“We should refrain from falling prey to the forces spreading violence and hate among different communities. The efforts to spread hate are being propagated using different modes of communication. Identifying those forces and keeping ourselves away from them is a major responsibility”, Dr Mohan Bhagwat said.
Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr Mohan Bhagwat was speaking during the Vijayadashami celebration and 98th foundation day of RSS, on Tuesday. Renowned music composer and singer Padmashri Shankar Mahadevan was the chief guest. “Strong efforts are being made to divide the society. People call it cultural Marxism. However, Marx was forgotten long back in the 1920s. Association with such forces for political reasons is not desirable. One should think beyond political differences for the unity of the society, he added.
Expressing concern over violence in Manipur Dr Bhagwat said that the violence between the two communities was unfortunate. Was it spread by forces from across the border? Who is trying to paint violence in religious colour? The elite section of society should work effectively against such forces.
Referring to the excellent performance of sports persons in the recently concluded Asian Games, and the success of ISRO scientists in the Chandrayaan Mission, Dr Bhagwat said, “Our nation is capable of leading the society world-over. Talented people in every field are being encouraged by the leader of the nation. We are experiencing economic progress and revolution in the Start-Ups”.
In a historical event idols of Lord Ram will be installed in the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya on January 22. For security reasons entry have been restricted. But people should keep Ram in their hearts. Programmes on temples across the nation would be held on the day.
Reiterating special efforts by the elite to maintain unity in the nation, Dr Bhagwat said that society should follow Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s views. Dr Ambedkar’s two speeches while handing over the Constitution should be studied carefully.
In view of the coming general and assembly elections, Dr Bhagwat said that everyone should exercise their voting rights, without getting influenced by the divisive forces.
Earlier tributes were paid to the founder of RSS Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at his memorial. Besides Dr Bhagwat and Shankar Mahadevan, office bearers of RSS, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were present.