Partha Pratim Mazumder
(parthapratimmazumder1988@gmail.com)
The RSS aims to plan for the long run, while prime ministers and their governments are transitory. – Walter K. Andersen, The RSS: A view to the inside
In the annals of India's history, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stands as a pivotal institution that has significantly contributed to the nation's development. Founded in 1925, the RSS has evolved from a modest gathering of volunteers (Swayamsevak) into a formidable force shaping India’s social, educational, and political landscape. A full-time volunteer in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is called a ‘Pracharak’. Their life is characterised by celibacy, unwavering dedication, and deep commitment. Typically, individuals who have completed the three key training camps of the RSS, known as ‘Sangh Shiksha Varga’, are appointed as Pracharaks. Over the 100-year journey of the RSS, they have made immense sacrifices. Through its unwavering commitment to service, educational reform, and ideological engagement, the RSS has played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national identity and community spirit. The RSS’s social initiatives embody its core principle of seva—selfless service. With a vast network of thousands of shakhas (branches) spanning the country, the organisation mobilises Swayamsevaks for a wide array of community projects. From organising health camps in remote villages to providing education to underprivileged children, the RSS’s grassroots efforts have touched millions of lives. During any crises, RSS Swayamsevaks have consistently been among the first responders, distributing food and medical supplies and offering hands-on support. For instance, during the 2020 lockdown, reports suggest that RSS Swayamsevaks delivered millions of food packets and provided aid to thousands, showcasing their dedication to humanitarian service. Beyond emergency relief, the RSS engages in sustained efforts to uplift society. Rural development projects, environmental conservation drives, and cultural festivals are just a few examples of how the organisation strengthens community bonds and promotes national pride. As RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has famously stated, “Service to humanity is service to God.” This ethos underpins the RSS’ social endeavours, ensuring that its work resonates deeply with the people it serves, from urban centres to the remotest corners of India.
In the field of education, the RSS has left an indelible mark through its affiliate, Vidya Bharati, which operates one of India’s largest networks of schools. With thousands of institutions educating millions of students, this network emphasises not only academic excellence but also the inculcation of values like patriotism, cultural pride, and self-discipline. The curriculum often integrates lessons on India’s ancient wisdom, aiming to produce individuals who are both globally competitive and deeply rooted in their heritage. Beyond formal schooling, the RSS supports vocational skill training programmes, broadening access to empowerment through knowledge. By blending modern education with traditional ideals, the RSS contributes to building a generation equipped to navigate contemporary challenges while staying connected to India’s cultural legacy.
The RSS has publicly opposed untouchability, advocating for social harmony among Hindus. Its leaders have emphasised that unity is essential for national progress and have taken steps to address caste discrimination. The organisation has organised inter-caste dining events to break down social barriers. It has conducted programmes in slums and rural areas to include marginalised communities, such as Dalits, in its activities. Prominent figures like former Union minister V. Srinivasa Prasad have praised the RSS for its role in disciplining youth while urging it to actively combat untouchability. Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, visited a ‘shakha’ in Maharashtra's Satara in 1940. Kesari, a Marathi daily from Pune, had published a report on January 9, 1940, regarding Dr B.R. Ambedkar's visit to an RSS shakha. The write-up also cited the book Dr Ambedkar Aur Samajik Kranti Ki Yatra by RSS ideologue Dattopant Thengadi, which explores the connection between Dr Ambedkar and the RSS. Critics often point to the RSS’s role in blurring the lines between cultural advocacy and partisan politics. Yet, its supporters argue that the organisation’s focus on a strong, unified India has enriched the nation’s policy-making process. By fostering a collective sense of identity and purpose, the RSS ensures that its vision of a culturally rooted nation remains a prominent force in shaping India’s future, even as it navigates the complexities of a diverse democracy.
The RSS is renowned for its highly disciplined and dedicated Swayamsevaks. This strong organisational framework has been a key strength, enabling it to execute its initiatives effectively and maintain a cohesive identity. The RSS emphasises moral education and values such as discipline, patriotism, and social service. These principles resonate with many Indians, fostering a sense of personal and national pride among its members and supporters. These efforts have improved access to essential services and uplifted the lives of many across the country. The RSS actively works to preserve and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage through festivals, seminars, and publications. This focus on cultural pride strengthens its appeal and contributes to a sense of identity among its followers. The RSS consistently promotes national unity and integrity, opposing divisive forces and advocating for a cohesive India. Its efforts to foster a shared sense of purpose and pride have earned it admiration in many quarters. The RSS’s role in India’s nation-building is a rich tapestry woven from threads of service, education, and ideology. Its social initiatives have provided critical support to communities in need, its educational efforts have nurtured millions of minds, and its political influence has helped steer the nation’s ideological course.