New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday paid tributes to RSS leader Eknath Ranade and described him as a man who inspired people to make their lives "not just successful, but also meaningful".

Speaking at the birth centenary celebrations of the RSS leader here, Modi said he remained in "close contact" with Ranade during his formative years and learnt to give importance to perfection from him.

Modi said: "I was in close contact with Eknathji and always found him giving importance to perfection. We have to take ourselves to that level."

He added: "He (Ranade) had a speciality. He did everything keeping the future in mind and did things in a simple manner."

Modi said that "integration" was the key to how Ranade worked as he believed in "integrating things and integrating people".

"He felt whatever had to be done, should be done through Jan Bhagidari (people's participation"," said Modi.

The prime minister urged the people of the country to be inspired by Ranade and create an India that is both "bhavya (prosperous) and divya (spiritual)".