PL Srinivas
Although I may be a late entrant into one of the largest political entities, the Bharatiya Janata Party, my political journey has taken me through various shades of India’s political spectrum. I began with the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the Congress youth wing, then moved to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and later to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Yet, I feel destiny has ultimately guided me to the right party—one that truly cares about national interests as well as the aspirations of the majority Hindu populace, at a time when the country is facing multiple challenges.
It is in this context, with my limited yet evolving understanding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—the ideological parent body of the BJP—that I felt compelled to pen this article. Over the years, I have come to realize, often the hard way, that its true objectives are far removed from the propaganda and lies spread by the Opposition, which has persistently tried to brand it as communal or even a terror outfit.
As India celebrates 100 years of the RSS, it is worth revisiting the journey of one of the world’s largest socio-cultural organizations that, despite relentless criticism and repeated political bans, has remained steadfast in its commitment to nation-building. Founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS was envisioned as a grassroots movement to instill discipline, unity, and a deep sense of patriotism in Indian society. Today, with millions of swayamsevaks and countless service initiatives, its influence extends far beyond politics into education, culture, social reform, and disaster relief.
Few remember that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, despite his ideological differences with the RSS, invited its volunteers to assist during times of national emergency. When Chinese forces attacked India in 1962, Nehru recognized the Sangh’s ability to organize swiftly and mobilize people. Thousands of swayamsevaks were pressed into service for relief and logistics support, displaying efficiency and discipline that even the armed forces acknowledged. In 1963, the RSS was even invited to march in the Republic Day parade—a symbolic recognition of its patriotic service.
These were moments of national unity that cut across political divides, underscoring the organization’s core principle: when the motherland calls, service comes before self.
The RSS has also faced some of the harshest political persecution in independent India. After Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, though no evidence established institutional involvement, the Congress government imposed a ban on the Sangh. The ban was lifted in 1949 after a court inquiry found no culpability. Again, during the Emergency in 1975, Indira Gandhi’s government outlawed the RSS, fearing its mass mobilization power. Thousands of volunteers languished in jails, yet the organization emerged stronger, with its commitment to democracy and civil liberties intact.
Each attempt to suppress it only deepened its resolve and widened its reach. The Sangh’s endurance under successive Congress governments is a testament to its deep roots among ordinary Indians.
The RSS is often caricatured solely as a political training ground, but its contribution to leadership is undeniable. Two of India’s prime ministers—Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi—emerged from its ranks. Vajpayee, celebrated as a poet-statesman, embodied moderation, diplomacy, and a vision for inclusive development. Modi, whose journey from a swayamsevak to India’s longest-serving prime minister after Nehru, reflects the Sangh’s philosophy of selfless service and nation-first dedication.
Beyond politics, the RSS has nurtured thousands of leaders in public life, academia, social work, and cultural preservation. Its ecosystem of affiliated organizations—the “Sangh Parivar”—runs schools, tribal welfare projects, women’s empowerment programs, and initiatives for rural self-reliance, reaching millions across the country.
Time and again, the RSS has proved its mettle in humanitarian crises. During floods, earthquakes, or cyclones, swayamsevaks have been among the first to arrive on the ground. From the 1971 cyclone in Odisha to the Bhuj earthquake in 2001, from COVID-19 relief efforts to everyday blood donation drives, its volunteers have quietly performed selfless service, often without seeking recognition.
This grassroots network, built through daily shakhas and community outreach, has enabled the Sangh to become one of the most dependable forces in times of national crisis.
Equally significant has been the RSS’s role in cultural rejuvenation. At a time when India grappled with colonial mindsets, the Sangh emphasized pride in Indian heritage, language, and traditions. It has worked to bridge caste divisions, promote social harmony, and empower marginalized communities. Initiatives such as Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas and village development programs reflect its vision of holistic national growth.
The Sangh has also encouraged intellectual and policy debates on subjects ranging from education reform to environmental protection, shaping discourse on India’s civilizational identity in the modern world.
The RSS’s centenary is not just about celebrating longevity but about recognizing its unwavering commitment to a united, strong, and self-reliant India. Despite ideological differences, critics and admirers alike acknowledge that no other organization has built such a vast cadre of disciplined, service-oriented citizens devoted to the motherland.
Its journey from a small gathering in Nagpur in 1925 to a nationwide movement in 2025 is a story of vision, perseverance, and adaptability. Rooted in the idea of Rashtra dharma (national duty), the RSS continues to inspire millions to look beyond self-interest and work for collective progress.
As India marches into the future, the RSS at 100 symbolizes both continuity and renewal. It has weathered political storms, contributed to democratic resilience, and given the nation leaders of stature. More importantly, it has nurtured a culture of service that transcends politics.
In its centenary year, the RSS stands not just as an organization but as a movement that has helped shape modern India—an enduring reminder that selfless service and unwavering patriotism remain the strongest foundations for nation-building.
