The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJPideological )’s fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is planning a series of events to inspire patriotic fervour among the populace in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, according to sources familiar with the matter. From November 19, the birth anniversary of Rani Laxmi Bai, who battled the British in India’s first struggle of independence in 1857, through December 16, the day India commemorates its triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 war, the activities will take place.
RSS cadres plan to worship Bharat Mata (Mother India) in the countryside as part of the organization’s Swaraj 75 plan to commemorate 75 years of independence. It aims to create a Diwali-like mood by burning earthen lamps and reciting Vande Mataram in large groups. Tiranga (tricolour) yatras and street dramas are also planned by the RSS.
The RSS wants to gather 100,000 cadres in Lucknow to perform Vande Mataram. Earthen lamps would be lit as well. The outreach will also include the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and other like-minded organisations.
In schools and colleges, the RSS intends to host quiz shows and tournaments.
“The goal is to familiarise our students, our people with the heroes of the liberation movement, many of whom are lesser-known,” RSS functionary Ashok Dubey explained. “We’ve been accumulating information about them so that the new generation will be inspired by such unsung freedom fighters.”
The RSS is expected to put up a pamphlet about such unsung heroes.
RSS officials stated its members will organise events across the state to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 400th birthday, the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus. “…the party cadres would educate people about the Guru’s life and times, as well as his ultimate sacrifice,” an RSS official stated. “With the tagline Swaraj 75, we’ve got it all arranged.”
Before 2025, when the RSS celebrates its 100th anniversary, the RSS wants to hold a shakha (gathering) in each of the villages. Due of the Covid-19 epidemic, Shakhas that were previously held online have been taken down.
