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Appendix VI - Presidential speech by Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee at the Annual Function of R.S.S. (Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh) New Delhi on 3rd December, 1950

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2022

Prashanto Kumar Chatterji
Affiliation:
Former Professor, Department of History, Burdwan University, West Bengal, India
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Summary

I deem it a great pleasure to be invited to preside over your annual gathering. Let me, in the first place, warmly congratulate you on the performances you have just displayed, your discipline, efficiency and alertness indicate not only the spirit of your devotion but also the high qualities of training and organisation that you have imbibed. The R.S.S. has passed through many trials and tribulations. The fire of suffering and sacrifice has, however, added to its strength and vitality and today it stands more consolidated than perhaps it ever did before. As an organisation it is devoted to the development of Bharatiya culture and spirit of unity and solidarity amongst all classes of Hindus throughout this great country. The revival of the glory of our past culture and civilisation is a task of supreme importance in the building-up of free India. Our country is divided into many States and the people residing therein not only speak different languages but also follow varied habits and customs. But amidst all this diversity, there does exist a spirit of unity which in national interest has to be intensified, and broad-based. History reminds us that Hindus lost their political freedom because of disunity and jealousy amongst themselves and thus foreigners stepped into our country and ultimately captured political power. We must see to it that history is not allowed to repeat itself in future. Many people often criticise any genuine movement for consolidation of Hindu culture or revival of Hindu ideology as some thing reactionary and retrograde. This is either due to a spirit of ignorance or of a sense of inferiority complex. No one would suggest for a moment a revival of any narrow separatist tendencies or any undue emphasis on mere froms and rites which indeed led to the disintegration of Hindu society itself Hinduism, rightly understood, is all-embracing. The message of Bhagwat Gita, of Ramayana and Mahabharat ennobles the human mind, irrespective of caste, creed or colour. It is this universal appeal, based on a spirit of truth, service and sacrifice on strength and vitality that must from the foundation of Hindu revival in India.

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Publisher: Foundation Books
Print publication year: 2010

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