RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlights India's G20 presidency at 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' event

NAGPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday, while addressing a gathering at 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' in Maharashtra's Nagpur, emphasized on India's successful organisation of the G20 summit.

The RSS chief pointed out that India's leadership gave the country a place in the world.

"Every year, India's pride is increasing in the world. The G 20 summit held here (in India) was special. The hospitality of Indians was praised. People from different countries experienced our diversity. They saw our diplomatic skills as well as our honest goodwill. Our leadership gave India a place in the world," Mohan Bhagwat said while speaking at the event.

India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the summit in Bali and will continue to hold the mantle till the end of November. The RSS chief also was critical towards forces that he said were standing in the way of India moving forward.

"There are some people in the world and in also India who do not want that India should move forward... They try to create factions and clashes in society. Because of our unawareness and lack of belief, we also sometimes get entangled in it, and unnecessary nuisances are created...If India progresses, they will not be able to play their games; therefore, they continuously oppose. They adopt particular ideologies just for the sake of opposing" the RSS Chief said.

Speaking on the violence that had ensued in Manipur the RSS Chief called on civil society to bridge the gap of mutual mistrust.

"In Manipur, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, which are these forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction? Multidimensional efforts will be required to solve this grave problem. To resolve this vexed problem, we would need a strong political will, concurrent actions and efficiency. Simultaneously, the enlightened leadership of the society will also have to play a special role in bridging the gap of mutual distrust that has arisen due to the unfortunate situation between the two communities" Mohan Bhagwat also spoke about the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

"A temple of Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya...Lord Ram (idol) will be installed at the temple on January 22...On that day, we can organise programmes at our own temples in the whole country," he said.

The RSS event at Nagpur was also graced by singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan as the Chief Guest. Speaking on occasion, Shankar Mahadevan praised the RSS members for their contribution to protecting the culture and tradition of the country.

"I believe it is my duty to educate & transmit our culture through music & songs to future generations. I try to do it in my interactions with youngsters and children and also in my shows, reality shows and even film songs," he said.

He further added, "My experience today has been mind-blowing. The contribution of all of you in protecting our culture and tradition is unparalleled."

Shankar Mahadevan extended his greetings to everyone on the occasion of Vijayadashmi and he also thanked Mohan Bhagwat for inviting him as the Chief Guest of the event.

The annual 'Vijayadashmi Utsav' event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) started with workers' 'Path Sanchalan' (route march) at Maharashtra's Nagpur earlier today.

On the occasion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the founder of the organisation KB Hedgewar.

Shankar Mahadevan was also seen offering floral tributes at the statue of KB Hedgewar. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also performed 'Shastra Pooja' on the occasion of 'Vijayadashami Utsav'.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the event. RSS was founded in 1925 in Nagpur on Vijayadashami day.

Since then, RSS has celebrated Vijayadashami Utsav every year. Dignitaries from various fields are invited as chief guests every year for the Utsav to grace the occasion.