Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], March 31 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Monday refuted the reports of "differences" between RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that there is "no gap" and it's all a "creation of media."
When asked if the differences between RSS and PM Modi have widened, Joshi said, "There is no difference; duriyaan to sirf media banata hai (it's all a creation of media)."
The RSS leader further applauded the Prime Minister for his works, saying that he has been doing and supporting many great works.
"He (PM Modi) has been doing and supporting many great works; it's in his nature, and it is good that he laid the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya..." the RSS leader told ANI.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters and paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh in Nagpur.
The Prime Minister started his visit by paying tribute to Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir, the administrative headquarters of the organisation. He was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Visiting Smruti Mandir in Nagpur is a very special experience. Making today's visit even more special is the fact that it has happened on Varsha Pratipada, which is also the Jayanti of Param Pujya Doctor Sahab."
Addressing a public rally, PM Modi lauded RSS workers. PM Modi praised their selfless contribution to humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief. "Their selfless service has been evident in times of floods, earthquakes, and most recently, at the Maha Kumbh," he said.
PM Modi emphasized their dedication with the phrase, "Jahan seva kaarya, wahan swayamsevak."
Commending the service of RSS volunteers, PM Modi noted that whether it was the Maha Kumbh or any other occasion, the 'swayamsevaks' were always there to help people.
...' Hum Dev Se Desh Aur Ram Se Rashtra Ke Jeevan Mantra Ko Lekar Ke Chale Hain, Hum Apna Kartavya Nibhaate Chalte Hain'... (We move forward with the life mantra of devotion to the nation and duty towards our country.) That is why, no matter how big or small the task, in any field, the volunteers of the Sangh work selflessly. We have seen in the Maha Kumbh how the swayamsevak helped the people. 'Jahan seva kaarya, wahan swayamsevak.' Where there are problems and difficulties, the swayamsevaks are there to help. They put aside their personal problems and work selflessly with the spirit of service," PM Modi said while addressing a gathering in Nagpur.
With RSS celebrating its centenary year, PM Modi said that the organization, which started as an idea a hundred years ago, has now grown into a 'Vat Vriksh' big tree symbolising longevity and immortality.
"The ideas that were sown a hundred years ago have today grown into this 'Vat Vriksh' before the world. The principles and ideologies give height to this tree. The lakhs and crores of 'kar sevaks' are its branches. This is not just any tree, it is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the modern 'Akshay Vat Vriksh' of India's immortal culture... Today, this 'Akshay Vat' constantly energizes Indian culture and consciousness of our nation," he said.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that due to such a long journey, society has seen, tested and accepted the volunteers of the Sangh.
"With a long journey, society has seen, tested and accepted the volunteers of the Sangh. As a result, there was a favourable situation, and the obstacles were also removed, and the volunteers are moving ahead," Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat said that in Sangh's philosphy, we say spend 1 hour on self-development and 23 hours for growth of society's growth.
"In Sangh's philosophy, we say spend 1 hour on self-development and 23 hours using that growth for society's welfare. This is our vision, and all our efforts are driven by this very principle," he said.