Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed his endorsement for awarding the Bharat Ratna to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Veer Savarkar, stating it would enhance the prestige of the award. Bhagwat emphasized Savarkar’s existing popularity among the public during an event in Mumbai titled ‘100 Year of Sangh Journey – New Horizons’.
Bhagwat addressed the delay in conferring the award, mentioning that if given to Savarkar, it would be a significant honor for the Bharat Ratna itself. The demand for this recognition has sparked political debates, with some advocating for it due to Savarkar’s role as a freedom fighter, writer, and social reformer, while others, like the Congress party, have opposed it, labeling him a “traitor” for his actions during the freedom struggle.
During the event, Bhagwat also discussed the RSS’s organizational principles, emphasizing the importance of values over aggressive publicity strategies. He highlighted the RSS’s focus on instilling values or “sanskar” and expanding outreach initiatives, while also addressing the organization’s language policy, stating that English would not be the primary communication medium within the RSS.
Bhagwat stressed the significance of language skills, suggesting proficiency in English while advocating for the preservation of native languages. He shared an anecdote about using English for effective communication with representatives from southern states during a discussion in Bengaluru, showcasing the RSS’s pragmatic approach to language usage.
