Key Points

Addressing the centenary celebrations of RSS in the national capital, Hosabale recited a line from the RSS' song and said, "JF Kennedy once said, 'Don't ask what the country has given to you, ask what you have given to the country'. So we don't need a certificate. Sangh doesn't oppose anyone. Sab samaaj ko liye sath mein, aage hai badhte jaana (We have to take the whole society forward together), this is Sangh's song."

He said that the Indians have to work to make the nation a "Vishwaguru" and that the narrative around India has shown the nation in a bad light and needs to be changed.

He said, "The narrative around India... there are attempts to show India in a bad light. In the last few years, as work has been done and governments changed, from education to international stage paths have opened up to change this narrative. The ideas around India should be positive and based on truth. We have work in our individual capacities to make India the Vishwamitra and Vishwaguru."

Noting that the Sangh has witnessed opposition during its 100-year journey, he said that the Indian government and the public have given the RSS recognition.

"It has been an interesting journey. We had to cross the opposition and struggles but the workers have also received affection and support. From indifference, Sangh has reached to a stage of recognition. The ideas of the Sangh are the ideas of the soil of India. Not just as an organisation, but people have shown enthusiasm towards this way of life. Sangh is looked up at for its patriotism, service and discipline," he said.

Hosabale added, "The Indian government gives social recognition to the people and organisations working in the field for the nation. I think the Indian government has given recognition and respect to the Sangh's work on behalf of the public."

Noting the expansion of the RSS, he recalled founder KB Hedgewar and his work to awaken the society and protect the 'dharma'.

"Sangh's work is expanded in every corner of the nation. You will find a few people from the Sangh in every train you climb. The society knows about the Sangh's work. A hundred years ago, for the all-round progress of the nation and to unite the people, Keshavrao Balram Hedgewar ji started the Sangh in Nagpur. He said, 'I am not doing anything new, but the method and system are new'. The RSS began with taking forward the work of people to awaken society, to protect the dharma, and for progress in material and spiritual life," he said.

KB Hedgewar, founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in 1925, which is set to celebrate its hundred years on October 2, Vijayadashmi.

- ANI