"Everyone should pledge to protect nation's unity, integrity, security": RSS Gen Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale marks Independence Day

Speaking to the reporters after the event, Hosabale said, "Everyone should pledge today to protect the unity, integrity and security of the nation and empower it in every way."

Emphasising the role of citizens in nation-building, he added, "Everyone should contribute to the development of the nation and fulfil the aspirations of the freedom fighters..."

Earlier in the day, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat also hoisted the Tricolour at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day and said the national flag reminds citizens of the values of "sacrifice, dutifulness and knowledge".

Speaking at the event, Bhagwat said, "This is a matter of pride and excitement for all of us. If we count 1857, for 90 years, we have made sacrifices in various ways and our forefathers gave us the freedom to do so. The pride of that sacrifice is in our hearts."

Explaining the significance of the saffron colour of the national flag, he said, "The Kesariya Ranga is a symbol of dutifulness, knowledge and sacrifice."

Bhagwat said, "The way a nation gains independence through hard work, and after independence, it becomes prosperous and secure, this Kesariya Ranga reminds us of the need for sacrifice."

He further said, "By doing this, by living a life of sacrifice, by living a life of dutifulness, knowledge, peace prevails in society and the mind becomes pure. This is the white colour of purity."

Referring to the green colour of the Tricolour, Bhagwat said, "We get the third colour of prosperity."

On the importance of unity, he said, "When we are different as individuals, our thoughts will also be different. Everything will be fine. But this is the expression of unity. This is the expression of unity." (ANI)