Underlining the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in nation-building and its initiatives on social inclusion, former President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday recalled that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when he was Prime Minister, had said his government would function on the basis of “Bhimsmriti rather than Manusmriti” where “Bhimsmriti means the Indian Constitution”, and that “we are Bhimwadi, meaning Ambedkarite”.
Addressing the Vijayadashami rally in Nagpur where he was chief guest at the RSS centenary celebration, Kovind said, “I want to mention a Dalit Sangam rally on the Red Fort premises in 2001. I was president of the Scheduled Caste Morcha of the BJP at that time and Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. Many people used to indulge in false propaganda that the Sangh Parivar and Atalji were anti-Dalit. Atalji, while addressing the rally, said that our government is there for the welfare of Dalits, OBCs and the poor.”
“Hamari sarkar Manusmriti ke aadhaar par nahin balki Bhimsmriti ke aadhaar par kaam karegi. Bhimsmriti arthaat Bharat ka samvidhan. Unhone ye bhi kaha tha ki hum Bhimwadi hain arthaat Ambedkarwadi hain (Our government will function on the basis of Bhimsmriti rather than Manusmriti. Bhimsmriti means the Indian Constitution. He also said that we are Bhimwadi, meaning Ambedkarite),” he said.
“That speech of Atalji had a historic role in removing the misgivings in this section of society that were a result of false propaganda against the Sangh. The Sangh has been a supporter of social unity and reform,” he said.
Invoking the legacies of Dr B R Ambedkar, RSS founder Dr K B Hedgewar and Vajpayee, Kovind said that his own rise from an ordinary background to the highest constitutional office was possible due to the social justice system enshrined by Ambedkar in the Constitution.
“Two doctors from Nagpur had a great influence on my life – Dr Hedgewar and Dr Ambedkar. Because of the social justice enshrined in Babasaheb’s Constitution, a person from an ordinary social and economic background like me could reach the highest constitutional post. I got a lens to understand society and the nation from the ideas of Dr Hedgewar. My inspiration for public service with a keen sense of national unity and (samajik samrasta) social reconciliation comes from there,” he said.
“I came in touch with the Sangh ideology and Swayamsevaks in the 1991 general election… (when I) became the BJP candidate from Ghatampur Lok Sabha seat in Kanpur. During the campaign, I got a chance to meet and work with people from various sections of society. The ones whom I found the most forthcoming, committed and free from caste barriers were the Sangh office bearers and swayamsevaks.”
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He said even today many people don’t know that there is no untouchability and caste discrimination within the Sangh. “I believe that the misgivings about the Sangh in various sections need to be removed,” he said.
Paying tribute to Hedgewar, ‘Guruji’ M S Golwalkar, Balasaheb Deoras, Rajju Bhaiya and countless swayamsevaks, Kovind described the Sangh as a banyan tree that has grown in strength over a century, spreading unity and social harmony.
On the Sangh’s initiatives on social inclusion, he cited the Ekatmata Stotra and the contributions of women through the Rashtra Sevika Samiti. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar’s interactions with the Sangh, he said both had recognised its discipline and sense of belonging.
Spiritual leader Dalai Lama, whose message was read out at the Reshimbagh Ground, hailed the work of the RSS: “Founded in selflessness and duty, it has provided an unparalleled example of dedication and service, uniting people and strengthening Bharat materially and spiritually. It has worked in remote regions, aided education and social upliftment, and supported disaster relief. Over 50 years, I have observed the Sangh and its institutions closely and been deeply impressed.”
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“The Sangh has long worked in these directions, inspiring my respect. It has also rendered special service for Tibetan refugees, for which the Tibetan community remains grateful,” he said.
