Pranab Mukherjee addressed RSS cadres at the outfit’s headquarters in Nagpur, explaining to them the meaning of nationalism and patriotism. He told them that India derives its strength from tolerance, and any intolerance would only end up eroding our national identity. “Any attempt at defining our nationhood in terms of dogmas and identities of religion, region, hatred and intolerance will only lead to dilution of our national identity,” he said. India’s national identity emerged from a long-drawn process of confluence and co-existence, he said, adding that the concept of modern India was not bound by race or religion. He also urged the RSS trainees to strive for harmony. “Indian nationalism is not exclusive nor aggressive nor destructive. Every time a woman and child is hurt, the soul of India is wounded,” he said. His speech here had been a subject a much debate, giving rise to speculation whether it would be a rebuke to or an endorsement of the right wing outfit. Several Congress leaders, including his daughter, were dismayed by his decision to attend the event. But RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who gave a speech before the former President, said the controversy over the visit was meaningless. He said that the Sangh only wants to unite the entire society. “We embrace all, we are not just for one section. RSS believes in unity in diversity,” he said. Mukherjee also made an impromptu stop at Sangh founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s birth place in the evening.
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