Bhopal, July 21 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar stood for equality and patriotism, and added that the state’s initiative to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was guided by the same principle.
Addressing a programme organised by Sanskar Bharati at Ravindra Bhavan to mark the RSS centenary, Yadav said Hedgewar had dedicated his life to the service of the nation and inspired generations to work with the spirit of “nation first.”
“Hedgewar believed in equality along with patriotism. The initiative to implement the Uniform Civil Code has also been undertaken with this very sentiment in mind,” the Chief Minister said. His remarks came hours after the Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the UCC Bill.
Yadav said Hedgewar had recognised the importance of preserving the country’s freedom and launched several constructive initiatives with a long-term vision for nation-building.
In another part of his address, the Chief Minister said India was progressing towards Hedgewar’s vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Swami Vivekananda had said that the coming century would belong to India. Today, that vision is becoming a reality. PM Modi is working to build the India envisioned by Hedgewar. India is regaining its pride and glory, while equality remains the foundation of our constitutional values,” he said.
The Chief Minister also congratulated Sanskar Bharati for presenting a play on Hedgewar’s life and contributions and appreciated the artistes for their performance.
RSS functionary Hemant Muktibodh said the play depicted Hedgewar’s dedication to the nation and his efforts to build a strong and prosperous India. The play, Yug Pravartak Hedgewar, was directed by Subodh Surjikar and written by Ajay Pradhan. It was produced by Nagpur-based cultural organisation Nadbrahma with the support of the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department and has been staged in several cities across the country.
Former Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Cooperative Minister Vishvas Sarang, senior RSS functionaries and a large number of citizens attended the programme.
–IANS
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