The RSS chief had met industrialists on his second day in city.
Is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) moving away from its longstanding image of Hindu nationalist organisation? The question sprang up in the minds of many after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat talked about creating a platform for business leaders from various community and religion for economic growth — a clear indication that the organisation is now focussing on the overall development of the country. Bhagwat was talking at a meeting held at Pranlal Bhogilal's bungalow in Gandhigram, on Monday.
On his second day in the city, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met religious leaders, media house representatives and leading industrialists of Gujarat. He also visited the family members of martyr Major Rishikesh Ramani. Bhagwat also visited Pramukh Swami Maharaj at Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha temple in Shahibaug.
He urged industrialists not to follow the western model blindly. "We must adopt only that which is necessary and beneficial for our country and its people," said Bhagwat in the meeting.
In response to this, industrialist talked about infrastructure built in Gujarat. "The state offers an environment conducive to the growth of industries. This model should be replicated in other states too for the overall development of the country," said one of the industrialists present in the meeting.
Another industrialist suggested that the activities of RSS should be made public. "RSS has undertaken so many activities, but people are not aware of any," he said.
While emphasising on the historical importance of ayurveda and other traditional disciplines, he said, "Ayurveda is widely accepted in western parts of the world, but India is yet to avail its benefit. It's time we start making most of our traditional practices."
Around 20 honchos including host Pranlal Bhogilal, Gautam Adani of Adani Group, Sudhir Mehta of Torrent Group, Sanjay Lalbhai of Arvind, Rajesh Gandhi of Vadilal, Jayanti Patel of Meghmani Group, Rupesh Shah of GCCI, Rajendra Shah of Shah Alloys, Sunil Parekh from Zydus Group, Mitesh Shroff of Excel Group and Atul Shroff from Vadodara attended the meeting.
During his visit to late Major Rishikesh Ramani's house, Bhagwat met his father Vallabhbhai Ramani. "Bhagwatji visited us and offered his condolence. He also lauded Rishikesh for his sacrifice." The RSS chief then paid a visit to Sanyas Ashram on Ashram Road and met its head Nirvan Pithadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishwadevanand Maharaj. "He spent nearly 45 minutes here. We discussed about religious affairs and ancient Indian traditions and issues like terrorism," said Swami Vishwadevanand Maharaj.
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