9 hours ago
Last Updated:February 22, 2025, 11:27 IST
The prime minister’s statement reaffirms his deep-rooted association and alignment with its ideological framework, a sentiment shared by many in the BJP leadership
PM Narendra Modi (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Sammelan in Maharashtra, invoked RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, highlighting how the organisation established a century ago has shaped India’s socio-political landscape and inspired many to “live for the country".
Calling the Sangh founder a “Maratha Maha Purush" and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) a “sprawling banyan tree" that has nurtured and safeguarded Indian culture and tradition for decades, he said: “I am fortunate enough to be one of many who were raised and inspired by the Sangh to live for the nation, for our country."
The prime minister credited the Sangh for inspiring generations of nationalists, including himself. His remarks mentioning the Sangh at the event not only paid tribute to Hedgewar’s vision and contribution but also reinforced and reflected the RSS’s renewed dominance across organisations, particularly within the BJP.
‘Inspired’ To Dedicate Life To Nation
Speaking at the event on Friday, PM Modi said: “Today, we also take pride in the fact that a great Marathi-speaking personality sowed the seeds of the RSS on the sacred land of Maharashtra a 100 years ago. Today, it has grown into a mighty banyan tree, celebrating its centenary year. From the Vedas to Swami Vivekananda, the RSS has been carrying forward Bharat’s great and traditional culture to the new generations through a sacred yajna of values for the past 100 years."
He added: “It is my fortune that I too, like millions of others, have been inspired by the RSS to dedicate my life to the nation. It is because of the Sangh that I have had the privilege of connecting deeply with the Marathi language and tradition. Just a few months ago, the Marathi language was officially granted the status of ‘Abhijat Bhasha’ (Classical Language). With over 12 crore Marathi-speaking people across the world, this recognition was awaited for decades. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to fulfil this long-standing aspiration of millions of Marathi speakers."
The Legacy
Founded in 1925, the RSS was conceptualised by Hedgewar as a disciplined, ideology-driven organisation committed to Hindu nationalism, which was part of his vision for the nation.
Over the decades, the organisation has not only expanded its influence beyond its grassroots ‘shakhas’, but also embedded itself in India’s cultural, social, and political spheres through several affiliates and inspired groups.
PM Modi’s assertion that he was “raised and inspired" by the Sangh reaffirms his deep-rooted association and alignment with its ideological framework, a sentiment shared by many in the BJP leadership.
His speech primarily served as a reminder of the RSS’s unwavering and almost unflinching presence in shaping India’s nationalist narrative protecting the ancient culture and tradition, said a senior RSS functionary.
By drawing attention to its century-old mission, PM Modi sought to strengthen the historical legitimacy of the Sangh’s role in nation-building, particularly at a time when its ideological influence is at an all-time high.
The Influence
The Sangh has always been the ideological backbone of the BJP, but under Modi’s leadership, its influence has expanded significantly across social, cultural and political spheres. In the current political situation in India, the Sangh’s imprint is unmistakable in governance, policymaking, and cadre deployment.
The RSS has always been instrumental in shaping the BJP’s electoral-political strategy to a great extent, ensuring that the party’s leadership remains aligned with its ideological goals. Key BJP leaders, including PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, maintain strong ties with the Sangh, ensuring that RSS-backed policies remain central and of importance to governance.
From the abrogation of Article 370 to Ayodhya’s Ram Temple movement, many landmark decisions taken under Modi’s tenure align with the Sangh’s core ideological objectives.
Location : First Published:February 22, 2025, 11:27 IST
News politics Fortunate To Be 'Inspired' By ‘Sprawling Banyan Tree’ RSS, Says PM Modi In Tribute To Sangh
