02 October,2025 08:19 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Former President Ram Nath Kovind addresses the RSS’ annual Vijayadashmi rally at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur. PIC/X
Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said Mahatma Gandhi was highly impressed by the absence of caste-based discrimination in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as he urged young Indians to step into politics to strengthen democracy, news agency PTI reported.
Addressing the RSS' annual Vijayadashmi rally at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur as the chief guest, Kovind said the organisation has stood for social equality and harmony since its inception in 1925. The rally this year also marked the centenary celebrations of the RSS.
"The RSS is known for its efforts to root out divisive tendencies through initiatives like one temple, one well, one cremation ground. It is admirable that several projects of social service and transformation are being implemented with the spirit of harmony. The work of swayamsevaks in poor localities across the country to improve education, health and public awareness is particularly commendable," Kovind said.
He recalled that Mahatma Gandhi, too, had acknowledged the Sangh's emphasis on unity and equality, reported PTI.
"Gandhiji was deeply impressed by the practice of harmony, equality and complete absence of caste-based discrimination in the RSS' functioning. A detailed description of this is available in the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi," said the former President.
Kovind noted that Gandhi addressed an RSS rally in Delhi on September 16, 1947, where he referred to his visit to an RSS camp years earlier during the lifetime of founder Dr KB Hedgewar, PTI reported.
"During that visit, Gandhiji was very impressed by the discipline, simplicity and total absence of untouchability in the camp," he added.
The former President also highlighted that Dr BR Ambedkar's 1940 visit to an RSS shakha in Karad town of Maharashtra's Satara district stands as "a historical testimony of the organisation's inclusive approach". Kovind said both Dr Hedgewar and Dr Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping his own thoughts.
"I was inspired by the values of national unity and social harmony shared by Dr Ambedkar and Dr Hedgewar. There is no casteism and discrimination in RSS," he stressed.
Kovind also reflected on the importance of political participation, saying it was unfortunate that "good people" were keeping away from politics.
"I appeal to the youth to be part of the country's political landscape. Only then will Indian democracy achieve its true potential," he said.
He further informed the gathering that he is currently writing a book titled Triumph of the Indian Republic, which will examine India's democratic journey.
The Vijayadashmi rally, a major annual event in the RSS calendar, saw a large turnout of swayamsevaks and also featured references to the centenary of the organisation founded on Dussehra in 1925 by Dr Hedgewar.
(With PTI inputs)
