English
Nagpur: Bollywood singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan on Tuesday lauded the contribution of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) towards the nation, its culture, traditions and preservation of the ideology of “Akhand Bharat”. Mahadevan also urged people to contribute to the nation-building through remarkable work in their respective fields.
Addressing the annual Vijayadashami programme of the RSS in Reshimbagh area of Nagpur, 56-year-old Mahadevan, who was the chief guest at the event, began his speech with the rendition of Saraswati Vandana, addressed to the goddess of knowledge. The musician, who is a Padma Shri awardee, expressed his appreciation for the RSS.
“What can I say on it? I only salute you. The contribution of the RSS is greater than anyone in preserving our ideology of ‘Akhand Bharat,’ our traditions, our culture,” he said.
Mahadevan said after he got the invitation to attend the RSS event as the chief guest, he received congratulatory calls from many people, a gesture which he found deeply touching.
This is the mantra for world’s peace. Praying for every human being’s peace. This is what our country is…,” Mahadevan said the RSS Vijayadashami Utsav event.
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.
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.
The annual ‘Vijayadashmi Utsav’ event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) started with workers’ ‘Path Sanchalan’ (route march) at Maharashtra’s Nagpur on Tuesday.
The ceremonial Dussehra event is graced by singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan as the Chief Guest of the function.
Speaking on occasion, Shankar Mahadevan extended his greetings to everyone on the occasion of Vijayadashmi and thanked the RSS chief for inviting him as the Chief Guest of the event.
“I want to extend my greetings to everyone on the occasion of Vijayadashami. I am very honoured & privileged that I have been welcomed as a chief guest at this function. I want to thank the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and the entire Swayamsevak Sangh family. I am very excited to attend this program,” Shankar Mahadevan said while speaking to ANI at the event.
On the occasion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the founder of the organisation KB Hedgewar.
Shankar Mahadevan was also seen offering floral tributes at the statue of KB Hedgewar.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also performed ‘Shastra Pooja’ on the occasion of ‘Vijayadashami Utsav’.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the event.
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