Bengaluru: The prolonged unrest in Manipur and emerging attempts to foster divisions along North-South and linguistic lines were among the key concerns highlighted by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader CR Mukunda at the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Bengaluru on Friday.
Mukunda acknowledged that the situation in Manipur has remained volatile for the past 20 months, despite recent political and administrative interventions by the central government offering a glimmer of hope. He stressed the need for sustained efforts to rebuild trust and restore normalcy in the region.
Expressing concern over divisive narratives, he warned against forces attempting to disrupt national unity by manipulating regional and linguistic differences, particularly in the context of the ongoing delimitation discourse. He affirmed that RSS volunteers and functionaries are actively working to promote harmony, with a special focus on southern states.
Moving on to cultural matters, Mukunda underscored the significance of the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, terming it a momentous event that reinforced cultural pride and instilled self-confidence within Hindu society, both in India and globally. He lauded the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh state government and the Union government for their infrastructural developments, which facilitated the smooth organisation of such large-scale events.
He highlighted the extensive welfare initiatives undertaken during the Mahakumbh, including Sakshyam, a public health programme that conducted 2,37,964 eye examinations, distributed 1,63,652 spectacles free of cost, and facilitated 17,690 cataract surgeries. He also noted the ‘One Thaali, One Thaili’ (One Plate, One Non-Plastic Bag) campaign by an affiliated organisation, which garnered considerable media attention domestically and internationally.
Reflecting on historical contributions, Mukunda pointed out the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar, celebrated last year. Various organisations and functionaries conducted discussions, both online and offline, to revisit her administrative reforms and their relevance in strengthening women’s leadership in governance and social transformation.
He concluded by stating that a comprehensive report on the discussions and assessments presented at the ABPS will be made available for distribution in due course.
