Amid the ongoing 'Bharat vs India' debate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday asserted that the name of the country is Bharat and it should remain Bharat.
“Bharat has been the popular name since ancient times,” said Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Sah-Sarkaryavah of RSS.
Dr Vaidya and Sunil Ambekar, All India Publicity Head of RSS, were speaking at a news conference at the conclusion of the Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak (coordination meeting) is being attended by 246 office-bearers of 36 RSS-inspired organisations including the BJP in Pune.
The meeting assumes significance as it comes ahead of the five-day special session of Parliament to celebrate 75 years of Independence and in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The three-day deliberations of the Sangh Parivar was presided over by RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat.
In response to a question on Sanatan culture, Dr Vaidya said that Sanatan Dharma does not mean religion. “Sanatan civilization is a spiritual democracy. Those who make statements about Sanatan should first understand the meaning of this word,” he said.
Dr Vaidya said that RSS-inspired organizations will make special efforts to increase participation of women in all fields and ensure their leading role.
“Family is the smallest unit by Indian philosophy. The role of women in the family is the most prominent. Therefore, women should play a leading role in every field of society. The increasing activism of women in the society is commendable, he said adding that the meeting elaborately discussed the topic to ensure women participation in the centenary year of RSS,” said Dr Vaidya.
Published 16 September 2023, 12:18 IST