Indians should be proud of 'unity in diversity': Mohan Bhagwat

SURAT: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today said the people of India should take pride in the country's unity in diversity and strive towards increasing the glory of the nation as well as humanity.

Bhagwat was speaking after unfurling the National Flag on the occasion of 69th Independence Day function organised by an NGO Dr Ambedkar Vanvasi Kalyan Trust at Rander area of the city.

Explaining the significance of the tricolour, Bhagwat said, "There are three colours in our national flag and also there is a dharma chakra in between. This dharma chakra tells us that we all should live for the enforcement of religion in our country and that we have to bring back the lost religion in the world."

"The saffron colour is positioned at the top of the flag. It is the colour of sacrifice, credibility and knowledge Our kings and saints had made great sacrifices for others... the colour of that sacrifice was saffron. The clothes they wore were saffron. At the time of daybreak, this saffron colour (of the sun) clears the darkness of night. It is the colour of knowledge," he said.

While white symbolises piety and purity of life,green is the colour of prosperity in the world, he said.

"People connect and progress through religion. Religion is not only about worshipping, it is just a small part of it. In this religion of humanity, which is also called the Hindu religion, people from various sects and community live.

"Taking pride in this diversity, people should live unitedly and try to increase the glory of the nation, the world as well as humanity. This is the message the dharma chakra gives," he added.

Bhagwat said the Independence Day is celebrated by people belonging to every community and sect in the country. "This is the day when people keep away the differences of caste, creed, community, besides the political differences, and salute the tricolour. They sing one anthem and hail Mother India," he added.

On this day we should only remember the element of unity in diversity, Bhagwat said adding, "We have maintained unity in that diversity from an ancient era despite having witnessed many ups and down in the country."