Celebrated singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan showered
praises upon the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for “protecting” Bharat’s
culture and tradition and “preserving the ideology of Akhand Bharat”.
Speaking at the annual Vijayadashami Utsav event held by
the RSS in the Reshimbagh area of Nagpur, Mahadevan, who was there as the chief
guest, said he can only take blessings from the Sangh for the work they have
done for the country.
“What can I say on it? I can only salute you. The
contribution of the RSS is greater than anyone in preserving our ideology of ‘Akhand
Bharat,’ our traditions, our culture,” remarked Mahadevan.
At the onset of addressing, he sang Saraswati Vandana,
addressed to the goddess of knowledge. Chanting the mantra ‘Om Asatoma
Sadgamaya’, the 56-year-old singer-composer said it is the mantra for world
peace.
“Praying for every human being’s peace. This is what
our country is,” he added.
He recounted his meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
in Mumbai, describing it as a fulfilling experience and expressed his gratitude
for the warm invitation.
“I am fortunate. The invitation was personal, served
with a lot of warmth,” he said.
The singer also visited Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, the
memorial of RSS founder Dr KB Hedgewar in Nagpur, and appreciated the Sangh’s
Dussehra programme and the coordination with which it was organised.
“I am proud of being a Bharatiya Nagrik (Bharatn
citizen) today,” said Mahadevan.
Earlier in the day, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat performed ‘Shastra
Pooja’ on the occasion of Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur. Maharashtra deputy
chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari were also
present at the annual event in Sangh uniform.
Addressing the Dussehra rally, Bhagwat asked if
extremists across the border were involved in Manipur violence.
“For many years, Meitei and Kuki communities have been
living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict
benefits external forces. Are external factors involved,” Bhagwat said.
“Union Home Minister Amit Shah was there for three
days. Who actually fueled the conflict? It (violence) is not happening, it is
being made to happen,” he added.
Bhagwat also cautioned against attempts to garner
votes by inflaming emotions ahead of the 2024 general elections. He asked
people to vote keeping in mind unity, integrity, identity and development of
the country.
PTI
