Nagpur, August 22 (HS): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday announced that former President Ram Nath Kovind will grace its annual Vijayadashami celebration as the chief guest. The event is scheduled to be held at the Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur on October 12.

According to the RSS publicity department, the Vijayadashami festival holds unique significance for the organization, symbolizing “the triumph of truth over untruth and the worship of strength.” The day also marks the foundation anniversary of the RSS, established in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur. For the Sangh, therefore, Vijayadashami is not just a religious festival but also its founding day, celebrated with great enthusiasm each year.

On the occasion, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat is expected to deliver his annual address, focusing on contemporary national and social issues. Kovind’s presence, the Sangh emphasized, carries special significance, given that he has held the country’s highest constitutional office. His participation as chief guest on the RSS platform is being described as “a matter of immense pride.”

The event will feature thousands of swayamsevaks in traditional uniform showcasing RSS drills, along with cultural performances reflecting the Sangh’s ideology.

“This is an honor for us. Having the esteemed presence of a former President at our Vijayadashami function will further strengthen national consciousness,” the publicity department stated. Kovind will be the second former President to share the RSS stage — the first being the late Pranab Mukherjee, who addressed an RSS gathering in 2018.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar