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Appendix VI

Presidential speech by Dr Syama Prasad


Mookerjee at the Annual Function of R.S^S.
(Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh) New Delhi on
3rd December, 1950

I deem it a great pleasure to be invited to preside over your annual


gathering. Let me, in the first place, warmly congratulate you on the
performances you have just displayed, your discipline, efficiency and
alertness indicate not only the spirit of your devotion but also the high
qualities of training and organisation that you have imbibed. The R.S.S.
has passed through many trials and tribulations. The fire of suffering
and sacrifice has, however, added to its strength and vitality and today
it stands more consolidated than perhaps it ever did before. As an
organisation it is devoted to the development of Bharatiya culture and
spirit of unity and solidarity amongst all classes of Hindus throughout
this great country. The revival of the glory of our past culture and
civilisation is a task of supreme importance in the building-up of free
India. Our country is divided into many States and the people residing
therein not only speak different languages but also follow varied habits
and customs. But amidst all this diversity, there does exist a spirit of
unity which in national interest has to be intensified, and broad-based.
History reminds us that Hindus lost their political freedom because of
disunity and jealousy amongst themselves and thus foreigners stepped
into our country and ultimately captured political power. We must see
to it that history is not allowed to repeat itself in future. Many people
often criticise any genuine movement for consolidation of Hindu culture

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366 Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Indian Politics, 1938-1953

or revival of Hindu ideology as some thing reactionary and retrograde.


This is either due to a spirit of ignorance or of a sense of inferiority
complex. No one would suggest for a moment a revival of any narrow
separatist tendencies or any undue emphasis on mere froms and rites
which indeed led to the disintegration of Hindu society itself Hinduism,
rightly understood, is all-embracing. The message of Bhagwat Gita, of
Ramayana and Mahabharat ennobles the human mind, irrespective of
caste, creed or colour. It is this universal appeal, based on a spirit of
truth, service and sacrifice on strength and vitality that must from the
foundation of Hindu revival in India. As a land of peoples following
diverse faiths and religions maintenance of good understanding amongst
all such classes, based on one common nationhood and a common
Bharatiya culture, it also a vital necessity. So long as all of them remain
loyal to the spirit of Bharat Mata and consider themselves as true
children of the soil, ready to share alike, in her joys and sorrows, there
need be no fear for the safety of any one of them. In the past, betrayal of
the country's interests by a section of such people caused considerable
doubt regarding their ultimate loyalty, the most glaring example of such
betrayal being the move for partition of our Motherland on the basis of
religion.
Our country today is faced with diverse problems, social, economic
and political. No doubt, Government has to play its part worthily in the
solution of these problems. Indeed, the existence of any Government will
depend ultimately, not on brute force, but on the manner in which it
succeeds in serving the interests of all closes of people, raising their
standard of living, and evoking in their minds a spirit of spontaneous
loyalty and confidence. The people, however, cannot sit idle, leaving
everything in the hands of Government. Removal of those evils which
are disrupting our society and weakening the economic stability of our
country is task that needs the services of thousands of self-less volunteers.
Here the R.S.S. can well play their part. The rapidly deteriorating
economic condition of the country is fraught with great dangers to the
future welfare and stability of India. The basic problem is how to reduce
the prices of food and to provide for clothing and shelter ... clothing and
shelter. More production and better distribution offer the ultimate
solution. There are too many anti-social activities which are standing in
the way of achieving this goal. Class antagonism, black-marketing,
profiteering, narrow selfishness and lethargy all these combine to create
deadlocks at various stages. Apart from laws and regulations, creation of
a strong and healthy public opinion is an essential factor for eradicating
these evils. The international situation is getting more and more

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Appendices 367

complicated everyday. At such a time, the greatest need is to strengthen


the home front. We have to prevent growth of conditions which may
lead to internal chaos which often follow in the wake of widespread
frustration and despondency. The freedom that has come to us has no
glow in it. No positive motive power inspires the popular mind. Forces
of disintegration are visible in every sphere. Above all, partition of India
has brought misery and humiliation to millions and led to social,
economic and political consequences of a very grave character. How to
reduce this grievous error and to reunite India is not a narrow communal
issue. It is a problem which both India and Pakistan have to face, if the
people residing in these lands are ever to achieve prosperity and the
country to attain strength and greatness and to become a real bulwark of
world peace and freedom. Due to historical reasons India is today being
governed by one party rule. Democracy can never thrive under these
circumstances. Tendencies of fascism are markedly manifest in various
spheres of public life. So long as any party is not wedded to the cult of
chaos and violence, full liberty must be given to all to propagate their
view-points, leaving the ultimate choice in the hands of the people of
India.
After nearly 1,000 years Hindus have got a chance to build the edifice
of their own free choice. In the land of their birth let us not be short-
sighted or make any mistake for which posterity may curse us. Bharat's
destiny lies in modelling her affairs on the truest concents of Hinduism,
extending equal opportunities to all citizens alike irrespective of caste or
community, harmoniously unifying all into one consolidated nation,
strong and self-reliant, developing her vast resources through science
and technology and making available such developed wealth to all alike.
Thus alone we may rekindle the glory of our people enhance our national
strength and prestige and pave the way for making our due contribution
to the maintenance of peace and progress of the world. Let the R.S.S.
play its part worthily in this great task of our national reconstruction.

Source: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Papers, Instalment I, Serial No. B,


Instalment II-IV, Subject File No. 168-169.

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