Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a podcast with Lex Fridman, BJP leaders have shared their experiences as volunteers with the organization, highlighting its impact on shaping their inclusive approach to leadership.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain spoke about his time as an RSS volunteer, attributing much of his inclusive approach to the lessons he learned from the organization. “The Prime Minister has said right, he is also a member of the Sangh. He is a preacher, and the Sangh teaches one way of life. As a volunteer of the Sangh, he has learned a lot in his life, and that is why he walks with everyone in the country today…” Hussain told media.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also praised Prime Minister Modi, calling him the embodiment of the aspirations and dreams of 140 crore Indians. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the human reflection of the aspirations, resolve, and dreams of 140 crore Indians, and that is why the people of India have elected him as the Prime Minister of this country for the third time. I know that under his able leadership, the resolve of a developed India will certainly be brought to fruition,” she said.
In his conversation with Lex Fridman, PM Modi reflected on his journey with the RSS, sharing how the organization shaped his values and vision for the country. “I feel fortunate that I learned the essence and values of life from such a sacred organisation like the RSS. I got a life of purpose,” said Modi. He further explained that the RSS assigns a purpose to its members, focusing on nation-building and social service. “It always felt nice to attend RSS gatherings as a child. I always had one aim in mind, to be of use to the country. This is what ‘Sangh’ (RSS) taught me,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the significance of the RSS, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. “There is no bigger ‘Swayamsevi Sangh’ in the world than the RSS… Understanding the RSS is not an easy task; one needs to understand its functioning. It gives its members a purpose of life. It teaches that the nation is everything and that social service is the service of God,” he concluded.
Lex Fridman, a research scientist, hosts a popular podcast where he converses with notable figures from politics, business, and other fields, including US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and leading personalities such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. His podcast has garnered millions of views and subscribers, making it a significant platform for global discussions on various topics.