Sanjay Gupta Addresses RSS Vijayadashami Celebrations in Nagpur
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised its Vijayadashami celebrations in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with Sanjay Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jagran, attending the event as the chief guest. During his address, Gupta discussed the organisation's historical journey, its founding objectives and what he described as its contribution to Indian society.
He also extended greetings on the occasion of Vijayadashami and the RSS Foundation Day. His speech covered several themes, including Hindu social unity, national identity, cultural traditions, the organisation's ideological journey and its stated priorities for the future.
Hindu Unity and National Independence Among Founding Objectives
Gupta said that when the RSS was established around 101 years ago, India was under British rule and the country's social and political circumstances were very different from those of today.
According to him, the organisation's initial objectives included bringing Hindu society together, strengthening its collective capabilities and contributing to the country's struggle for independence. He emphasised that the idea of national freedom was closely connected, in the organisation's early thinking, with developing a stronger sense of social and cultural identity.
Gupta argued that independence should not be understood only in political terms. In his view, awareness of one's society, cultural traditions and national identity also plays an important role in shaping a nation's outlook.
He said that after India became independent, the RSS placed greater emphasis on individual development, Indian identity and commitment to the nation. He highlighted discipline, responsibility and a sense of duty as important qualities for citizens and for the wider development of the country.
RSS Continued Its Journey Despite Ideological Challenges
During his speech, Gupta referred to the political and ideological challenges faced by the RSS after independence. He claimed that sections of the political establishment did not accept the organisation's ideology because of differences in their political outlook.
He said that despite these disagreements, the organisation continued to pursue its objectives and expand its activities. His remarks focused on the continuity of the RSS's organisational structure and ideological position over the decades.
Gupta also noted that organisations often face criticism and disagreement over their beliefs and activities. He stressed the importance of understanding an organisation's historical background and the circumstances in which it developed.
His comments reflected his assessment of the RSS's journey and its place in India's social and political landscape.
Gupta Discusses the Political Journey From Jana Sangh to BJP
Gupta also spoke about the development of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said that after independence, several people influenced by nationalist ideas entered politics and contributed to the formation of the Jana Sangh.
The BJP subsequently emerged as a major political party in India. Gupta described the RSS's organisational strength and ideological influence as important factors in the party's development.
He also referred to the emphasis on Indian identity, nationalism and cultural values among BJP leaders, arguing that these ideas had been shaped in part by the RSS.
At the same time, the relationship between the RSS and political organisations associated with it remains a subject of public discussion. While critics have accused the RSS and related organisations of promoting Hindu majoritarianism or extremism, Gupta defended the organisation's role in preserving Indian cultural traditions during his address.
These remarks represented Gupta's perspective at the event. The RSS's ideology, its influence on Indian politics and its role in society continue to be viewed differently by political parties, commentators and social groups.
Indian Cultural Traditions and Hindu Values
Gupta said he believed the RSS had played a significant role in preserving Hindu traditions and the Indian way of life. Referring to periods of Mughal and British rule, he argued that Indian cultural practices had survived major historical changes.
He linked the international recognition of Indian cultural identity and Hindu traditions to the organisation's activities. According to his remarks, the RSS had worked to strengthen cultural awareness through its organisational network and ideological outreach.
He also highlighted that culture extends beyond rituals and customs. It includes social values, moral principles, ways of life and the transmission of traditions from one generation to the next.
Gupta's remarks placed cultural preservation and national identity at the centre of his assessment of the RSS's historical contribution.
Sanjay Gupta Refers to the Editorial Policy of Dainik Jagran
Gupta also discussed the editorial policy of Dainik Jagran during the event. He said that the newspaper's editorial approach gives importance to Indian cultural values, national commitment and positive thinking.
He argued that the role of a newspaper goes beyond publishing news. According to him, media organisations can also contribute to public awareness and encourage citizens to reflect on their responsibilities towards the country.
Gupta said that news organisations can play a role in promoting social harmony, goodwill and constructive thinking. He stressed the importance of encouraging people to consider how they can contribute to the nation's progress.
He described commitment to Indian cultural traditions and the nation as a common point between the RSS's ideology and the newspaper's stated editorial approach.
Character Building Identified as a Priority for the Next Century
Towards the conclusion of his address, Gupta discussed what he described as the RSS's priorities for the coming century. He said character building among citizens should receive particular attention in the years ahead.
According to Gupta, a person with strong character understands not only individual rights but also civic responsibilities. He identified national commitment, a sense of duty and personal responsibility as essential qualities for citizens.
He also connected character development with India's broader social and economic progress. In his view, economic growth and political change alone cannot achieve all the goals of national development without ethical conduct and responsible citizenship.
Gupta argued that citizens should take their work, behaviour and responsibilities seriously and contribute constructively to society.
His address at the Nagpur Vijayadashami celebrations covered the RSS's founding objectives, its historical development, its relationship with political organisations, the preservation of cultural traditions and its stated emphasis on character building in the coming century.
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