Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on his 75th birthday. The prime minister lauded the RSS supremo for his intellectual acumen and empathetic leadership, calling his tenure as the head of the RSS since 2009 “the most transformative period” in the organisation’s century-long history.
In a moving tribute carried in several newspapers, Modi said the RSS sarsanghchalak was a living embodiment of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' who has devoted his life towards upliftment of society and evolving harmony and fraternity.
He said, “Mohan ji, in addition to doing full justice to the enormity of the responsibility, has also brought to it his own strength, intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, all of which are inspired by the principle of Nation First.” He added, “If I can think of two attributes Mohan ji has held close to his heart and imbibed in his working style, they are continuity and adaptation.” The prime minister said Bhagwat has steered the organisation through complex currents, never compromising on its core ideology everyone is proud of and, at the same time, addressing the evolving needs of society.
"He has demonstrated that when individuals go beyond barriers and treat everyone as their own, it fosters trust, brotherhood and equality in society," the prime minister further said.
Modi praised Bhagwat's gentle nature, observing his exceptional skill at listening, which provides him with greater insight and adds an element of sensitivity and dignity to his leadership.
"Being Sarsanghchalak is not just an organisational duty," said Modi, pointing out that outstanding individuals mark this position by their personal sacrifice, a clear sense of purpose, and unshakeable commitment to the country.".
He went on to add, "Mohan ji, not only did full justice to the magnitude of the responsibility, but has also infused in it his own force, mental acuity and compassionate leadership, all guided by the spirit of Nation First." Modi continued, "If I can reflect on two qualities Mohan ji has held dear to his heart and infused into his mode of functioning, they are continuity and adjustment."
The prime minister added that Bhagwat has led the RSS through challenging times without diluting its guiding philosophy, at the same time meeting the changing aspirations of society.
“He has a natural connection with the youth and thus has always focused on integrating more youngsters into the Sangh Parivar. He is often seen engaging in public discourse and interacting with people, which has been very beneficial in today’s dynamic and digital world,” Modi said.
He valued Bhagwat's avid interest in government schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
Modi said, “He always urges the entire RSS family to add to these movements. In order to further social well-being, Mohan ji has given the ‘Panch Parivartan’, which includes social harmony, family values, environmental awareness, national selfhood and civic duties. These can inspire Indians from all walks of life.” Every RSS volunteer dreams of seeing a strong and prosperous nation and what is required to realise this dream is clear vision and decisive action, he said, adding that Bhagwat embodies both these qualities in abundance.
He said, “Bhagwat ji has always been a strong votary of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, a firm believer in India’s diversity and the celebration of so many different cultures and traditions that are a part of our land.” Despite running a busy life, he has always found time to pursue passions like music and singing and few people know that he is very versatile in various Indian musical instruments, Modi said.
He has been a staunch votary of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' all along, a staunch believer in the diversity of India and the dignity of so many different cultures and traditions that make up our nation," Modi said. Even with his tight schedule, Bhagwat has continued to nurture his love of music, singing, and expertise in various Indian instruments, he added.
"His passion for reading can be seen in several of his speeches and interactions.” Modi said while mentioning Bhagwat's recent speech in Nagpur in which he had compared the RSS with an eternal banyan tree that revivified the country's culture and collective consciousness.
“The dedication with which Bhagwat ji has committed himself to nurturing and advancing these values is truly inspirational,” he said.
Modi, himself a former RSS pracharak, dwelled on his own personal connection with Bhagwat's family, including his father Madhukarrao Bhagwat, who had worked in the organisation. By the way, Modi also becomes 75 years old on September 17.
He said, “Such was Madhukarrao ji’s passion for nation-building that it groomed his son, Mohanrao, to work towards India’s regeneration. It is as if ‘parasmani’ Madhukarrao prepared another ‘parasmani’ in Mohanrao.” Modi said Mohan Bhagwat’s early years in the RSS came during the draconian Emergency and he and countless RSS workers strengthened the movement against it.
Modi remembered that Bhagwat spent his early days in the RSS with the Emergency period when he and thousands of volunteers consolidated the organisation. He also worked extensively within rural and backward regions of Maharashtra, particularly Vidarbha, which helped mould his understanding of the plight of the poor.
During the years, Modi added, Bhagwat served in a variety of roles within the RSS, each done with great expertise. From uniform changes to Shiksha Vargs reforms, various major overhauls were implemented by him, showcasing the immense influence of his time at the helm.
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