Guided by values, RSS will shape India's future: PM Modi | Central India's Premier English Daily

New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its contribution to India's national development and character-building since the days of the freedom struggle and expressed confidence that the organisation would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. "Guided by its values, and strengthened by a century of service, the Sangh's contribution in the next phase of India's journey will be crucial," the Prime Minister noted in a commemorative article marking the RSS's centenary. Outlining the new challenges facing India today -- including dependency on foreign powers, attempts to divide national unity, and demographic shifts through infiltration, the Prime Minister welcomed the RSS's proactive approach to addressing contemporary national challenges through its Panch Parivartan (Five Transformations) framework. This vision-based roadmap includes Sva-Bodh (Self-Awareness), which seeks to free society from colonial mindsets and promote pride in indigenous values and the Swadeshi ethos. Samajik Samrasta (Social Harmony) focuses on maintaining social balance and addressing demographic imbalances caused by infiltration. Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Values) aims to strengthen the family unit as the cornerstone of cultural continuity. Nagrik Shishtachar (Civic Sense) encourages a sense of responsibility and discipline among citizens, he said. Finally, Paryavaran (Environment) underscores the need for sustainable practices to protect ecological balance for future generations. On the Government's part, the Prime Minister also noted that a High-Powered Demography Mission has been established to address concerns related to infiltration and demographic imbalance, aligning with the Sangh's focus. Describing the Sangh as a living embodiment of India's timeless national consciousness, the Prime Minister highlighted its century-long journey of service, sacrifice, and selfless nation-building. The Prime Minister reflected on the founding of the RSS by Dr. KB Hedgewar in 1925, stating that it was not the birth of something entirely new, but a modern expression of India's ancient tradition of self-renewal in times of national challenge. "The Sangh has nourished every part of our nation, much like a river that enriches every land it touches," he wrote. From its inception, the RSS focused on the principle of vyakti nirman se rashtra nirman -- building the nation through building character. The institution of the daily shakha was described as a simple yet transformative tool that shaped lakhs of swayamsevaks over generations. These individuals, the Prime Minister noted, have contributed meaningfully in all spheres of life, from education and agriculture to social and tribal welfare. The Prime Minister reminded readers that RSS founder Dr. Hedgewar and several early swayamsevaks had actively participated in the freedom struggle, with Dr. Hedgewar even facing imprisonment. "Right from the moment of its founding, the Sangh considered the nation's priority as its own priority," he noted. Despite facing conspiracies and false accusations -- including the imprisonment of its second Sarsanghchalak, MS Golwalkar -- the Sangh remained committed to national service, anchored in its faith in society and constitutional institutions. The RSS's tradition of service has extended to all major national crises, including refugee relief during Partition and disaster response in emergencies. The Prime Minister noted that for swayamsevaks, such efforts are not mere acts of relief, but the work of "strengthening the nation's soul." The Prime Minister lauded the Sangh's efforts in fostering self-confidence among tribal and marginalised communities. Institutions such as Sewa Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Ekal Vidyalayas, and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram were cited as examples of long-standing service and empowerment, particularly in remote and inaccessible regions. Acknowledging social ills such as casteism and untouchability, the Prime Minister commended the RSS's continued efforts to eradicate them. He cited successive Sarsanghchalaks -- including Shri Golwalkar, Balasaheb Deoras, Rajju Bhaiya, and Mohan Bhagwat -- for championing unity and social harmony. The call for "one well, one temple, one cremation ground" reflects this enduring commitment, he said.