Pranab Mukherjee at RSS HQ updates: Ex-president showed the mirror to Sangh, says Congress after speech

Perhaps the Congress jumped the gun in criticising Pranab Mukherjee for his visit to RSS HQ | FirstCut by Manjul Toons

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Pranab’s comment a reminder to Narendra Modi governemnt: Congress of ex-president’s speech

“Shri Mukherjee also reminded the present Modi Government of following Rajdharma, founded upon our diversity, non-violence, multiculturalism and assimilation of ideas. He particularly reminded the Prime Minister that ‘Happiness of people is the happiness of ruler, their welfare is his welfare’. Indicating the unchecked exercise of authority and attack on institutions in the garb of a self-professed definition of ‘Pseudo Nationalism’, he reminded the RSS as also the Prime Minister that, ‘Indian Nationalism is Constitutional patriotism,” Surjewala said.

Congress dismisses Pranab’s comments on Hedgewar, says focus on speech not formalities

“As a guest what Pranab Mukherjee ji said should be discussed and highlighted, not unwarranted formalities,” Surjewala said on Mukherjee hailing KB Hedgewar as ‘great son of Mother India’.

Pranab Mukherjee showed mirror to RSS, Congress after ex-president’s speech 

“Shri Pranab Mukherjee has reminded the RSS of the history of India. He taught the RSS that India’s beauty lies in its tolerance for difference ideas, religions and languages. Is RSS ready to listen?,” Randeep Singh Surjewala asked at a press conference convened after the former president’s speech. 

“Today Pranab Mukherjee has shown the mirror to RSS at their HQ. He talked of plurality, tolerance and multiculturalism,” he added.

Pranab Mukherjee speech should remind Congress too, the meaning of nationalism 

Pranab Mukherjee’s thrust was on virtues of plurality, social and cultural diversity, divergent opinions, inclusiveness, secularism and democracy. Crores of people of varied faith, language, social practices were bought together as one nation by one flag and one constitution. This would have been taken as a criticism of RSS but thankfully for Sangh their chief Mohan Bhagwat had broadly outlined his speech on same pattern. While the former president gave a lesson or two when he talked about his concerns for increased violence, but that is applicable for all and not just for the RSS. 

What also needs to be noted that Pranab ended his speech on a friendly note by requesting sarsnghchalakMohan Bhagwat to excuse him if he exceeded his time. The pictures, still and moving, would ever be witness of bonhomie between Bhagwat and Mukherjee and the latter standing while RSS flag was unfurled at the beginning of program and when it was brought down on its conclusion. There was also a lesson or two for Congress. The party would do well to remember that what Pranab quoted from Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India is what nationalism truly meant.

People should be at the centre of all activities, says Pranab Mukherjee 

“People are at the centre of all activities of the State and nothing should be done to divide them.The aim of the State should be to galvanise them to fight a concerted war against poverty,disease and deprivation.Only then can we create a nation where Nationalism flows automatically,” Mukherjee said.

Hatred, intolerance dilute national identity, says Pranab Mukherjee

“Many languages and religion under come under one flag. Every day, we see increased violence around us. We must free our public discourse from all forms of violence — physical or verbal. We must move away from anger and violence to peace, harmony and happiness. I am addressing the trainees, you are young and highly trained. Please pray for peace. Our motherland is asking for that and needs that. Every time a woman and child is hurt, the soul of India is wounded. While we have done well in many macro-economic areas. But we have not fared well in the World Happiness Index. We rank 133rd. When we go to Parliament, just above the lift in gate number 6, there is a quote by Kautilya, ‘In the happiness of the people lies in the happiness of the king. Their welfare is the king’s welfare.’ Kautilya placed people at the Centre even before India’s constitution was laid down. As Gandhi ji said, ‘Indian nationalism was not exclusive, aggressive or destructive’,” says Pranab Mukherjee as he ended his speech at the RSS Tritiya Varsh valedictory event in Nagpur.

Pranab Mukherjee’s comments on confluence of cultures, ancient Indian glory at RSS HQ

Pranab Mukherjee beginning his speech with glory of India in ancient times was interesting. Those in Hindutava fold stress on the glorious period of India, which was eulogized by travelers from across the world. Chankaya, Chandragupta and whole lot of others came in for reference. He said that the trust in India as a country is eternal. It has rich cultural and civilisational tradition. Indian nationalism had evolved through ages but at the centre of it was the thought of universal brotherhood, `Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’. Mukherjee with his famed knowledge of politics, history and tradition would come to new RSS recruits, those gathered there and watching him on TV as a learned professor who gave them a memorable lecture.

‘From our Constitution flows our nationalism,’ Pranab schools RSS cadres on patriotism

Democracy is not a gift to us but a sacred task. And our Constitution is a magna carta of socio economic transformation of India. It represents the aspiration of millions of Indian. And from our Constitution, flows our Nationalism," Pranab summed up.

Our nationalism not bound by race or religion, says Pranab Mukherjee

“The concept of a modern Indian state, transcribed by thinkers and ideologies has provided India with a permanent edge. “A nation in the making” conceptualises the Indian state. Our national identity emerged from a long-drawn process of confluence and co-existence. The concept of modern India was articulated from various Indian leaders, it was not bound by race or religion,” says Pranab Mukherjee.

The confluence of cultures do not mean extinction of another, Pranab Mukherjee at RSS HQ

“India does not mean one religion, one entity or one culture. It is the confluence and assimilation of all these cultures that makes us unique. It is important to remember that the confluence of cultures do not mean extinction of another. Our nation is neither bound by religion nor race. In fact our Bharat is made up of its diversity,” Pranab said.

Nationalism, national identity derives strength from our diversity, Pranab’s message to Sangh

“A particular thing needs to be kept in mind. Of the 2500 years of conquerers and rulers, the 5000 year old civilization remains constant. Each conquerer has been assimilated and absorbed. This is what makes us special,” Pranab said. He went on to quote Rabindra Nath Tagore to say that the Bharat, as he understands, is an assimilation of various “indominiable waves” that came and assimilated into the Indian society.

Pranab Mukherjee praises ancient Indian wisdom, says nationalism helps identify with own nation

“Nationalism is identification with one’s own nation. It is devotion to and for one’s own country. India was an open society and globally connected along the Silk Route. Merchants and conqurers came to India. Many ancient travellers came to India and gave their account. Various foreign travellers, who came to India centuries ago, said India had an efficient administration and great education system,” Mukherjee said.

Any attempt to divide society will dilute national identity, says Pranab Mukherjee

“Our national identity has emerged through a long drawn process of confluence and assimilation. The multiplicity and pluralism separates us from others. Any attempt at defining our nationhood in terms of dogma, religion… will only result in dilution of our national identity,” says Pranab Mukherjee

Pranab Mukherjee hails ancient Indian wisdom at RSS event

Pranab Mukherjee says, here to share my understanding of Bharat with you

“The concepts of nationalism and patriotism are so deeply intertwined that it is very difficult to separate them and discuss. I am here to share my understanding of of these concepts and my understanding of Bharat,” Mukherjee said.

Mohan Bhagwat strikes right notes, making use of grand opportunity 

Mohan Bhagwat knows it well that he never has had a platform when crores of Indians would be watching him, hearing every word that he is saying. Thanks to the controversy around Pranab Mukherjee landing at RSS headquarters, the nation is hooked to TV sets and watching his speech live. To his credit he is not letting this opportunity go.

He began with by striking the right notes on several counts. Starting from explaining why Mukherjee was here at passing out parade of 750 new recruits, Bhagwat said, “Sangh will remain Sangh and Dr Mukherjee will remain Dr Mukherjee,” despite the latters presence at an event hosted by an organisation which follows a different ideology

He hailed Pranab Mukherjee’s credentials as a statesman and as a person. Secondly, he explained at lengh that RSS was not an organisation for Hindus but for all Indians. “How can one Indian be an alien to another Indian” and reminded that India has since time immemorial believed in ‘unity in diversity’.

He set the tone for right public narrative in his organization by saying that there has to divergence of views in a country as big as India but ultimately all were “sons of mother India” and thus have to work for advancement of India.

Despite differences, we must work for betterment of same country, says Mohan Bhagwat

“Everybody has the right to have a political opinion but there is a limit to have opposing opinion. We should realise that we are working for the betterment of the same country. No matter what our language, ideology, religion, RSS believes in welfare of the society,”  Bhagwat said.

Government’s can’t do everything, citizens should also contribute, says Mohan Bhagwat 

“Government alone cannot do everything. Citizens also have to contribute. Then only country can change. And the Sangh does not want to unite any particular section of the society but the entire society as such. And such consolidation does not happen by listening to a speech or reading some literature, albeit a constant effort is needed. And the Sangh is constantly working for this,” Bhagwat said.

Differences in opinion should not divide us, Mohan Bhagwat on Pranab Mukherjee’s presence at RSS event

“There should be, and could be a lot of differences in opinions and ways. There are times when we have differences. But we are all sons of the same soil. We are all the same even in this diversity,” Bhagwat said.

RSS wants to unite entire society, we celebrate diversity, says Mohan Bhagwat

“The Sangh only wants to unite the entire society. We embrace all, we are not just for one section. RSS believes in unity in diversity. Every citizen born in India is an Indian. It is his right to worship our motherland. There have been many debates about Pranab Mukjherjee attending the event but we do not consider anyone different from ourselves. We Indian are all one and united,” says Bhagwat

No Indian an alien for us, says Mohan Bhagwat on controversy around invite to Pranab Mukherjee 

“RSS invites well known people from various walks of life. The Sangh remains the Sangh and Dr Pranab Mukherjee remains Dr Pranab Mukherjee. We do not discriminate between Indian citizens. No Indian citizen is an alien for us. RSS believes in unity in diversity. Every citizen born in India is an Indian. It is his/her right to worship our motherland, Bhagwat said.

Mohan Bhagwat gives opening note at event; welcomes ex-president

“The RSS event takes place in the same way, year after year. We call important and respected dignitaries every year, those who can come grace the event with their presence. But all the discussion and opposition around who visits us and when, is meaningless,” Bhagwat said.

RSS was founded by KB Hedgewar on 25 September 1925

Rashtriya Swayam Sangh started at KB Hedgewar’s home on the day of Vijayadashami on 25 September 1925. Hedgewar, along with 17 others, convened the first meeting of the RSS. The Sangh shakha was later started in Mohitewada, Nagpur. 

The name ‘Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’ was selected for the organisation on April 17, 1926 from a list of four names — Jaripatka Mandal, Bharat Uddharak Mandal, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee at RSS event 

Image courtesy: Screenshot from RSSOrg Facebook Live

Family members of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose also present at event 

Special invitees, Sri Sunil Shastri, Sri Sanjay Lalbhai, Sri Challa RajendraPrasad, Sri Rajiv Malhotra, Sri Vishad Mafatlal , Sri Kalyan Chaubey, Sri Ardhendu Bose, have graciously participated in #RSSTritiyaVarsh valedictory program.

— RSS (@RSSorg) June 7, 2018

InPictures: Pranab Mukherjee paid tribute to RSS ideologue Madhav Golwalkar

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Event modulator introduces former president Pranab Mukherje, welcomes him to event

Image courtesy: Screengrab from RSSOrg Facebook Live

Congress preaches tolerance, practice intolerance: Kiren Rijiju

Congress Party's PREACH TOLERANCE, PRACTICE INTOLERANCE" is exposed. Why can't different ideologies co-exist in India? Of course, Congress is ideology-less (family) party.

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 7, 2018

RSS flag unfurled at event; Pranab Mukherjee witnesses Sangh cadres’ drill

The RSS flag has been unfurled at RSS’s Tritiya Varsh event and the former president along with RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat stood up on the occassion. The former president is seated on the stage and currently, around 700 RSS cadres who are ‘passing out’ at today’s event are performing a drill. RSS mentioned in a tweet that 6 shikshaks (trainers), 39 Prant Pramukhs & 120 prabandhaks have “toiled day and night” to ensure that the camp runs smoothly. 707 swayamsevaks will be completing their varg this year. Of them, 191 are Post Graduates and 375 are graduates. 

#RSSTritiyaVarsh of this year started on 14th May at Nagpur. 707 swayamsevaks will be completing their varg this year. Of them, 191 are Post Graduates & 375 are graduates.

— RSS (@RSSorg) June 7, 2018

Ex-president at Sangh’s dais; Congress says don’t forget what they stand for 

It is imperative for all Indians to know what the RSS has historically stood for and to understand what it thinks today. People of India should never forget how antithetical their ideologies are to the idea of India.https://t.co/j3DoUsaftu

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 7, 2018

Pranab Mukherjee garlanded idol of KB Hedgewar 

Pranabda & Mohanji offered their homage at the Samadhi of Pujya Dr.Hedgewarji - #SmritiMandir ; The #RSSTritiyaVarsh is organised in the same campus. pic.twitter.com/isa5gtdBe8

— RSS (@RSSorg) June 7, 2018

Congress’ Hussain Dalwai criticisesPranab for praising Sangh founder

“I had a lot of respect for him but perhaps because of his age he thought he should do something wrong before making an exit,” Dalwai told ANI.

Unke (Dr Pranab Mukherjee) prati bada aadar tha, shayad umar ki wajah se jaate jaate kuch galat baat kardun aisa laga hoga unko: Hussain Dalwai, Congress on Dr Pranab Mukherjee hailing KB Hedgewar as 'great son of Mother India' pic.twitter.com/YWCTWqaNNT

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

Mohan Bhagwat to give welcome speech in Pranab Mukherjee’s honour 

In the #RSSTritiyaVarsh valedictory, it is customary to invite people who have made significant contributions to national life as Chief Guest and have the benefit of their experience. In line with this, Sri Pranab Mukherjee ( Pranabda ) was extended an invitation.

— RSS (@RSSorg) June 7, 2018

RSS event begins with flag hoisting, traditional march-past; speech to begin shortly

#BREAKING -- @RSSorg event begins. @CitiznMukherjee's address to begin shortly. #PranabAtRSSEvent

Get #LIVE updates here: https://t.co/gxs5sMf7EZ pic.twitter.com/5PjIv89AWX

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2018

Pranab Mukherjee, flanked by Mohan Bhagwat, takes stage at RSS Tritiya Varsh event

Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) Tritiya Varsh event, in Nagpur. pic.twitter.com/V0f2oHG8vA

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

RSS’ invite to Pranab Mukherjee shows Sangh more liberal than Left, Congress

Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to RSS headquarters has put ‘secularist’-leftist-liberals on the defensive. Those who had been endlessly preaching on “tolerance” to Modi government and rest of the country are displaying maximum intolerance by taking on the former president for his decision to visit RSS headquarters. They have re-ignited the tolerance-intolerance debate, this time to their own loss. 

In an article published in Firstpost, RSS’ all India prachar pramukh Manmohan Vaidya talked about intolerance of Left-liberals who would bracket anyone not agreeing with their world view as right winger. He and others in RSS argue that RSS had invited Mukherjee knowing fully well that his ideological grooming and world view had been different than their own.

In fact, the RSS keeps on inviting people from other streams of life who don’t necessarily agree with the Hindutava organisation, which in turn goes on to portray RSS as a tolerant organisation which respects persons with contrarian views, as opposed to a Congress or a CPM. For once RSS appears to have stolen the thunder on public narrative from left liberals.

‘Dialogue possible with those willing to listen and change,’ Anand Sharma on RSS’ defense on inviting Pranab

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RSS, in its defense, had said that the exchange of views and ideas is intrinsic to the Bharatiya concept of dialogue. However, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha anand Sharma has a comeback for that. Sharma, tweeted that dialogue is possible only with those willing to change." He also said that Pranab Da’s images at RSS headquarter have ‘hurt’ Congress workers. 

Dialogue can only be with those who are willing to listen, absorb and change. There is nothing to suggest that RSS has moved away from his core agenda as it seeks legitimacy.

— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) June 7, 2018

Images of Pranab Da at RSS HQ have anguished millions of Congress workers, says Congress’ Anand Sharma

The images of Pranab Da, veteran leader and ideologue at RSS Headquarters have anguished millions of Congress workers and all those who believed in pluralism, diversity and the foundational values of the Indian Republic.

— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) June 7, 2018