class_list":["post-57211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","","category-national","tag-100-years-journey-of-rss","tag-dr-mohan-bhagwat","tag-rashtriya-swayamsevak-sangh","tag-rss"],"yoast_head":"\n