The PM’s message resonated deeply: Savarkar’s valor, composure, and patriotism light the path for every Indian. He offered profound respects to the revolutionary who sacrificed everything for India’s liberation, ensuring his ideals motivate future generations in nation-building.

JP Nadda, BJP president, portrayed Savarkar as the ultimate patriot whose resolve withstood the harshest colonial tortures. Nadda credited him with sparking the flame of nationalism and championed his thoughts on cultural preservation and Akhand Bharat as models for today.

Rajnath Singh, the Defense Minister, called Savarkar’s life a proud milestone in the independence movement, with his bold ideas still energizing millions. State leaders like Haryana’s Nayab Saini and Chhattisgarh’s Vishnu Dev Sai echoed these sentiments, hailing his unmatched bravery and devotion.

This collective homage underscores Savarkar’s enduring relevance. In an era of challenges, his story of endurance and vision for a united, strong India remains a powerful call to action for all citizens committed to the nation’s progress.

Leading the pack was BJP Delhi President Virender Sachdeva, who shared the cinematic experience with dedicated party members. The welcome committee, spearheaded by Media Department chief Praveen Shankar Kapoor, included key voices like Vikram Mittal, Yasir Jilani, Nitin Tyagi, Vikram Vidhuri, and Amit Gupta, setting a tone of camaraderie and respect.

Post-screening interactions revealed deeper insights. Sachdeva motivated attendees by stating that unyielding determination conquers even the toughest challenges, a theme central to ‘Border 2′. He praised the armed forces’ recent Republic Day rehearsal under torrential rains on January 23, calling it a beacon of valor that instills national pride.

Reflecting on traditions, he noted how annual Republic Day spectacles—parades, military might, and vibrant tableaux—serve as eternal reminders of India’s storied history and bright prospects. ‘Our legacy of courage is timeless; nothing can eclipse it,’ Sachdeva proclaimed, crediting PM Modi’s stewardship for the nation’s unstoppable progress.

Kapoor elaborated on the film’s relevance, positioning it as a vital tool to acquaint evolving youth with military sacrifices. Its box-office triumph signals robust nationalist sentiments permeating Indian society, from students to professionals, affirming cinema’s power in nation-building.

As Republic Day approaches, this screening amplifies BJP’s narrative on patriotism, strategically blending entertainment with ideology. It positions the party as a champion of military honors, potentially influencing voter sentiments in the capital’s diverse constituencies.

The students are from Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School in Elamakkara, Ernakulam. The school principal defended the students’ actions, stating the song was patriotic and sung voluntarily, not at the behest of Southern Railway. He expressed confusion over the Education Minister’s decision to order a probe and voiced concern about the cyberbullying targeting the children.

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty reacted strongly, ordering an inquiry into the matter. He deemed the singing a violation of constitutional and secular principles, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting national values and condemning the politicization of children for communal agendas.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also condemned the act, labeling the RSS anthem as belonging to an organization with a ‘communal ideology and hate mongering.’ He accused the Railways of succumbing to ‘Sangh Parivar politics’ and called for unity among secular and democratic forces to prevent the communalization of public institutions.

In contrast, Union Minister Suresh Gopi defended the students, describing their act as innocent patriotism. He questioned the reaction, stating it was not an extremist song. Minister of State George Kurian echoed this sentiment, questioning the ‘communal’ nature of the song and suggesting that those spreading anti-India sentiments might be behind the criticism.

This incident has reignited the ideological debate in Kerala, highlighting the tension between cultural expression, political ideologies, and secularism in public life as the government’s probe into the Vande Bharat song controversy continues.

Shastri articulated the core purpose of the padayatra, stating it’s a call for awakening among Hindus. He stressed the need to end casteism and discrimination, advocating for nationalism over divisive practices. The primary aim, he explained, is to ensure the safety of Hindu children and prevent the ‘Islamization’ of the country, promoting harmony and preventing communal discord.

With approximately 40,000 participants registered from various parts of India, each day of the padayatra is marked by patriotic and religious observances. Daily rituals include reciting the national anthem and the Hanuman Chalisa, followed by seven pledges designed to reinforce Hindu solidarity and dismantle caste barriers.

Baba Bageshwar clarified that the march is not an act of aggression against any community but a proactive effort in support of Hindus. He emphasized the mission to reach every village and street to advocate for Hindu unity and the preservation of Sanatan values, asserting that the fight is for all Hindus.

Invitations have been extended to leaders of all political parties who hold a passion for Hindutva, encouraging their participation. Shastri highlighted the patriotic fervor driving the event, stating that those who cherish Hindutva, Sanatan, and the Indian flag are joining. He described the padayatra as a religious endeavor, not a political one, aimed at benefiting the nation’s vast population.

The march also carries historical resonance, with Shastri referencing a past event in Delhi on November 7, 1966, where he claimed bullets were fired at saints and cows. He framed the current journey as a means to overcome historical grievances, end casteism, and promote brotherhood among Hindus. Participants are urged to take pledges, including commitments to Hindu unity, resistance to religious conversion, the abolition of untouchability, and a firm stance against any threats to their collective solidarity.

The 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ was recently marked with nationwide celebrations, including a year-long commemoration inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Events across the country celebrated the song’s role in fostering India’s cultural and patriotic heritage. Mahatma Gandhi himself once lauded the song’s power to inspire passion, non-violence, and self-sacrifice.

Historical context reveals that opposition to ‘Vande Mataram’ is not a new phenomenon. During the fight for independence, prominent Muslim leaders like Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad sang the song, even amidst criticism. Records also indicate that Muslim leaders, including the Indian National Congress president in 1896, participated in public renditions without objection.

Analysts suggest that current resistance mirrors the 1937 stance of Jinnah and the Muslim League, who objected to the song on religious grounds. Today’s opposition is viewed by many as an echo of outdated ideologies rather than genuine religious apprehension. In response to dissent, patriotic groups have organized public performances of ‘Vande Mataram,’ including outside the residences of prominent critics.

‘Vande Mataram,’ penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 and frequently banned by the British, has a rich history of inspiring national pride and sacrifice. Freedom fighters from various religious backgrounds, such as Ashfaqullah Khan, Maulana Mohammad Ali, and Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army, have all sung this iconic song.

Ultimately, the debate calls for extremists to recognize the song’s historical significance and its broad appeal among patriotic Indians of all communities. ‘Vande Mataram’ stands as a powerful, unifying symbol of India’s heritage, with objections often rooted more in ideology than in sincere religious concern.

He extended his best wishes to the countless volunteers dedicated to serving the nation and paid his respects to Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS. The Indian government has also issued a special postal stamp and commemorative coins to mark the 100-year journey of the RSS.

Modi emphasized that the organization’s sole objective is ‘Nation First,’ highlighting that the RSS has nurtured numerous lives, similar to how civilizations flourish on the banks of great rivers. He explained that the RSS has touched every region and dimension of society, just like a river enriches the areas it flows through. The Sangh’s journey is multifaceted, with various affiliated organizations working to serve the nation by addressing every aspect of life, including education, agriculture, social welfare, tribal welfare, and women’s empowerment. The singular aim of these diverse organizations is ‘Nation First.’

He further wrote that the RSS, since its inception, has aimed for nation-building, choosing individual development as the path. The regular shakhas (branches) are the chosen methodology. The Sangh shakha is a source of inspiration, where volunteers embark on a journey from self to collective consciousness. These shakhas serve as the training grounds for individual development.

The PM wrote that the foundation of the RSS’s century-long journey has been the great objective of nation-building, a clear path for individual development, and a simple, vibrant work method like the shakhas. Standing on these pillars, the RSS has shaped millions of volunteers who are propelling the nation forward in various fields.

Modi highlighted that the RSS has always prioritized the nation. During the freedom struggle, many workers, including Dr. Hedgewar, participated in the independence movement, with Dr. Hedgewar even facing imprisonment. The RSS supported numerous freedom fighters. After independence, the RSS continued its national service, despite facing conspiracies and attempts to suppress it. The volunteers never harbored bitterness, understanding that they are part of society, and society is made up of them. The volunteers have remained steadfast in every crisis due to their sense of unity with society and faith in constitutional institutions. They have remained sensitive to society.

Modi also stated that the RSS has been a symbol of patriotism and service since its inception. Volunteers served refugees during the partition, and they have always been at the forefront of every disaster with limited resources. They have provided comfort to the nation’s soul, and helping others in distress is the identity of every volunteer. Even today, volunteers are among the first responders during natural disasters.

He added that during its 100-year journey, the RSS has awakened self-awareness and pride in various sections of society. The RSS has also been working in remote areas, especially in preserving tribal traditions and values. Today, organizations like Seva Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Ekal Vidyalaya, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram have emerged as pillars of tribal empowerment.

Modi noted that the RSS has been working to address long-standing societal issues like discrimination and the caste system. He highlighted the efforts of various leaders, from Dr. Hedgewar to the current leaders, in combating discrimination and untouchability. He wrote that the current Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has set the clear goals of one well, one temple, and one cremation ground for social harmony.

Modi stated that while the needs and struggles were different when the RSS was founded a century ago, today’s challenges are different as India progresses towards development. He noted challenges like economic dependence on other countries, conspiracies to disrupt unity, and demographic changes. He expressed his satisfaction that the RSS has created a solid roadmap to tackle these challenges.

He concluded by saying that the Sangh’s five transformations—self-awareness, social harmony, family awareness, civic etiquette, and environment—are major inspirations for every volunteer to overcome the challenges facing the country. The aim is to promote the original concept of self-reliance by freeing oneself from the mentality of slavery, giving priority to the underprivileged through social harmony, and establishing social justice. Modi highlighted the demographic changes due to infiltration as a challenge. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening family culture and values. He also stressed the need to create awareness of civic duties among every citizen. He ended by saying that the RSS is embarking on its next century of journey with these resolutions, and its every contribution in the developed India of 2047 will increase the country’s energy and inspire the nation. He wished every volunteer the very best.

Shah’s vocal support for a ‘Greater Nepal’ and his installation of a map reflecting these territorial claims, which included areas considered Indian territory, have raised eyebrows. This move was seen as a direct challenge to India’s ‘Akhand Bharat’ concept, adding to the perception of his nationalist leanings. At 35, Shah is becoming a leading political figure, particularly favored by Nepal’s Gen Z. If he becomes Prime Minister, his policies could have significant implications for India. His public backing of the youth protests and his calls for restraint during the unrest have solidified his position.

Shah’s stance on the Hindi film ‘Adipurush’ also gained attention. He demanded the removal of a line that referred to Goddess Sita as the ‘daughter of India’ and threatened to ban the film. He later criticized the court’s decision to lift the ban, viewing it as an acceptance of India’s past influence in Nepal. As Mayor, Shah has implemented reforms, including cleaning roads, improving school monitoring, and cracking down on tax evasion by private schools. He was also recognized by Time Magazine as an Emerging Leader. With Nepal’s political instability, the question arises of whether Shah will become a new ally or pose a threat to India. His potential shift to the left politically could lead to actions against India’s interests, or he might seek a balanced approach. Any potential cancellation of the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship could strain relations.

In 1897, during a ceremony celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, sweets were distributed to schoolchildren. Eight-year-old Hedgewar refused to accept the sweets, discarding them in a trash can. In 1907, when the British administration imposed a ban on singing ‘Vande Mataram’ in public places, young Hedgewar sang the anthem in his class at Neil City School, in front of a government inspector, leading to his expulsion.

Hedgewar’s involvement extended to the Anushilan Samiti in Bengal. Born in Nagpur, Hedgewar was associated with Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. During his medical studies, he was connected with the Anushilan Samiti, a leading revolutionary organization in Bengal, Calcutta. In 1915, during World War I, when Ras Bihari Bose and Sachindra Nath Sanyal planned a nationwide revolt in military cantonments, Dr. Hedgewar emerged as a prominent leader of the movement in Central India.

Initially, Dr. Hedgewar also had connections with the Congress. In 1920, during the 20th session of the Congress in Nagpur, Dr. Hedgewar and Dr. B.S. Hardikar were entrusted with the responsibilities of all arrangements. Under his leadership, approximately 1,200 volunteers were recruited to manage the event. At the time, he served as the Joint Secretary of the Nagpur Congress and was also a member of the reception committee for the session.

Following the successful Congress session in Nagpur, Dr. Hedgewar became one of the important leaders of the province. In April 1921, he was chosen as one of the 12 members of the Tilak Swaraj Fund Committee for the Central Province. In May 1921, he was also elected to the District Congress. His growing popularity increased with his role in the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Dr. Hedgewar stood against British orders. On February 22, 1921, Dr. Hedgewar declared, “Not a single liquor shop will be allowed to operate in Nagpur.” The court imposed a ban on meetings, participation, or any involvement in public ceremonies for one month. He was later imprisoned. After spending a year in jail, Dr. Hedgewar returned to the national movement in 1922.

On April 13, 1923, the Jhanda Satyagraha was organized in Nagpur, for which Dr. Hedgewar trained his volunteers. To organize the Rashtriya Swayamsevaks in the freedom struggle, he, along with Seth Jamnalal Bajaj, Nilkanthrao Deshmukh, M.S. Aney, and Babasaheb Khaparde, established the Wardha Parishad. The first session of the Wardha Parishad was held in Nagpur in October 1923. In 1924, Dr. Hedgewar began using the press to promote the goal of complete freedom and emerged as a fiery editor. In 1925, Hedgewar established the RSS with his associates.

In 1926-27, the RSS’s reach was limited to Nagpur and its surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the revolutionary Rajguru, who was studying at the Bhonsala Vidyalaya in Nagpur, became a volunteer. Around the same time, Bhagat Singh met Dr. Hedgewar in Nagpur. In December 1928, after avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death by assassinating police officer Saunders, the revolutionaries successfully escaped from Lahore. Dr. Hedgewar arranged for Rajguru to stay at the farmhouse of Bhaiyaji Dani in Umred.

During the Simon Commission’s visit to India in 1927, a nationwide boycott was organized. In Nagpur, RSS volunteers were at the forefront of strikes and demonstrations. In 1928, during the Vijayadashami celebrations, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s elder brother, Vithalbhai Patel, was present as the chief guest. The Sangh formed a training camp in Wardha on Swaraj (April 27-28, 1929), which was attended by hundreds of volunteers.

Dr. Hedgewar stated, “The British government has repeatedly promised to free India, but every such assurance has proved false. It is now clear that India will have to achieve freedom through its own strength.”

The Congress passed a resolution declaring complete independence as its goal at the historic Lahore session in December 1929 and called for Independence Day to be celebrated across the country on January 26, 1930. Dr. Hedgewar expressed his happiness over this decision of the Congress. He issued a circular to all branches associated with the RSS, instructing them to hoist the national flag at 6 pm on Sunday, January 26, 1930, and to conduct lectures on the meaning and necessity of freedom. Thus, Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in all the branches of the Sangh.

In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi called for the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, which culminated in the historic Dandi March on April 6. The Sangh had already deliberated on its stand. In early November 1929, a 3-day meeting of all the Sanghchalaks was convened, where it was decided to provide unconditional support to the movement.

The Sangh formulated a clear policy that Dr. Hedgewar and selected leaders would personally participate in the Satyagraha. On July 21, 1930, Hedgewar led the Satyagraha, which was attended by 3,000 to 4,000 people. Around 10,000 people gathered in Pusad, en route to Wardha and Yavatmal, to support the movement. Hedgewar was sentenced to 9 months in jail for his role.

On August 8, 1931, during the Garhwal Day, several volunteers were injured when they violated Section 144 and took out a procession, which was lathi-charged by the police. During the Vijayadashami of the same year, Dr. Hedgewar, who was still in jail. In his absence, a message was read in the RSS branches in the villages, “Until the slavery of the country is over and the entire society becomes strong and self-reliant, we will not indulge in any kind of comfort.”

As the Sangh’s increasing role in the freedom movement grew, the enthusiasm of the workers increased. Simultaneously, the government also felt threatened. Then, on December 15, 1932, the Central Province government issued a circular prohibiting its employees from joining the RSS. Protests were held against it.

On March 7, 1934, when this circular was debated in the Central Province Legislative Assembly, the government, police officers, and intelligence officers were stunned. Because most of the MLAs, who were expected to support the government, opposed the ban on RSS people. The debate lasted for 3 days. This also increased the popularity of the Sangh.

As the movement intensified in the country, the propagation of the Sangh also increased. Inspired by the revolutionary spirit and ideas of Dr. Hedgewar and Babasaheb, Pachalgaonkar Maharaj merged his organization, the Mukteshwar Dal, into the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This patriotic initiative lasted for about six months and resulted in the establishment of 25-30 new branches.

The clarity of Dr. Hedgewar’s ideals and the need for the Sangh’s mission left a deep impression on several prominent national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. His ability to express the Sangh’s perspective in simple yet profound words earned him respect and attention.

A direct witness, Palekar, writes that a training camp started on December 22, 1934, in which 1,500 volunteers participated. Soon after, during the Wardha winter camp of December 25, 1934, the RSS became a topic of widespread discussion due to Mahatma Gandhi’s visit. When Gandhi arrived at the camp, the volunteers welcomed him with a disciplined cheer, demonstrating the Sangh’s system, unity, and sense of dedication.

During the Congress session in Faizpur, Uttar Pradesh, in December 1936, a strange incident occurred. During the daily flag hoisting ceremony, the tricolor got stuck in the middle of a 90-foot-tall flagpole. Despite several attempts, no one could raise it any further. At that moment, a young man named Kishan Singh Pardesi quickly climbed the pole and successfully hoisted the flag. The crowd was overwhelmed by his courage and resolved to honor him publicly.

However, when it was discovered that he was an RSS volunteer, the proposed honor ceremony was abruptly canceled, which was an example of the biased mentality of the Congress leadership at the time. When Dr. Hedgewar learned of the incident, he called Kishan Singh Pardesi, honored him with silverware, and advised him that “Wherever you see any obstacle in the work of the country, remove it – even if you have to risk your life.”

During his tour of several districts in Maharashtra in December 1937, Dr. Hedgewar introduced Veer Savarkar to the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. On December 12, 1937, Savarkar was given a grand welcome in Nagpur and taken around the branch. Seeing the well-organized movement and the dedication of the volunteers, Savarkar became extremely emotional.

On April 29, 1939, Gandhian leaders forced Subhash Chandra Bose to resign from the post of Congress President. As a result, on May 3, 1939, with the help of his associates, he established the Forward Bloc as an independent organization and launched a campaign to unite all nationalist forces outside the Congress. Bose was expelled from the Congress in September 1939, amidst the outbreak of World War II.

In early 1940, the veteran Bengali revolutionary Trailokyanath Chakraborty undertook a nationwide tour to organize veteran revolutionaries for the freedom struggle. After touring Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, he reached Nagpur, where he unexpectedly encountered Dr. Hedgewar. Overwhelmed, Hedgewar embraced him warmly. Chakraborty requested Dr. Hedgewar to channel the entire organizational strength of the Sangh into his revolution.

On June 20, 1940, Subhash Chandra Bose himself came to meet Dr. Hedgewar. By then, his health had deteriorated considerably. On the same day, he entrusted the responsibility of the Sangh to M.S. Golwalkar in the presence of several senior volunteers. Dr. Hedgewar passed away on June 21, 1940.

In 1942, the Congress launched the Quit India movement, warning the British to leave India. In this struggle, the volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also played an active role.

Meanwhile, in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, the Asti-Chimur rebellion took place under the leadership of Ramakant Deshpande, in which Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal and RSS volunteers participated. In this struggle, 125 Satyagrahis were tried, and many volunteers, including several senior officials, were put in jail. During this struggle, several British officers were killed, and many volunteers lost their lives. The movement rapidly spread to Bawali (Amravati), Asti (Wardha), and Chimur (Chandrapur). The news of the Chimur rebellion was also broadcast on Berlin Radio. In this region, the movement was jointly led by Congress’s Uddhavrao Korekar and RSS officials Dada Naik, Baburao Begde, and Annaji Sirs. In this struggle, RSS volunteer Balaji Rajapurkar was martyred by British bullets.

The Sangh remained consistently active in the Quit India movement. British intelligence reports stated that the Sangh’s work was rapidly increasing by May-June 1943. Its leaders were running training camps in many places, where people were given rigorous training and exercises. On September 20, 1943, a secret meeting of the RSS was convened in Nagpur, where the strategy of potential action was discussed if the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) entered India with Japanese assistance.

Another unique piece of evidence of this intention was seen when senior Sangh leader Babasaheb Apte, while addressing the Gurudakshina festival in Jabalpur on December 12, 1943, declared, “The atrocities of the British are unbearable. We must prepare ourselves to liberate the nation.” By the end of 1943, the intelligence reports on the RSS, which are now preserved in the National Archives, clearly recorded that the organization was continuously moving forward with a well-planned strategy towards achieving independence.

‘In the religion column, we write INDIAN in bold and capital letters, baby.’

‘The one who dies for the country never dies.’

‘A Hindustani, whatever he may be, dislikes two things: losing in cricket and an attack on his country.’

‘You ask for milk, we’ll give you kheer; you ask for Kashmir…..we’ll tear you apart.’

‘We have no objection to your Pakistan Zindabad, but our Hindustan Zindabad is, was, and will remain Zindabad.’

‘I don’t hear the names of states, I don’t see them. I only hear the name of one country…India.’

‘This Hindustan will not sit quietly anymore. This is the new Hindustan. It will enter homes and it will kill.’

‘Nothing comes before the nation…not even oneself.’

‘The blood that doesn’t boil yet, is not blood, it’s water. The youth that doesn’t serve the country is useless.’

‘Bravery is not just about killing someone, bravery is not just about saluting…Bravery is deep within us…a courage. A resolve.’