Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat attended the Guru Purnima celebrations at the Ramachandra Convention Center in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. He emphasized the significance of the nation for the RSS, stating that the Sangh’s volunteers are committed to protecting the country whenever its culture and dharma are threatened.
During the event, Mohan Bhagwat participated in various rituals and pujas as part of the Guru Purnima observance. Numerous RSS volunteers attended the ceremony, including BJP State President K Annamalai, senior leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, and retired Madras High Court judge PN Prakash.
Addressing the gathering, Mohan Bhagwat highlighted, “Since 1928, the RSS has annually celebrated the Guru Puja festival. This event is where RSS volunteers pledge their dedication under the saffron flag. Saffron symbolizes Indian culture, tradition, sacrifice, and dharma. It represents the ideology that guides RSS volunteers.”
He further said, “Guru Puja is not about fundraising; it is about dedicating oneself to the nation and dharma. The RSS instils a sense of selfless service towards the country. Whenever our culture and dharma face threats, RSS volunteers stand ready to protect the nation.”
Guru Purnima is among the six festivals officially celebrated by the RSS, which was founded in 1925 by Hindu revolutionary and reformer Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. It is a day when every RSS Shakha organizes Guru Dakshina (Offering to the Guru). Later in the day, Mohan Bhagwat also participated in a youth meet organized by Chinmaya Mission at Chinmaya Heritage Center in Chetpet.
The RSS celebrates six festivals yearly: Varsha Pratipada, Vijayadashami, Makar Sankranti, Hindu Samrajya divas, Guru Purnima, and Raksha Bandhan. These festivals are celebrated in all their shakhas, spread across India and abroad.