Ahmedabad: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressed RSS workers in the programme “Samaj Sakti Sangam” (a confluence of social power) here on Friday.

He emphasized the need for unity among different castes and sects, stating that “we were once united, but we created divisions in the form of castes which were later widened by foreigners. For the progress of our country, we must strive to become one again.”

Bhagwat paid tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 132nd birth anniversary and reminded the audience of Babasaheb’s emphasis on the importance of an equality-based society (samta-yukt samaj) for the country’s development. “Ambedkar rightly pointed out that we were defeated by foreign invaders as we were divided,” Bhagwat added.

Bhagwat also acknowledged India’s progress and growth but highlighted the challenges that the country faces. “Our western and northern borders are not so safe that we can sleep peacefully. Our soldiers have to remain awake, and we (citizens) also have to remain awake,” he said. He further mentioned that some with vested interests were trying to slander India while it was progressing, and there was a need to fight “intellectual battles” with such forces.

“Though we have progressed economically, poverty has not gone from the country. The work (of development) is yet incomplete. We have to fight these challenges,” he added. Bhagwat stressed the need for organized efforts from society to tackle these challenges. DeshGujarat