Bhagwat opens RSS HQ, says work must mirror grandeur of building
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated the redesigned Sangh headquarters here on Wednesday. Addressing leaders and cadres, he urged them to ensure that their work reflects the grandeur of the new building.
“The work of the RSS is gaining momentum across the country and expanding day by day. Today is the celebration of the homecoming to this newly reconstructed building. Our work should also be as grand as this building. We believe that this work will reach across the world and again take Bharat to the position of Vishwaguru. We will witness this in our lifetime. But for this to happen, every Swayamsevak must work selflessly,” Bhagwat said at the house warming of Keshav Kunj in Jhandewalan here.
RSS shakhas have expanded from 6,000 post Emergency in 1977 to 75,000 today — a 12-fold rise and cadres from 7 lakh to 40 lakh over the same period, a six-fold rise.
Bhagwat said while the circumstances in which the RSS operated had changed — from the past when it faced several hardships — its direction should not change.
First office in Delhi was opened in 1939
The first RSS office in Delhi was opened in 1939. It was a small building in the current location in Jhandewalan.
In 1962, it was expanded to include additional rooms. In 1969, Keshav Smarak Samiti was formed. During 1980s, the building was further expanded as per the requirements.
The reconstructed Keshav Kunj has three towers — Sadhana, Prerana, and Archana. It houses Ashok Singhal Auditorium, modern and well-equipped to meet contemporary needs.
“Prosperity is a necessity — we must have what we need, but it should be attained with limits. The newly constructed building by Keshav Smarak Samiti is undoubtedly grand. However, with this grandeur comes responsibility, and we must work accordingly to uphold its stature,” he said.
On the occasion, Bhagwat remembered RSS founder and first Sarsanghchalak Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his struggles during the initial period of the Sangh, which began in Mahal, Nagpur. Bhagwat said Delhi, being the national capital, serves as the centre of numerous activities and plays a crucial role in providing direction. Therefore, having a structure that meets the requirements was essential, and thus, the new building.
Over 7,500 RSS workers donated money to build the 12-storey three-tower Keshav Kunj across 5 lakh sq ft area at a cost of Rs 150 crore.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas Treasurer, Govinddev Giri Ji Maharaj, who was also present, said today was auspicious as it was the Jayanti of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who represents the ideological strength of the Sangh.
Raghavanand Maharaj, the head saint of Udaseen Ashram, Delhi, where Sangh had shifted on rent till the new building came up, hailed the fact that RSS was about to complete 100 years on Vijayadashmi year.
Alok Kumar, president of Keshav Smarak Samiti, which oversaw the reconstruction of Keshav Kunj said the work began in 2016.
