Stating that Tamil Nadu was a “spiritual land” that supported nationalist movements, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Sunday took out its annual route march in Chennai, its second in 15 years.
The pathasanchalan began from the Shri Natesan Vidyasala School Mannivakkam, 10 km to the south-west of Tambaram. Around 2,500 volunteers participated from across the seven RSS zones in the city according to the organisation’s media team, the Vishwa Samvad Kendra. The volunteers traversed a 3.5 km route before returning to the school.
The march was held as part of the Sangh’s Founder’s Day celebration and coincided with the 150th birth centenary of Swami Vivekananda’s disciple Sister Nivedita. The organisation was unable to organise route marches since its 2003 event as successive State governments had denied it permission. The Founder’s Day had to be observed within the private premises till January 2017, when – a month after the demise of the then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa – permission was granted.
Hits out at critics
On Sunday, the RSS State outreach wing coordinator Pa. Prakash said that the organisation was not new to Chennai, with the first pracharak arriving in 1939. He mocked critics for claiming the RSS has been struggling to expand in the State. “Forget setting foot. We have set foot, grown roots and grown into a large tree whose size will surprise others. Tamil Nadu is a spiritual land; it is the land of Alwar and Andal,” he said in a speech to volunteers after the march.
He also said that nationalist movements had existed in the State before the Revolt of 1857. Referring to recent events in the State, Mr. Prakash said: “Hindus are coming together because someone, somewhere said something about Andal...What they say about Andal and Tamil Thai Vazhthu is aimed at dividing us. Hindus should remain united,” he said. BJP Rajya Sabha member La. Ganesan and national secretary H. Raja attended the march.
