By tying sacred thread to saffron flag

Prayagraj, 28 Aug (HS): Rakshabandhan, one of the six

festivals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was celebrated with great

enthusiasm and zeal this year in the auditorium of IIIT Allahabad. The keynote

speaker of the program was Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji, Co-Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya

Swayamsevak Sangh. The chairman of the function, Mukul Sharad Sutawane Ji,

Director of the organization, while showcasing Indian culture as a celebration

of relationships, said that Rakshabandhan is no longer limited to just brothers

and sisters; it has become a festival of protection and security between the

weak and the strong.

In his address at the event, which took place on Friday at

the Swayam Call campus, keynote speaker Dr. Krishna Gopal said that during

major social movements throughout history, people have tied a sacred thread of

protection to each other on the banks of the Ganges, pledging unity and

dedication. He emphasized that religion was not initiated by any one

individual; religion is the universal value that binds society. Dr. Gopal said,

The flag is a symbol of religion—we pledge to protect religion by tying a

sacred thread to the saffron flag. 'Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah'.

He also underlined that India is a multilingual,

multi-religious, and multi-cultural country, with religion being the unifying

force in its diversity. Foreign invasions and partition led to social

fragmentation, but the Sangh's efforts have been to establish unity and

fraternity amidst these ruptures. The Sangh has elevated Raksha Bandhan beyond

the traditional brother-sister relationship and embraced a pledge of belonging

and protection for the underprivileged, forest dwellers, and mountain dwellers.

Dr. Gopal also expressed concern about the current social

landscape, saying that alongside material prosperity, mental poverty is

increasing. Pointing to apartment culture and loneliness, he said that we must

encourage intimacy and social connection to maintain the purity of society. The

program conveyed the message that all citizens should increase mutual affection

and harmony by tying the sacred thread of protection to each other.

Present on the stage were Dr. Krishna Pal, the division

leader, and Rameshwar, the city leader. The program was conducted by Virendra

(co-division in-charge, South Division). Other prominent officials and

campaigners present were Subandhu (division in-charge), Ashish Mohan (department

co-in-charge), Ankit (district campaigner), Vasu (division in-charge), Krishna

Manohar, Vikas, Rajdev, and Rajesh. More than 1,500 workers and citizens

participated in the program. At the end, all present supported the event with

the message of solidarity and mutual protection and expressed confidence that

such events will strengthen social harmony and national unity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi