In a significant event marking the festival of Vijaya Dashami, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and former ISRO chief Dr. K Sivan participated in the Shastra Puja ceremony organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur. The occasion, celebrated annually by the RSS, saw the participation of several dignitaries, with Padma Bhushan awardee and former ISRO chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan gracing the event as the chief guest.

The Shastra Puja, or the worship of weapons, is a traditional ceremony observed by the RSS on Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the preparedness to protect the nation. This year’s event in Nagpur, the headquarters of the RSS, was particularly momentous as it brought together several prominent leaders from different fields, showcasing the significance of the occasion.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis Lead the Event

Nitin Gadkari, who hails from Nagpur, participated in the ceremony alongside Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a strong supporter of the RSS ideology. Both leaders highlighted the importance of Vijaya Dashami in Indian culture and tradition. The festival, celebrated across the country, marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the defeat of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil.

During the event, Gadkari and Fadnavis underscored the role of the RSS in promoting cultural and nationalistic values in India. They praised the organization’s commitment to strengthening the social fabric of the country and instilling a sense of duty among its members to protect and uphold the nation’s values.

Former ISRO Chief K Sivan and Padma Bhushan K. Radhakrishnan Attend

In a special addition to the event, two former ISRO chiefs, Dr. K Sivan and Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, were present. Dr. Sivan, who played a crucial role in India’s space exploration initiatives, joined the ceremony to offer his support and respect for the traditions of the RSS. Dr. Radhakrishnan, who received the Padma Bhushan for his immense contributions to India’s space research program, was the chief guest at the event.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of scientific progress and its alignment with India’s cultural values. He noted that the spirit of Vijaya Dashami, which represents courage, valor, and victory, resonates deeply with the mission of ISRO, which has always aimed to bring pride and progress to the nation through its space exploration achievements.

Symbolism of Shastra Puja

The Shastra Puja is an important part of the RSS’s tradition. It is a symbolic act of worshipping weapons, representing the readiness of the nation and its people to defend themselves against any threats. This year, the ceremony took place amid growing discussions about national security and self-reliance, topics that have been central to the RSS’s mission.

The presence of prominent leaders like Nitin Gadkari, Devendra Fadnavis, and scientific stalwarts such as K Sivan and K. Radhakrishnan at the event underscores the intersection of tradition, leadership, and progress in India’s national narrative.

The Shastra Puja ceremony in Nagpur on Vijaya Dashami 2024 stands as a testament to the cultural and nationalistic significance of the event. With leaders like Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis participating, and esteemed guests such as Dr. K Sivan and Dr. K. Radhakrishnan present, the event emphasized the unity between tradition, governance, and scientific progress in the nation’s journey toward development and security.