RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today praised freedom fighters, including Tamil chieftain Veerapandiya Kattabomman who had waged a war against the British East India Company in the 18th century.
"We remember and tell stories about such kings and chieftains, who waged an armed struggle to gain freedom from the British yoke.
The great Tamil chieftain Veerapandia Kattabomman was one among many.
He and others not only fought for freedom, but also for world peace," he said.
Bhagwat praising Kattabomman comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoking noted Tamil poet Subramania Bharati in his Independence Day address.
Modi quoted a few lines from the works of the revered poet as he borrowed his words saying India will show the "whole world a way" to get rid of all kinds of bondage.
Bhagwat said Kottabomman inspired people to take up arms to fight against the oppressive rule of British East India Company.
"Many freedom fighters were inspired by Veerapandian Kattabomman. Even today Indians tell stories about his valour and courage," he said.
Kattabomman was a freedom fighter and chieftain from Panchalankurichi in Tamil Nadu. He had refused to accept the sovereignty of the British East India Company.
Society shall remember one who has served society not who lived for themselves and that is why Rani Chennamma and Shivaji were still remembered, Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat also spoke about Swami Vivekananda, who, he said, served people without seeking anything in return.
Earlier, Bhagwat unfurled the tri-colour at Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra and addressed students there.
He also planted and watered a sapling on the school premises.
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