"RSS is in no way connected to India's freedom struggle": Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

Asked about the RSS's centenary celebrations, Shivakumar said, "Let them do whatever they want to do. But they are in no way connected to the freedom struggle."

He also spoke about the contemporary relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings on peace and nonviolence.

"Gandhi is for peace... We want to see Gandhi's philosophy and the direction he gave to the country being implemented. We are the followers of Gandhi," he said.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday emphasised the importance of individual character building and the central role of the Shakha system in nurturing discipline and value-driven citizens.

Delivering his annual Vijaydashami speech in Nagpur on Thursday, Bhagwat said, "The system for creating individuals was destroyed in our society during the long period of foreign invasion... the Sangh Shakha is such a system. For the past 100 years, Sangh Karyakartas have consistently sustained the system in all kinds of circumstances. We must continue to do this in the future... that is why Swayamsevaks must undertake the discipline of changing their own habits by actively participating in the daily Shakha activities. The Shakha exists to nurture individual and collective qualities and spirit to create a favourable atmosphere for better basic human values and solidarity within the society, while actively engaging and cooperating in social activities."

Applauding the work done by the Swayamsevaks in maintaining dialogue with society-oriented individuals, the party chief said, "Swayamsevaks have actively engaged in various aspects of social life, as well as diverse organisations and institutions. This includes both local and national-level organisations. Swayamsevaks continue to cooperate and engage in dialogue with numerous individuals who are actively working in society. The Sangh has drawn certain observations and conclusions based on its collective experience."

He further emphasised the need for the country to have a successful development model based on holistic and integrated outlook to be protected from the upcoming challenges.

"We are still operating within those politics and frameworks, the inadequacies of which have been exposed to us... in the long run, we will have to make a gradual shift... However, there is no other way to protect ourselves from the challenges that we and the world are encountering... We need to create a successful development model based on our holistic and integrated outlook and present it to the world...." He said.

Further, the RSS chief highlighted the need for role models devoted to society, embodying transparency and selflessness, and treating society as their own. (ANI)