Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stressed the importance of enhancing India’s capabilities on Tuesday, saying that because of its cultural characteristics and technical prowess, the nation can serve as a model for the rest of the world. On the 77th anniversary of Independence Day, Mohan Bhagwat raised the national flag in Bengaluru and declared that defending freedom is an ongoing process. Based on the messages conveyed by the Tricolor, he said, the nation must advance and take the lead in the world. He issued a warning against forces that oppose India’s advancement.
“India has to be capable to enlighten the world. There are forces at work who want to impede India’s progress. We need to be alert, cautious and work on the basis of the message given by the national flag and bring the nation together so that negative forces are not successful,” he said.
The RSS chief said India can teach the world based on attributes of “knowledge, action, devotion, purity and prosperity”.
The event was organised by Samartha Bharat.
“We worship the Sun, hence we are called Bharat, in which Bha signifies Light. Surya Aradhana is a meaningful event on the occasion of Independence Day. Bharat attained independence to enlighten the world,” Mohan Bhagwat said.
He cited a Sanskrit verse about “swatantra (independent)” and claimed that, in addition to admiration for knowledge, understanding the significance of the national flag is necessary to fulfill the country’s role in the world.