Addressing a programme in North 24 Parganas’ Barasat on the freedom fighter’s birth anniversary, the RSS leader said, “There are different languages, castes and religions but nation is above all, that was the thought of Netaji. He was selflessly in love with the country.”

Stressing that merely remembering Bose on his birth anniversary wasn’t enough, Bhagwat said, “We shouldn’t remember Netaji with gratitude only for his contributions to the freedom struggle but also ensure that we internalise his qualities, ideals, and principles.

“After attaining Independence, we went to sleep with our selfishness. We don’t see anything beyond ‘my family’ and ‘I’. The shackles of arrogance, selfishness and differences continue. So, we need to remember the favours of Netaji on our generations with gratitude,” he said.