Dr Buragadda Srinadh
As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) approaches its centenary celebrations, your e-paper wishes to feature this unique Hindu organization’s formation, ideals, and goals in a three-part series. The RSS’s contribution to the nation is immeasurable—an indisputable fact. This series aims to address apprehensions among some sections regarding its entrenched controversies. – EDITOR
A century ago, a small stream in a lesser-known area of Nagpur, Maharashtra, grew into a powerful river reaching every corner of our nation. The rise in Sangh shakhas, now surpassing 57,000, showcases the organization’s expanding influence. Like the Vamana Avatar of Lord Mahavishnu, which teaches that power is not always about size but about restoring balance and righteousness, the RSS has grown to become a transformative force for the nation and the world.
The Congress and Mahatma Gandhi’s support for the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) marked a significant turning point in Indian history. During this period, they failed to gauge the sentiments of Hindus, many of whom felt marginalized. This oversight contributed to the rise of nationalist movements, including the RSS.
After independence, the Congress, under Nehru’s leadership, feared that the RSS, with its strong organizational structure, could become a formidable political force. As a result, the organization faced repeated bans and its leaders endured public humiliation. Though falsely implicated in Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the RSS was banned three times post-independence. However, with unwavering public support, it continued to grow steadily.
RSS swayamsevaks have consistently risen to the occasion during national crises, whether natural disasters or human-induced challenges. Their humanitarian assistance to refugees returning from Pakistan earned them widespread recognition. Many Congress leaders acknowledged the good work of the RSS. In October 1948, the Congress Working Committee initially allowed RSS members to join Congress. However, Nehru opposed this move and later ensured that RSS members were denied membership unless they renounced their affiliation.
Nehru’s hostility towards the RSS persisted throughout Congress’s six-decade rule at the central and state levels. RSS members were often labeled extremists and anti-social elements, facing false accusations and persecution. Yet, truth endures—attempts to suppress it only make it emerge stronger. The RSS’s core ideology has resonated with millions of patriotic Indians. Disillusionment with Congress and regional parties grew as they disregarded Hindu sentiments, distorted history, and attempted to erase Indian heritage. As public discontent grew, the RSS emerged as a guardian of national identity, much like Lord Krishna revealing his divine form at a critical juncture in the Kurukshetra battle.
Today, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has approximately 5 to 6 million active members in India, demonstrating a robust grassroots presence. With this strength, the Sangh Parivar has become an influential force shaping Indian politics and society. Through its extensive network of affiliated groups, the RSS plays a crucial role in fostering societal transformation, guided by its unwavering ideology:
“Param Vaibhavam Tumhe Tat Swarashtam” – A commitment to elevating the motherland to greater heights.
As the world’s largest non-governmental organization, the RSS boasts 200 million members in India alone. After the United Nations, the RSS is the only organization globally recognized by the UN for its human welfare programs. Spread across 39 countries, including Europe and Arab nations, the RSS first expanded beyond India in 1947 with a branch in Kenya. With 580 branches in Nepal, it has the highest presence outside India, followed by the United States, with 146 branches. Internationally, the RSS is known as Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), dedicated to promoting Hindu culture, traditions, and history worldwide.
Today, an RSS member can proudly proclaim his affiliation anywhere in the world. India’s highest offices—including the President, Prime Minister, Vice President, and Lok Sabha Speaker—are all held by individuals shaped by the RSS.
As the RSS marks its 100th year, its journey remains unstoppable, influencing the nation’s destiny with an unwavering commitment to service, unity, and national pride. (To be concluded) (The author is the President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh)
