Mann Ki Baat: Spirit of selfless service, discipline are true strengths of RSS, says PM Modi

Narendra Modi

Days ahead of RSS' centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday showered praise on the Hindutva organisation for its selfless service and discipline, and said 'nation first' is always supreme in every action of its volunteers.

The RSS, which will turn 100 on Vijayadashmi next week, is considered the ideological inspiration for the ruling BJP.

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, Modi said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was established by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar on Vijayadashmi in 1925 to free the country from intellectual slavery and its journey since has been as remarkable and unprecedented as it is inspiring.

The Prime Minister also praised Hedgewar's successor M S Golwalkar and said his statement that "this is not mine, this belongs to the nation" inspires people to rise above self-interest and embrace dedication to the nation.

He said, "This statement by Guruji Golwalkar has shown millions of volunteers the path of sacrifice and service. This spirit of sacrifice, service, and the discipline it teaches is the true strength of the Sangh. Today, the RSS has been relentlessly and tirelessly engaged in national service for over a hundred years." The prime minister has been generous in his praise of the Hindutva organisation in the 100th year of its journey, lauding it in his last Independence Day address and commending the leadership of its chief Mohan Bhagwat on his birthday on September 11.

The RSS, which will turn 100 on Vijayadashmi next week, is considered the ideological inspiration for the ruling BJP.

PM Modi also added that said that the Centre is working to get the Chhath Mahaparva added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
He added that this will help people all over the world learn about the festival's importance and beauty.

PM Modi said, "I am very happy to inform you that the Government of India is also engaged in a major endeavour connected with Chhath Puja. The Government of India is striving to include the Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. When Chhath Puja is included in the UNESCO list, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity."