Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his appreciation for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his address at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in New Delhi. Speaking at the event, Modi shared how his connection with the RSS had not only helped him learn the Marathi language but also provided him with an opportunity to connect deeply with the region’s culture. He credited the RSS for being instrumental in shaping his cultural and linguistic understanding, particularly of Marathi culture, and expressed his gratitude to the organization for its impact on his personal journey.
In his speech, the Prime Minister reflected on the significant role the RSS has played in the promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage. He emphasized how the organization has dedicated itself to teaching the youth of the country about India’s values and traditions, describing its work as a cultural ‘yajna’ (sacrificial ritual). He further acknowledged the role of the RSS in preserving and promoting cultural awareness among India’s younger generation, aligning its efforts with those of other great figures in Indian history, like Swami Vivekananda.
During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievement of granting Marathi the status of a classical language. This recognition, according to the Prime Minister, was a long-awaited dream for the 12 crore Marathi-speaking people across the world. He credited this achievement to the support of the RSS and expressed his appreciation for the organization’s constant efforts to protect and promote India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Modi also addressed the significance of the 98th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, pointing out that the event was being held on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. He noted that the event wasn’t just a celebration of Marathi culture or literature but also represented the essence of India’s freedom struggle and its cultural legacy.
In his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the contributions of a prominent Marathi figure who had helped establish the RSS nearly 100 years ago. He further elaborated on the continuing relevance of the RSS in India’s national discourse, emphasizing how the organization is marking its centenary with initiatives aimed at educating youth about India’s profound cultural values.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his address by stressing that the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan stands as a testament to India’s cultural richness, transcending regional boundaries, and contributing to the country’s broader national identity.
