Felicitation Ceremony Honors Unsung Heroes of RSS and BJP in Guna

Guna, 23rd January 2025: A heartfelt felicitation ceremony was organized on Wednesday at the historic Mantri Kothi in Guna to honor individuals who have selflessly dedicated their lives to the nation and the ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The event was held in memory of the late Nathulalji Mantri, a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and BJP, whose life and contributions were celebrated through speeches and a documentary screening.

The ceremony highlighted the sacrifices and perseverance of the honorees, with dignitaries and attendees bowing their heads in respect. Maharashtra BJP Vice President Madhav Bhandari, the chief guest, lauded the event as a “return to the roots” and an inspiring effort to remember and express gratitude to those who shaped the organization and served the nation selflessly.

Honoring Sacrifices for the Nation

In his address, Bhandari emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication of unsung heroes who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. “This program is an expression of gratitude and a source of pride for us. It reminds us of the individuals who sacrificed everything for the organization and the country,” he said.

Educationist Raniesh Jain conducted the event, while organizer Chandragupta Goyal delivered the vote of thanks. Goyal’s initiative was praised by speakers for its unique and inspiring approach to acknowledging the efforts of selfless individuals.

Harihar Niwas Sharma, one of the honorees, described the event as a meaningful tribute to those who contributed silently to the nation’s progress. “This program will serve as an inspiration for others to honor such sacrifices,” he said.

Dilip Saxena, another speaker, shared a personal anecdote about his inability to directly serve as a vistarak (full-time volunteer) due to family obligations, underscoring the challenges faced by many in balancing personal responsibilities with organizational service.

Recognizing the Honorees

Several dedicated individuals were honored during the ceremony, including:

• Gopalkrishna Dandotia, a lifelong RSS Bal Swayamsevak.
• Harihar Niwas Sharma, a third-year educated Swayamsevak.
• Keshav Singh, a BJP State Working Committee member.
• Parmal Singh Raghuvanshi, who has fulfilled various duties in the RSS.
• Gorelal, a regional pracharak whose honor was received on his behalf by Dilip Saxena of Swadeshi Jagran Manch.

As a mark of respect, the honorees were presented with garlands, shawls and the statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and cash reward.

Legacy of Nathulalji Mantri and Mantri Kothi

The event also highlighted the inspiring history of Mantri Kothi, the venue of the ceremony. The kothi, located on Haat Road, was home to late Nathulalji Mantri, who played a pivotal role in the formation of Bharatiya Jana Sangh alongside Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Nathulalji was a key figure in the 1953 Kashmir movement and was instrumental in bringing Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia into the Jana Sangh fold.

Mantri Kothi has hosted several luminaries, including Bala Saheb Deoras and Kushabhau Thakre, and served as a hub for strategizing during the formative years of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and BJP.

“The Body of a Pracharak Belongs to the Nation”

Keshav Singh, in his address, narrated a poignant incident involving volunteer Digandar Rao Tijare, who sold his blood to support the Sangh’s work. “A pracharak has nothing of his own to give, not even his body—it belongs to the nation,” Singh remarked, reinforcing the spirit of selflessness that defines the organization.

A Call to Remember and Inspire

The ceremony concluded with a collective sense of pride and inspiration. The speakers emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for today’s achievements and expressed hope that such events would motivate future generations to emulate the dedication of these unsung heroes.