Sacrifices of volunteers shaped RSS journey to centenary: Limaye

Nagpur: The journey of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) towards its centenary year was made possible through the sacrifice, struggle and dedication of its volunteers, said RSS saha sarkaryavah Atul Limaye while inaugurating the Sangh's ‘Karyakarta Vikas Varga-2' in Nagpur on Monday.Addressing swayamsevaks, Limaye said the RSS had faced ridicule, neglect and opposition throughout its history and was banned on three occasions, but continued to grow due to the commitment and conduct of its volunteers. "The extraordinary conduct of seemingly ordinary volunteers shaped the Sangh," he said.The inauguration ceremony of the 25-day training camp was attended by saha sarkaryavah Ramdutt and Jaipur prant sanghchalak Mahendra Singh Maggo. A total of 880 volunteers from different parts of the country are participating in the camp being held during the Sangh's centenary year.Speaking on the role of RSS shakhas and training camps, Limaye said the Sangh's personality development process is decentralised, with daily shakhas playing a crucial role in character building. He said RSS training camps, first started in 1927, have evolved over time in terms of methodology, but the organisation's three core principles have remained unchanged. "These principles are the conviction that India is a Hindu Rashtra, the goal of organising society to achieve its highest glory, and character building as the means to achieve that objective," he said. Limaye described the Nagpur camp as significant due to the city's historical association with the RSS. He added that participation in the camp requires both physical and mental preparedness and provides swayamsevaks an opportunity to witness what he termed as the nation's "Amrit Kaal".Referring to changes in the camp structure over decades, Limaye said while methods may evolve with time, the Sangh's foundational principles would remain intact. He added that apart from physical and intellectual training, the camp would also strengthen the spirit of national integration among volunteers. The camp will continue till June 4, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat scheduled to address the valedictory function.