"One should imbibe patriotism and also express it. The country needs the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh today more than ever to inculcate that value," said Karnataka former chief minister S.M. Krishna, who presided over the "Vijayadashami Utsav" organised by the RSS in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The veteran Congress leader who joined the BJP in 2017, said the RSS was built in 1925 with a lot of foresight. "It was Dr Hedgewar's vision to build an organisation to prepare the country for the challenges post independence. RSS is not a political institution. It strongly believes that Indian culture and values are aligned to the concept of "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family)".
"I have served the political field for long. I grew up in the Ramakrishna Ashram and was inspired by Paramahamsa and Vivekananda. I believe the country needs RSS today more than ever. So, I have come here out of reverence," said Krishna, adding that he noticed the work of RSS quite late in life.
"I took note of RSS quite late in my life. There are lakhs of RSS workers who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation. This is patriotism. If the young are sensitised early in life, it will help them comprehend this country better," said Krishna.
Krishna recalled an incident during his tenure as a parliamentarian. "I was interacting with some RSS workers and learnt that then RSS chief used to travel by train. This is simplicity. We must inculcate it. As Kennedy said, ask not what your country gave you, instead ask what you gave the country; the people of India need to find the answer to the question. We all spend a lot of time on self development and for our family. Every Indian should ask himself how much time he is devoting for the country," said Krishna.
"In America, every citizen compulsorily needs to serve the country for two years. Trump skipping the rule is today an election issue. Democracy in India is robust and the institutions like the Election Commission are committed to safeguarding democracy. When Atal Behari Vajpayee lost majority, he readily gave up power with a smiling face. This balanced state of mind even while relinquishing is intrinsic to Hinduism," said Krishna.
The former external affairs minister also stressed the need for education reforms. "Today, education is imparted as per the English system. Unfortunately, education being a state subject, the Centre is unable to intervene and bring in reforms."
