New Delhi, 21 October (H.S.): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin extended greetings to all volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the occasion of its Foundation Day, commending their dedication to social service, nation-building and the goal of placing the nation first.

In a message shared on X on Wednesday, Nabin said that, guided by the principle of “Nation First”, RSS volunteers were working with unwavering commitment and dedication to organise society and help India attain its highest potential.

He said the service initiatives undertaken by volunteers across the country were strengthening the values of service, cooperation and social responsibility. According to Nabin, this proud tradition of service, discipline and patriotism would inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of national service and selfless dedication, while providing fresh momentum to the resolve to build the nation.

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh was established on October 21, 1951, under the visionary leadership of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, at a time when India was grappling with the aftermath of Partition and the challenges faced by displaced people.

Championing the slogan, “One country cannot have two constitutions, two flags and two heads of government,” Mookerjee launched a historic movement against the permit system in Jammu and Kashmir. He ultimately sacrificed his life in the cause of national unity.

Following Mookerjee, prominent leaders such as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani and Nanaji Deshmukh infused the organisation with renewed strength through the principles of Integral Humanism and nationalism.

During the Emergency imposed in 1975, the Jana Sangh played a leading role in the struggle to protect democracy. Following the dissolution of the Janata Party in 1980, the Bharatiya Janata Party was formed.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Article 370 was abrogated in 2019, a development presented by the party as fulfilling Dr Mookerjee’s vision for national integration.

Rooted in the principles of “Nation First”, “Antyodaya” and “Integral Humanism”, the party’s 75-year journey from the Jana Sangh to the BJP has been described as a significant chapter in its political history.

The party also highlighted welfare initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Har Ghar Jal, stating that these programmes were improving the lives of citizens, particularly those from economically disadvantaged sections of society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar