Shankar Mahadevan with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Nagpur: Famous singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, while addressing an annual Vijayadashami programme of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday, hailed the contribution of RSS towards the nation, its culture, traditions, and preservation of the ideology of “Akhand Bharat”.
The 56-year-old musician, who was the chief guest at the event, began his speech with the rendition of Saraswati Vandana, addressed to the goddess of knowledge.
Mahadevan, who is a Padma Shri awardee, expressed his appreciation for the RSS.
“What can I say on it? I only salute you. The contribution of the RSS is greater than anyone in preserving our ideology of ‘Akhand Bharat,’ our traditions, our culture,” he said.
Expressing his gratitude for being invited to attend the event as a chief guest, Mahadevan said that after getting the invitation, he received congratulatory calls from many people, a gesture which he found deeply touching.
“I am fortunate. The invitation was personal, served with a lot of warmth,” he said.
He also recounted his meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Mumbai, describing it as a fulfilling experience.
He visited Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, the memorial of RSS founder Dr. K B Hedgewar in Nagpur, and appreciated the Sangh’s Dussehra programme and the coordination with which it was organised.
“I am more proud of being a Bharatiya Nagrik (Indian citizen) today,” he said.
Mahadevan also urged people to contribute to nation-building through remarkable work in their respective fields.
With inputs from PTI