Journey of RSS testifies enduring value of service before self, says VP Radhakrishnan

Lucknow (Raghwendra Pratap Singh) : Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan today said that the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stands as a testament to the power of organized voluntary action and the enduring value of service before self. The Vice President said this while releasing a book titled, ‘RSS@100: A Century of Service, Unity and Sacrifice,’ authoured by Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi, in New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said that the RSS has strengthened the ideals of service, unity and national consciousness, inspiring generations through selfless service and nation-building. He highlighted that the organisation’s century-long journey demonstrates that lasting national progress is achieved not only through institutions of government, but also through active citizenship and voluntary service.

Appreciating the authors for capturing the ethos of RSS, the Vice President said that the Sangh’s journey has been one of reviving, reinforcing and rebuilding India’s cultural roots, heritage and traditions. Quoting from the book, Mr Radhakrishnan described the Shakha as a workshop of the soul where the raw energy of youth is chiselled into national character.

He further added that the essence of a Swayamsevak lies in enhancing the dignity of every responsibility entrusted to an individual by performing it with dedication and excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the RSS has played a crucial role in safeguarding national interests, service, and democracy in every adverse circumstance. Mr Singh noted that the Sangh evaluates an individual not by his religion, but by his dedication to the nation. The Defence Minister further emphasized that the RSS has always worked with the spirit of ‘Nation First, Always First’, and noted that this commitment has made it the world’s largest and economically self-reliant voluntary organization.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts Ram Bahadur Rai, RSS Kshetra Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, co-authors Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi, Managing Director of Prabhat Prakashan Prabhat Kumar and other distinguished guests were present during the occasion.