New DElhi, Feb 09 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said conferring the Bharat Ratna on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, widely known as Veer Savarkar, would enhance the prestige of the country’s highest civilian award. Addressing the event ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey New Horizons’ in Mumbai, Bhagwat highlighted the enduring public admiration for the Hindutva ideologue.
“I am not part of the committee deciding the award, but if I meet someone, I will ask why it is delayed. If Savarkar is conferred the Bharat Ratna, it will honour the award itself. Even without this recognition, he already rules the hearts of the people,” Bhagwat said.
The issue of awarding Bharat Ratna to Savarkar has been politically contentious. While parties such as the BJP and Shiv Sena support recognising his contributions as a freedom fighter, writer, and social reformer, the Congress opposes it, citing his mercy petitions to the British during imprisonment.
During his speech, Bhagwat also elaborated on the RSS’s philosophy, emphasising that the organisation prioritises instilling values (sanskar) over aggressive publicity. “Excessive campaigning leads to arrogance. Publicity should be like rainfall—appropriate in timing and quantity,” he said.
On language policy, Bhagwat clarified that English would not become the central medium of communication in the Sangh, though it is used where necessary to facilitate understanding. He underlined the importance of mastering English while preserving native languages, stating, “People should be able to speak English in a way that native speakers will want to listen, without forgetting our mother tongue.”
Highlighting the organisation’s pragmatic approach, Bhagwat recalled addressing queries in English during a meeting in Bengaluru to ensure effective communication with representatives from southern states who had difficulty understanding Hindi.
The RSS chief’s remarks reinforce both the ongoing debate over Savarkar’s recognition and the organisation’s focus on strategic outreach and cultural preservation.