What has Mohan Bhagwat Achieved for Nation-Building?

New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi lavished accolades on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in honor of his 75th birthday, describing him as a lifelong advocate for societal change, the Congress party voiced significant opposition, accusing the Prime Minister of misrepresenting historical facts.

Congress leaders scrutinized both Mohan Bhagwat and the RSS’s role in India's freedom movement, implying that the commendation was more politically motivated than based on reality.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat remarked in an interview with IANS, “Isn’t it ironic? There are documented records of the RSS engaging with British officials. This is the same organization that opposed the Quit India Movement in 1942, that rejected the Constitution in its true spirit, and that failed to raise the national flag at its office—yet PM Modi now glorifies it. What was Bhagwat's actual contribution during the freedom struggle? This is merely flattery on his birthday.”

Another Congress MP, Tariq Anwar, responded, stating, “The RSS’s involvement in India’s independence movement is at best debatable and at worst, complicit with colonial powers. They were never part of Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for freedom. PM Modi is mistaken, but he is also constrained—after all, he hails from the RSS.”

Adding to the criticism, Manoj Kumar of the Congress questioned the selective activism exhibited by the RSS.

“When PM Modi’s mother faced alleged disrespect, RSS supporters took to the streets, calling for a Bihar Bandh. Yet, where is the outrage when Dalit women are assaulted? Why this selective response? It is widely recognized that the RSS is steering the government. The circumstances involving former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar illustrate that whatever the RSS desires, the government complies. It’s time we transcend caste and religion and prioritize genuine development,” he told IANS.

Earlier, PM Modi conveyed his greetings to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on his 75th birthday, acknowledging his contributions, leadership, and personal attributes.

On the social media platform 'X', PM Modi expressed: “Guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji has devoted his life to social transformation and fostering harmony and fraternity.”

He continued, “On the special occasion of his 75th birthday, I have penned some thoughts on Mohan Ji and his inspiring persona. I pray for his long and healthy life in service of Maa Bharti.”

In a comprehensive blog post, PM Modi reflected on Bhagwat's early engagement with the RSS, his impact on national movements, and his leadership approach.

“Mohan Bhagwat Ji has consistently been a strong proponent of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat',” he noted.

He began by highlighting the significance of September 11, stating, “This date brings to mind two contrasting memories. The first recalls 1893 when Swami Vivekananda delivered his famous address in Chicago... The second is the tragic 9/11 attacks, when this very principle was challenged by the scourge of terrorism and radicalism.”

He remarked that this date also celebrates “a figure who, inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, has committed his life to social transformation and fostering the spirit of harmony and fraternity.”

“For millions associated with the RSS, he is affectionately known as Param Pujya Sarsanghchalak... Yes, I am referring to Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji, whose 75th birthday coincides with the centenary of the RSS.”

Reflecting on his personal connection, PM Modi stated, “My relationship with Mohan Ji’s family runs deep. I had the privilege of working closely with Mohan Ji’s father, the late Madhukarrao Bhagwat Ji.”

He reminisced about Madhukarrao’s dedication to nation-building and how it shaped Mohan Bhagwat’s upbringing: “Madhukarrao Ji’s fervor for nation-building inspired his son, Mohanrao, to pursue India’s rejuvenation. It’s as if Parasmani Madhukarrao created another Parasmani in Mohanrao.”

Discussing the role of a ‘Pracharak’, PM Modi clarified common misunderstandings: “When one hears the term ‘Pracharak’, it might be misconstrued as simply someone promoting or campaigning... However, those acquainted with the RSS know that the Pracharak tradition lies at the heart of the organization’s mission.”

He noted that Bhagwat’s formative years as a Pracharak occurred during a challenging era in India’s history: “This was the time when the oppressive Emergency was enforced... Mohan Ji and numerous RSS Swayamsevaks were active in rural and marginalized regions of Maharashtra, particularly Vidarbha.

Highlighting Bhagwat's progression through various key roles in the RSS, PM Modi commented: “Bhagwat Ji occupied multiple positions within the RSS, executing each with remarkable skill.”

He recounted Bhagwat’s responsibilities as Akhil Bharatiya Sharirik Pramukh during the 1990s, his extensive grassroots work in Bihar, his promotion to Sarkaryawah in 2000, and his current position as Sarsanghchalak since 2009.

“Being Sarsanghchalak transcends organizational duty... Mohan Ji has infused it with his strength, intellectual depth, and compassionate leadership, all inspired by the principle of Nation First,” the PM asserted.

Furthermore, discussing Bhagwat's leadership style, PM Modi underscored two fundamental traits: “If I had to identify two characteristics that Mohan Ji has cherished and integrated into his work ethic, they would be continuity and adaptation.”