Shankar Mahadevan lauds RSS for ‘preserving’ Akhand Bharat ideology: ‘Salute you’
Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan on Tuesday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for “protecting” India’s culture and tradition and “preserving the ideology of Akhand Bharat”. Addressing the annual Vijayadashami Utsav event organised by the RSS in the Reshimbagh area of Nagpur, Shankar 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,” Mahadevan said.
He began his speech with a rendition of 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.
Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘destructive forces’ attack on ‘cultural Marxists, woke’ at RSS event in Nagpur
He also visited Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, the memorial of RSS founder Dr K B Hedgewar in Nagpur, and appreciated the Sangh’s Dussehra programme and the coordination with which it was organised.
“I am more proud of being a Bharatiya Nagrik (Indian citizen) today,” he said.
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.
