NAGPUR, DEC 7: Preparations are on in full swing for the massive Vidarbha regional level camp (Mahashibir) to be organised here by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) from January 8 to 11.

A 72-ft long bamboo was brought here on Saturday from the forests of Gadchiroli district in a relay by RSS swayamsewaks. The bamboo, a special attraction to be used as the flag post for unfurling the RSS saffron flag, signifies the completion of 72 years of the organisation. Over 25,000 swayamsewaks from 2,000 villages in Vidarbha are expected to attend the camp.

The RSS sarsanghchalak Prof Rajendra Singh and most members of its national executive will be present at the camp being organised to promote Samajik Samarasata (social harmony). A 20-ft high dais will be erected at the camp site from where the leaders will deliver messages to the swayamsewaks.

The camp, being held after a gap of 27 years, was first held in 1971 and was attended by 8,000 swayamsewaks. This year, the number of participants is expected to be three times higher than the 1971 figure.

Tents are being erected to provide accommodation to participants. Nearly 20 truckloads of material have arrived at the site where work is in progress. On the opening day of the camp, a route march will be organised in the south-western parts of the city.

According to RSS office-bearers, citizens are being involved in the camp organisation. Nearly 3 lakh sweet chapatis specially prepared using jaggery will be collected from them.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.