New Delhi [India], July 18 (ANI): On the occasion of the remembrance day of a key Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) idelogue, Balasaheb Apte, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale spoke about Apte's contributions to the RSS and society.

'He was a lighthouse for us, and he shouldn't have gone this early. But I guess god had other plans. Apte's morals and principles served as an inspiration for the RSS. We are living in challenging times, and life can get tough; however, Apte never stopped contributing to society and inspiring people,' said the RSS Secretary Hosabale on Apte's remembrance day.

Furthermore, he emphasised that Apte always was about building a good society and taking care of the environment around. 'Buidling societies was one of the greatest principles for Balasaheb Apte. He loved taking care of the environment and nature around, and we should follow that too,' said the RSS General Secretary.

Recalling times when Dattatreya played the Holi festival with Apte, he said, 'It was always fun to play Holi with him, and soon after we were done playing, he would hand us some amount of money along with sweets. He was a person of strong thoughts, and we karyakartas always felt like being involved with him in several festivals.'

Adding further, he mentioned, 'Apte was assertive and not aggressive. His language has newness in it. He has also contributed intellectually to many students by participating in discussions and explaining various important concepts to them. This has been a significant contribution from his end.'

Addressing Apte as a 'conscience keeper', Hosabale said, 'We all believed that if we approached Apte with any of our issues, he has always shown us the right path. That was the faith we had in him, and it is really unfortunate that he is not amongst us.' (ANI)