Nagpur, August 15: On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, a special event was held at the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the RSS, hoisted the national flag in the headquarters premises. Following this, a worship ceremony for Bharat Mata took place, attended by a large number of volunteers and security personnel.
In his address after the flag hoisting, Bhagwat elaborated on the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and the responsibilities that lie ahead. He stated, “Independence Day is a matter of pride and celebration for all of us. From 1857, our ancestors made numerous sacrifices over 90 years to secure our freedom.”
He emphasized, “The glory of that sacrifice is in our hearts, and we enjoy it. However, we must also embrace another sentiment. After such hard work and sacrifice, we must maintain the freedom we have gained.”
Recalling the words of Veer Savarkar, Bhagwat quoted, “Je je uttam udatt uunnat mahan madhur te te,” explaining that the essence of freedom is to ensure that all that is noble, elevated, and sweet manifests in our country. He stressed that it is our duty to fulfill this need.
Bhagwat highlighted the significance of the national flag. He explained that when we hoist the tricolor, the colors convey a powerful message. The saffron color symbolizes diligence, knowledge, and sacrifice. “Just as a nation gains freedom through hard work, this saffron color reminds us of the need for sacrifice,” he noted.
The white color represents purity and peace. Bhagwat stated that a society flourishes with sacrifice, diligence, and knowledge, leading to peace and clarity of mind. The white color inspires us to engage in self-discipline and to continuously assess our efforts.
The green color symbolizes prosperity. He remarked that the outcome of sacrifice and purity is prosperity. Referring to the Ashoka Chakra in the center of the tricolor, Bhagwat explained that while individuals may differ, this diversity is an expression of unity.
He illustrated this with the example of the spokes of a wheel, which, despite being numerous, emerge from a single center, reminding us that our distinct paths should remain within the bounds of a common purpose.
Bhagwat emphasized the importance of discipline for a well-functioning society. He stated that we must progress within the framework of this discipline, which is why the Dharma Chakra is placed at the center of our national flag.
He also addressed the duties facing the nation, asserting, “While the nation has gained independence, it is essential to ensure it remains prosperous and secure. We must strive to make India a nation that contributes meaningfully on the global stage.”
He acknowledged the challenges and opposing forces but urged that, while staying true to our principles, we must work towards making India a global leader, contributing positively to humanity. This duty is before us today, and we must reflect on it.
Bhagwat concluded by urging everyone to contemplate the ideas behind the symbols of the national flag during the hoisting ceremony. He stressed the importance of integrating the essence of these reflections into our lives.
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