At the RSS Vijayadashmi rally held at Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur on October 2, 2025, former President Ramnath Kovind delivered a powerful message to the nation, expressing concern over the absence of capable individuals in politics and emphasising the urgent need for youth to enter politics. The event marked the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, where Kovind served as the chief guest, making his address particularly significant during this historic milestone.
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The former President’s remarks resonated deeply with the audience as he lamented that good people are increasingly distancing themselves from the political landscape. His appeal represents a clarion call for a new generation of leaders who can bring integrity, competence, and fresh perspectives to governance. This emphasis on encouraging youth to enter politics reflects growing concerns about the quality of political leadership and the need for transformative change in India’s democratic fabric.
The Core Message: Good People Staying Away from Politics
During his address as chief guest at the annual Vijayadashmi rally, Kovind specifically noted his disappointment that “good people” are staying away from politics and issued a direct appeal urging youth to enter politics and become part of the country’s political landscape. This observation highlights a troubling pattern where educated, capable, and ethically grounded individuals often choose careers in other sectors rather than public service.
The former President’s concern stems from the reality that politics requires individuals of character, vision, and dedication. When competent people avoid political participation, it creates a vacuum that may be filled by those with less desirable motivations. By urging youth to enter politics, Kovind emphasised that democracy thrives when its best minds actively participate in shaping policy and governance.
His message was not merely a casual suggestion but a passionate plea for the younger generation to recognise their responsibility toward nation-building. The appeal to encourage youth to enter politics carries special weight coming from someone who served as India’s 14th President and has witnessed the inner workings of the political system at the highest level.
Personal Inspirations: Hedgewar and Ambedkar
Kovind shared personal reflections about the influences that shaped his own life, acknowledging that RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar played important roles in his development. This acknowledgement of diverse ideological influences demonstrates the former President’s inclusive worldview and suggests that motivation for youth to enter politics can come from various philosophical traditions.
By citing both Hedgewar, who founded the RSS, and Dr Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution and champion of social justice, Kovind illustrated how different streams of thought can converge toward the common goal of nation-building. This balanced perspective is particularly relevant for young people considering political careers, as it shows that one can draw inspiration from multiple sources while maintaining personal integrity.
The mention of these two towering figures also serves as a reminder that transformative leaders have historically emerged from deep commitment to social causes and national welfare. For youth to enter politics with such inspirations can lead to more principled and effective governance.
The Centenary Context: RSS at 100 Years
The Vijayadashmi celebration in 2025 held special significance as it marked the RSS completing 100 years since its foundation. The centenary provided an appropriate backdrop for Kovind’s call for youth to enter politics, as the organisation itself has been influential in shaping political discourse and social movements in India over the past century.
The event was held at 7:40 am at Reshimbagh in Nagpur, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also addressing the gathering. The symbolic importance of this historic occasion amplified the message that new generations must step forward to carry forward the work of nation-building, appealing to youth to enter politics even more compelling.
The centenary celebrations represent not just a look backwards at achievements but also a forward-looking vision for the next hundred years. In this context, encouraging youth to enter politics becomes essential for ensuring continuity of values while bringing innovation and contemporary perspectives to address modern challenges.
Kovind’s Upcoming Book: Documenting the Republic’s Journey
Kovind’s Upcoming Book: Documenting the Republic’s JourneyDuring his speech, Kovind announced that he is writing a book titled ‘Triumph of the Indian Republic’, which suggests his deep engagement with understanding and documenting India’s democratic journey. This literary endeavour indicates that his appeal for youth to enter politics stems from a studied observation of the republic’s evolution and challenges.
The book project demonstrates Kovind’s commitment to sharing insights gained from decades of public service, which could serve as valuable guidance for young people contemplating political careers. By documenting triumphs and presumably challenges, the former President aims to provide a roadmap that might inspire more youth to enter politics with a realistic understanding and an idealistic purpose.
The Broader Challenge: Attracting Talent to Politics
The reluctance of talented individuals to pursue political careers is not unique to India but represents a global phenomenon. Several factors contribute to this trend, including the perception of politics as a corrupting field, the demanding nature of public life, media scrutiny, and the financial uncertainties associated with electoral politics. Kovind’s call for youth to enter politics addresses these concerns by implicitly arguing that change requires active participation rather than passive criticism.
Modern democracies face the paradox where those most qualified to lead often feel least inclined to enter politics. Young professionals in technology, business, medicine, and academia may view political careers as less appealing compared to their current paths. However, for democracy to flourish, it needs an infusion of talent, innovation, and integrity—qualities that the younger generation possesses in abundance.
The emphasis on encouraging youth to enter politics also recognises that younger leaders bring fresh perspectives on contemporary issues such as climate change, digital governance, social justice, and economic innovation. Their participation can help bridge generational gaps in policy-making and ensure that governance remains relevant to evolving societal needs.
The Role of Youth in Democratic Renewal
Youth participation in politics represents more than just filling positions; it signifies democratic renewal. Young leaders typically bring energy, technological savvy, global perspectives, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. When youth enter politics, they often introduce new methods of community engagement, communication, and problem-solving that can revitalise political institutions.
Furthermore, young politicians serve as role models for their peers, creating a positive cycle that normalises political participation among their generation. Kovind’s appeal recognises that sustainable democratic health requires continuous recruitment of capable individuals who view public service as a worthy calling rather than merely a career option.
The former President’s message implicitly acknowledges that for youth to enter politics successfully, existing political structures must also adapt to accommodate new voices and ideas. This reciprocal relationship between established leaders encouraging youth participation and young people being willing to engage creates the foundation for robust democratic governance.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for National Transformation
Conclusion: A Call to Action for National TransformationFormer President Ramnath Kovind’s address at the RSS Vijayadashmi rally represents more than ceremonial remarks; it constitutes a serious call to action for India’s youth. His observation about good people shying away from politics and his direct appeal for youth to enter politics highlight a critical challenge facing Indian democracy. As the nation navigates complex domestic and international challenges, the need for capable, ethical, and visionary leaders has never been more urgent.
The message delivered at this historic centenary event serves as both a warning and an invitation. It warns against complacency and the dangerous tendency to leave politics to others while simultaneously inviting young people to step forward and shape their nation’s destiny. For youth to enter politics with conviction and preparation could indeed be the transformative force that Indian democracy needs in the coming decades.
Kovind’s words, informed by his extensive experience in public service and his understanding of both constitutional values and social movements, deserve serious consideration by every young Indian contemplating their role in national development. The question remains whether this generation will heed the call and embrace the responsibility that comes with democratic citizenship.
