Pranab Mukherjee’s speech reminds one of glorious history of India, says RSS

Former president Pranab Mukherjee also highlighted inclusiveness, pluralism and unity in diversity as foundation of Bharat, says RSS official spokesperson.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has said former president Pranab Mukherjee, in his speech at the organisation headquarters in Nagpur on Thursday, reminded the people of the glorious history of the nation while highlighting inclusiveness, pluralism and unity in diversity as foundation of India.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee speaks during the closing ceremony of Tritiya Varsha Sangh Shiksha Varg, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh event to mark the conclusion of a three-year training camp for Swayamsevaks, in Nagpur on Thursday. (PTI photo)

“Mukherjee’s address reminded (of) the glorious history of the nation...5,000-year-old cultural heritage of the country. Our state system may have changed but our values remain the same. He also highlighted inclusiveness, pluralism and unity in diversity as foundation of Bharat,” RSS prachar pramukh (official spokesperson) Arun Kumar told PTI .

“We thank for him coming to the event and strengthening the conversation around the concept of nation, nationalism and patriotism,” he added.

Mukherjee, on Thursday, warned that any attempt to define India through “religion, hatred, dogmas and intolerance” will dilute our existence and said public discourse must be freed of all forms of violence, as he addressed an RSS event despite criticism by the Congress and his family.

Asserting that India’s identity has emerged through a long-drawn process of confluence, assimilation and co-existence, Mukherjee, in a strong-worded speech on ‘nation, nationalism and patriotism’ in context of India, said India’s soul resides in pluralism and tolerance.