The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held its annual Vijayadashami celebrations at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur on Tuesday, marking the completion of 100 years of the organisation. RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat emphasised the importance of self-awareness and social unity in his address.
Recalling the contributions of revered saints and eminent personalities such as Sant Shiromani Ravidas, Swami Shraddhanand, and Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, Mohan Bhagwat said that even in difficult times, saints had kept society united by fostering adherence to one’s faith, devotion, and social harmony.
Bhagwat said that the foundation of unity amid India’s diversity lies in Sanatan philosophy and an awareness of one’s own identity, or ‘Swa’. He emphasised that as long as society places its shared national identity and sense of belonging above all other considerations, the country will remain strong, united, and self-reliant.
Remembering Swami Shraddhanand, a prominent Arya Samaj ascetic, educationist, and freedom fighter who passed away 100 years ago, Bhagwat said that it was important to remember great personalities who sacrificed their lives to protect religion and society. Meanwhile, the birth centenary of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, who dedicated his life to serving tribal communities and protecting their faith in Odisha, is being observed.
He also noted that this year marks the 200th birth anniversary of Rajnarayan Basu, who worked to organise society and awaken self-respect through Swadeshi Melas (indigenous fairs). Remembering these eminent personalities is essential, he said, as the Sangh has been working for the past 100 years to awaken the same self-awareness and spirit of ‘Swa’ in society.
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The RSS chief also highlighted Panch Parivartan (Five Transformations) in his address, identifying the cultivation of ‘Swabodh’ (self-awareness) and the practice of ‘Swadeshi’ (indigenous values and self-reliance) as foundational principles. He said, "The words “We, the People of India” in the Preamble of our Constitution are, in fact, a symbol of that very self-awareness and emotional unity."
He added, "This is the underlying thread that has kept India connected as one country, one society, and one nation since ancient times, despite its many diversities. Our ancestors experienced the unity of the entire creation and, on that basis, established a culture of mutual belonging and togetherness in society."
Bhagwat said that when society lost sight of this vision of unity and belonging, people became divided among themselves and grew progressively weaker. He said it was this internal discord that led the country to endure centuries of subjugation.
He stressed, "To preserve the freedom achieved after countless sacrifices and struggles, it is essential that we once again understand and incorporate into our lives that emotional bond whose importance is also reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in our Constitution."
" The ultimate purpose of human life is to recognise this unity and live with self-restraint, sacrifice, and the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), thereby attaining lasting happiness."
Furthermore, he said, "Having a natural attachment to one’s language, caste, or faith is not wrong. However, as long as the nation and a shared sense of national identity remained paramount above all these identities, India continued to serve as an ideal nation for the entire world."
The RSS was founded in Nagpur by its first Sarsanghchalak, Keshav Hedgewar, on Vijayadashami in 1925. Since its establishment, the organisation has celebrated the festival every year.
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and the Consul General of Israel in Mumbai, representing western India, were among the guests at the event. Sanjay Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jagran, was invited as the chief guest.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and senior RSS functionaries also attended the celebrations.