Mohan Bhagwat: Sangh Prarthana a Sacred Ode to Bharat Mata as RSS Charts Centennial Vision

In a powerful address marking the beginning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) centenary year, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat declared the 'Sangh Prarthana' to be a profound prayer to 'Bharat Mata'. Speaking before a large gathering of senior RSS functionaries and affiliates at the historic Reshimbag ground in Nagpur, Bhagwat articulated a vision for India's future, deeply rooted in its ancient ethos.

The occasion was significant: the RSS, founded in 1925, is now stepping into its 100th year.

Bhagwat's speech underscored the organization's enduring mission to cultivate a 'Vishva Guru Bharat' – an India that leads the world not through dominance, but through its unique wisdom and spiritual heritage. He emphasized the importance of 'swa' – self-identity and self-reliance – as the guiding principle for national resurgence.

Highlighting the 'Sangh Prarthana' (RSS prayer) as more than just a recitation, Bhagwat explained it as an oath of unwavering dedication to the nation.

"The 'Sangh Prarthana' is not merely a prayer to an abstract entity," he stated, "it is a heartfelt invocation and commitment to Bharat Mata, a pledge to dedicate our lives to her glory and well-being." This connection, he asserted, is the very essence of the RSS's ideological framework.

Bhagwat's address also touched upon the critical need for India to re-embrace its own traditions, values, and indigenous knowledge systems.

He cautioned against blindly adopting Western ideologies and practices, urging for a thoughtful integration of global wisdom with India's unique cultural context. "We must understand our own 'swa' before we look elsewhere," he emphasized. "Without this foundational understanding, any borrowed concept will fail to take root and flourish in our land."

The speech resonated with a call for national unity, purposeful action, and a collective endeavor to elevate India to its rightful place on the world stage.

Bhagwat reaffirmed that the RSS's century-long journey has been dedicated to this singular goal, fostering character, discipline, and a deep sense of national pride among its millions of volunteers. The centenary celebrations, he indicated, would be a period of introspection and renewed commitment to the organization's core principles, propelling India towards a future where it stands tall, guided by its ancient heritage and a vision of global harmony.