“Patriotism is the inspiration behind ‘Sangh’ songs. Even though the names of their creators are not known, the feeling behind them is the same,” said Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday. He was speaking at ‘Sangh Geet Lokarpan Sohala’, organised by Khasdar Sanksrutik Mahotsava Samiti to commemorate 100 years of (RSS) at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat auditorium. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister; Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Highways and Road Transport; Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Revenue Minister; and Prof Anil Sole, Chairman, Khasdar Sanskrutik Mahotsav Samiti, shared the dais.

 

 

‘Ajaramar Sangh Geet’, a music collection of songs sung by Swayamsevaks and recorded by renowned singer Shankar Mahadevan, was released for the public by the hands of Dr Mohan Bhagwat. Dr Bhagwat, in his address, emphasised the importance of Sangh Geets. “Words and music are vehicles of emotion. If great words are accompanied by music, they directly enter the heart,” said Dr Bhagwat. He also said that the sacrifice and dedication of ‘Swayamsevaks’ underpin these works. The music collection features ten songs composed by Shankar Mahadevan, with some pieces set to newly arranged tunes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his address, described RSS songs as deeply inspirational, imparting lessons in selflessness and national duty. He remarked that the timeless thought that while pursuing self-interest, one must not forget the welfare of the world echoed through these compositions. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recalled the influence of the Sangh songs in his life.

 

“Whatever good I learnt was during the days in Sangh and Vidyarthi Parishad and it was through Sangh songs,” stated Gadkari. He also invited Mahadevan to present all 25 songs from the music collection at the forthcoming Khasdar Sanskritik Mahotsav, calling the works unforgettable in their ability to reach hearts and shape character. The evening began with renditions of late Atal Behari Vajpayee’s ‘Nirmano Ke Pavan Yug Mein...’ and Sridhar Bhaskar Varnekar’s ‘Mansa Satat Smaraniyam...’, performed by Shankar Mahadevan. At the onset, Shankar Mahadevan presented selected 10 songs from the collection including ‘Ham Kare Rashtra Aaradhan...,’ ‘Balsagar Bharat Hovo...’, ‘Chareyavati Chareyavati...’, and ‘Dhwaj Keshari Shivacha...’, among others. Several senior RSS officials explained the importance and spirit behind the Sangh songs through audio-video messages. Actor Sharad Kelkar compered the programme, while Prof Anil Sole proposed a vote of thanks. Jaiprakash Gupta, Rajesh Bagdi, and Deepak Khirwadkar, among others, contributed towards the success of the programme. A special felicitation was accorded to Shankar Mahadevan, Sharad Kelkar, composer Soumil Shringarpure, and collector of the songs Kunal Joshi. Mentions of Sunil Ambekar, Kunal Joshi, and Avinash Ghushe further highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event, which drew a large gathering of enthusiasts and well-wishers.