As it happened: From our Constitution flows our nationalism, says Pranab Mukherjee at RSS event in Nagpur

Former president Pranab Mukherjee is at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur amid criticism from several corners, including the Congress party.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee is at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur. The visit by the former Congress party stalwart has come under intense criticism from many corners, including the opposition party. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel and Mukherjee’s daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee are among those who have criticised him for accepting the invitation of RSS. She posted a tweet on Wednesday, warning Mukherjee of the consequences of his visit to the RSS headquarters, while Patel tweeted saying he “did not expect this from Pranab Da”.

Here are the live updates:

07 June 2018

20:33 IST

In the happiness of the people lies the happiness of the king, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:31 IST

We might be world's fastest growing economy, but we do not appear in World Happiness Index, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:31 IST

We need to move from anger and violence to peace and harmony, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:29 IST

Manifestation of rage is tearing our social fabric, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:28 IST

In a democracy, informed and reasoned public engagement on all issues is essential, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:28 IST

Secularism is the real religion of our country, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:25 IST

From our Constitution flows our nationalism, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:23 IST

What Pandit Nehru wrote in Discovery of India is the real form of nationalism, says Pranab Mukherjee at RSS event in Nagpur.

20:21 IST

As Gandhi ji explained, Indian nationalism was not exclusive or distructive, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:19 IST

The concept of modern Indian states are articulated by several thinkers, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:18 IST

If we indulge in hatred and discrimination, then there's threat to our identity, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:15 IST

Pranab Mukherjee hails the era of Samrat Ashok, saying he used sound of drums to promote peace and fraternity

20:14 IST

Intolerance hampers our identity as a nation, says Pranab Mukherjee.

20:13 IST

Diversity in language and culture is what makes India special, says Pranab Mukherjee at RSS event in Nagpur.

20:12 IST

Dedication towards the country is patriotism, doors of India have always been open for people from different parts of the world, says Pranab Mukherjee at RSS event.

20:08 IST

I am here to share my understanding with you the concept of nation, nationalism and patriotism in the context of India, that is Bharat, says Pranab Mukherjee

20:07 IST

Former President Pranab Mukherjee addresses RSS gathering in Nagpur.

20:06 IST

We are what we are, we look the way we are. If you think we are right, come and support us, says Mohan Bhagwat.

20:05 IST

Check if what I am saying is right or not, and if you find that it is right, join us and work for Sangh. Anyone is free to walk in and walk out whenever they want, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:55 IST

Sangh is a body that unites people from different walks of society. Wherever they go, RSS workers get the love and support of people, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:49 IST

No matter what the ideology is, no matter what the religion or language is, RSS believes in those who work for the society and influence people around. We have lots of Mahapurush, but we want such karyakartas, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:47 IST

Our vision is that we all are one, some don't understand it, some understand, some people do not want to understand it despite knowing it, and there are some who just do not want to know it, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:44 IST

RSS founder Dr Hedgewar has participated in Congress movements during the freedom struggle, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:43 IST

Governments can do a lot of things, but cannot do everything, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

19:41 IST

The sole motive of different ideologies in India is to take the country forward and change its fate, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:41 IST

No Indian is outsider for another Indian, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

19:40 IST

Sangh wants to unite the whole society, no one is an outsider for RSS, says Mohan Bhagwat

19:37 IST

Nothing new has happened this year, such eminent citizens are invited to RSS event every year. We invited him and he accepted the invitation. The debate about why he is attending the event is immaterial, says Mohan Bhagwat.

19:35 IST

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses gathering being attended by former President Pranab Mukherjee.

19:01 IST

"Exchange of ideologies is an old Indian tradition, and continuous dialogue is the lifestyle of people in India. Both Sangh and Pranab Da know each other's thoughts, still Sangh invited him and he accepted the invitation. This is Indian culture and tradition," tweets RSS.

विचारों का आदान-प्रदान करने की भारत की पुरानी परम्परा है. सतत संवाद भारत की जीवन शैली है. संघ और प्रणव दा एक दूसरे की विचारों को स्पष्ट जानते हैं, फिर भी संघ ने निमंत्रण दिया और प्रणब दा ने स्वीकार किया. यही भारतीय परम्परा है. #RSSTritiyaVarsh

— RSS (@RSSorg) June 7, 2018

18:46 IST

Congress launchea a scathing attack on the RSS with a video on Twitter, says "Today is a very fitting day to bring you all a primer on what the RSS really stands for".

Today is a very fitting day to bring you all a primer on what the RSS really stands for. pic.twitter.com/m1oQ15nkDJ

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 7, 2018

18:44 IST

"It is imperative for all Indians to know what the RSS has historically stood for and to understand what it thinks today. People of India should never forget how antithetical their ideologies are to the idea of India," tweets Congress as Pranab Mukherjee shares stage with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur.

18:44 IST

WATCH: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) flag being unfurled at RSS's Tritiya Varsh event, in Nagpur, where former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee is the chief guest. pic.twitter.com/A4zKtLiv4f

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

18:37 IST

Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) Tritiya Varsh event, in Nagpur. pic.twitter.com/V0f2oHG8vA

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

18:30 IST

Pranab Mukherjee arrives at RSS headquarters in Nagpur along with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, likely to deliver his speech shortly.

18:22 IST

Congress leader Anand Sharma further says, "Dialogue can only be with those who are willing to listen, absorb and change. There is nothing to suggest that RSS has moved away from his core agenda as it seeks legitimacy."

18:22 IST

"The images of Pranab Da, veteran leader and ideologue at RSS Headquarters have anguished millions of Congress workers and all those who believed in pluralism, diversity and the foundational values of the Indian Republic," tweets Congress leader Anand Sharma.

18:07 IST

Pranab Mukherjee expected to deliver his speech at RSS headquarters at 7 pm.

17:34 IST

'Today I came here to pay my respect and homage to a great son of Mother India': Former President Dr.Pranab Mukherjee's message in the visitor's book at RSS founder KB Hedgewar's birthplace in Nagpur pic.twitter.com/ax76NCzJMa

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

17:33 IST

'Today I came here to pay my respect and homage to a great son of Mother India' - Former President Pranab Mukherjee's message in the visitor's book at RSS founder KB Hedgewar's birthplace in Nagpur.

17:23 IST

Sources tell Zee News that Pranab Mukherjee's speech will focus on nation, nationalism and patriotism. According to the sources, Mukherjee is not expected any advice to the RSS.

17:13 IST

Former President Pranab Mukherjee in conversation with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at RSS founder KB Hedgewar's birthplace in Nagpur.

#WATCH:Former President Pranab Mukherjee in conversation with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat at RSS founder KB Hedgewar's birthplace in Nagpur. pic.twitter.com/PDXnP5H4lE

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

17:13 IST

Nagpur: Former President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar's birthplace, welcomed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. pic.twitter.com/QY1QguMNDV

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

17:12 IST

Former President Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to RSS founder KB Hedgewar at the latter's birthplace in Nagpur. Mukherjee is accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

17:11 IST

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat welcomes former President Pranab Mukherjee at the headquarters of the right-wing organisation in Nagpur.