Country has high hopes from Modi, our swayamsevak, says Mohan Bhagwat

New Delhi: Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “charismatic” and whose life story provides “sfurti (vigour)” and “prerna (inspiration)” to others, RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said the country has high hopes from Mr Modi. 

At the launch of a coffee-table book, Making of a Legend, on the Prime Minister, Mr Bhagwat said it was Mr Modi’s “aprasiddh (not famous)” journey from being a swayamsevak to the Gujarat chief minister that “brightened” the path, which led him to become the Prime Minister of the country. Mr Bhagwat said though Mr Modi’s name and fame is spreading across the globe but it has no effect on him and he continues to be the same as he was during his days as a swayamsevak. 

BJP president Amit Shah also shared the dais with the RSS supremo.

“...his journey till he became Gujarat chief minister is known to us swayamsevaks and karyakartas but if it (journey) had continued at that level not many would have known Narendrabhai... we know because he is our swayamsevak and we know its importance also,” said Mr Bhagwat, as he praised Mr Modi’s life journey as something which is worth reading about. The RSS chief also clarified that he never attends such events but said yes to the author, Mr Bindeshwari Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, as he himself, like Mr Modi, is working for a social cause.  

Heaping praise on Mr Modi, the RSS supremo said that the Prime Minister has qualities like hard work, courage, patience, wisdom, strength and valour but what is more is that he considers that no work is impossible and does what is needed.

“Though it is natural to focus on Modi’s personality but people should go beyond it...They should also focus on the work that goes into making of successful people,” he said, asking them to know why Mr Modi’s leadership became “a ray of hope” for the country.

“What should be done has been discussed in the country for the last 70 years. But it is happening now. Why? Because it is being done now....Society has got a good and able ‘thekedar’ (contractor) in Narendra bhai for its welfare but the danger is that people will leave everything to him and go to sleep. It should not happen. Books (on him) should help people develop attributes like him,” Mr Bhagwat said, referring to the Prime Minister.

He said all should endeavour to make India a greater country than it was before its “decline” in the last 1000-1500 years.

“It seems to me that (BJP chief) Amit bhai has given a safe estimate of 2024,” he then said referring to Mr Shah, who had spoken earlier and had mentioned about Modi government’s welfare targets, many with 2024 deadline. The next Lok Sabha elections are due in 2019.

“But a lot of work has to be done... Government cannot do everything. Society too has to pitch in,” said Mr Bhagwat as he referred to untouchability.