Lucknow: A unique atmosphere of social harmony and tradition was witnessed at the Deepawali Parivar Milan Samaroh (Diwali Family Get-Together) organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Lucknow Mahanagar. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS Pracharaks (propagators) were among the attendees at the event, which took place at CMS Gomti Nagar.
CM Yogi: ‘First Time Seeing a Deepawali Milan’
During the ceremony, CM Yogi Adityanath shared his surprise, stating, “I have seen ‘Eid Milan’ programmes many times, but this is the first time I am witnessing a Deepawali Milan.” He described the RSS Deepawali get-together as “wonderful.”
The Chief Minister noted that festivals were increasingly becoming restricted to just the family unit. He emphasized the significance of this gathering:
- “We celebrate events that gave a new direction to our history or a specific era as festivals today. We always celebrate festivals and holidays, but this family get-together is rare.”
- He recalled that previously, only ‘Eid Milan’ and ‘Iftar parties’ were held at the Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister’s residence.
- He asserted that this Deepawali Milan would work to enhance the unity of the family and society.
Focus on Swadeshi and Ayodhya’s Transformation
CM Yogi also touched upon the change in focus toward Hindu festivals and heritage:
- After becoming Chief Minister, he ordered an inspection of Ayodhya during Deepotsav (the festival of lights), and found the city “shrouded in darkness.” Since the following year, the government began celebrating Deepotsav in Ayodhya.
- He mentioned that the first step was changing the name of Faizabad, a name rooted in slavery, to Ayodhya. He added that by the grace of God, the Ram Mandir is now a reality.
- He made a fervent appeal to the public to buy only ‘Swadeshi’ (indigenous) goods on Dhanteras.
- He also urged everyone to resolve to deliver sweets, lamps, and idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to the home of at least one poor family this Diwali.
Rajnath Singh: RSS is the World’s Largest Organisation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the gathering, praised the scale and inspiration of the RSS:
- He mused that no one could have imagined that the Sangh would become the world’s largest organisation in its centenary year.
- He stated that the saffron colour (Bhagwa) is the symbol of its inspiration.
- He underlined the power of faith and conviction, noting that if mathematical problems can be solved through faith, so can the problems of human life.
- Singh highlighted his personal commitment, saying that when discussing the vastness of the RSS during foreign tours, he always emphasizes that he is an RSS ‘Swayamsevak’ (volunteer) first, and Defence Minister later.
Hindu Culture is Festival-Oriented
The event began with the guests lighting a lamp before the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, followed by a devotional song performance. Swataranjan, All India Pracharak Pramukh of the RSS, concluded the event by stating that Hindu culture has been ‘Utsav-Dharmi’ (festival-oriented) since ancient times. He noted that the roots of Indian culture are strengthened through the numerous festivals celebrated every week.
