RSS chief praises PM Modi, India's rich heritage (Update:RSS)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat praised the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for good governance on Friday, and also spoke about the nation's rich heritage and culture.

In a customary address to RSS workers delivered from the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra, Bhagwat called upon all fellow Indians to behave in a mature manner as they belong to the oldest civilisation of the world.

Speaking about the nation's rich heritage, Bhagwat said, " Indians have never wanted to impose their thoughts and philosophy on any one. It has never happened, never in our country or in the world were we forceful to anyone. We never disregard others belief."

Lauding the positive growth that has taken place under the leadership of Prime MInister Modi, Bhagwat said it is the initiative of the people at every stratum that is needed for the government or the administration to come up with developmental work.

"The image of India that we have in our dreams, which we have in our minds, maybe this time under the leadership of the present government we are walking towards that goal step by step. This is good, something we should be happy about and they have not completed six months yet," Bhagwat added.

RSS is the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bhagwat's speech, however, stirred controversy as it was telecast live on public broadcaster Doordarshan for the first time.

In his first 100 days as Prime Minister, Modi has set in motion the first major revamp in decades of the archaic labour laws, part of a plan to revive the flagging economy, boost manufacturing and create millions of jobs.

Famously seen as an investor-friendly leader who, as chief minister of Gujarat, ensured double-digit economic growth, Prime Minister Modi has advocated ease of business and said the role of government in boosting the economy and encouraging private enterprise should be limited to that of a facilitator.

Meanwhile, while addressing RSS workers and the nation at large in his speech, Bhagwat further emphasised that the security at the borders is at risk.

"The security of the border of this country is at threat now. Lawlessness too is giving us a big threat. This is what we are seeing," said Bhagwat.

Bhagwat also said that Pprime Minister Modi's recent trip to the United States had made Indians more confident and spread enthusiasm among the people.

RSS chief praised Indian Space research Organisation (ISRO) for the success of Mars Orbiter Mission and the efforts of the government for carrying out rescue operations in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir.

The Hindu festival of Dussehra marks the conquest of Hindu divinity Lord Rama, over the demon king Ravana, who is believed to have ruled the island of Lanka.

RSS has the custom of celebrating Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra.