Modi lauds RSS, says it is rooted in democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on its centenary celebrations, and said the organisation never displayed any bitterness despite several attacks on it as it continued to work on the principle of nation first.

- Press Trust of India

Participating in the centenary celebrations of the RSS in New Delhi, Modi highlighted the contribution of the Sangh in nation-building and said it reached every corner of the country with the goal of fostering harmony by removing divisions of caste or creed and spreading the message of an inclusive society.

"The Sangh has fought against the atrocities of the British. Their only interest has always been love towards the nation," Modi said, adding that Sangh volunteers gave shelter to freedom fighters and its leaders were also jailed during the freedom struggle.

The PM also spoke about various challenges before the country. He said that India's unity in diversity is under threat from infiltrators causing a demographic shift, warning that it poses a risk to social harmony and internal security.