The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art headquarters, ‘Keshav Kunj,’ in Jhandewalan, New Delhi. The newly built complex, covering a massive five lakh square feet across four acres, is designed to support the organization’s growing activities.
The facility includes three high-rise towers, auditoriums, a library, a hospital, a canteen, and a Hanuman temple. Built with a focus on sustainability and modern infrastructure, the headquarters surpasses even the BJP headquarters in size. The project, which cost ₹150 crore, was entirely funded by public donations, reflecting the widespread support for the RSS.
A Grand Vision: Features of Keshav Kunj
1. Three Towers: Sadhana, Prerana, and Archana
The Keshav Kunj complex features three distinct towers, each serving a specific purpose:
- Sadhana Tower: Dedicated to the organization’s offices, ensuring seamless administrative operations.
- Prerana Tower: Designed for residential purposes, accommodating RSS functionaries.
- Archana Tower: Also a residential complex, providing living spaces for Sangh members.
Between Prerana and Archana, there is a large manicured lawn with a statue of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. This open area is designated for daily shakhas and organizational gatherings.
2. State-of-the-Art Auditoriums
The new RSS headquarters houses three large auditoriums, collectively offering a seating capacity of over 1,300 people. One of these is named after Ashok Singhal, the former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president, and features stadium seating and cushioned sofa chairs to enhance the audience experience.
These auditoriums will be utilized for major events, training programs, and key organizational meetings, strengthening the RSS’s outreach and engagement.
3. Comprehensive Facilities: Library, Hospital, and Canteen
- Keshav Pustakalaya (Library): Located on the 10th floor, this library serves as a research hub with extensive resources on the RSS and related ideologies.
- Five-Bed Hospital: A medical care unit ensuring healthcare support for RSS members and visitors.
- Mess and Canteen: Providing daily meals and refreshments to the functionaries residing and working in the headquarters.
4. Sustainable Architectural Design
The Keshav Kunj headquarters is designed with sustainability in mind. The windows feature facades inspired by traditional architecture from Rajasthan and Gujarat, adding a cultural touch to the modern structure. Furthermore, 1,000 granite frames have been used to reduce the need for wood, making the building more eco-friendly.
The complex also includes parking space for 135 cars, with the capacity to expand up to 270 vehicles, ensuring seamless accessibility for visitors and officials.
Funding and Construction: A Public Effort
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Keshav Kunj project is its entirely donation-based funding. An RSS functionary revealed that as many as 75,000 individuals contributed towards its construction. Donations ranged from ₹5 to several lakhs, demonstrating the widespread support and dedication of RSS workers and well-wishers.
Before shifting to Keshav Kunj, the RSS had been operating from Udaseen Ashram in Jhandewalan for the past eight years. Functionaries started moving into the new headquarters gradually from September 2024, and the transition is now complete. However, some interior work is still ongoing.
Upcoming Events at Keshav Kunj
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to host the ‘Karyakarta Milan’ at the new headquarters on February 19, 2025. This will be a significant gathering ahead of the upcoming ‘Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha Baithak’, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from March 21-23, 2025.
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is RSS’s highest decision-making body, and this annual event plays a crucial role in determining the organization’s future direction and strategies.
Summary of the News
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Why in News? | The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has inaugurated its new headquarters, ‘Keshav Kunj,’ in Jhandewalan, New Delhi. The complex spans five lakh square feet across four acres and is designed to support RSS’s growing activities. |
Location | Jhandewalan, New Delhi |
Total Area | 5 lakh sq. ft. across 4 acres |
Construction Cost | ₹150 crore (entirely funded by public donations) |
Main Features | – Three Towers: Sadhana (offices), Prerana (residential), Archana (residential) – Auditoriums: Three, with a total seating capacity of over 1,300; one named after Ashok Singhal – Library: ‘Keshav Pustakalaya’ on the 10th floor – Hospital: Five-bed medical care unit – Canteen & Mess: Provides food for functionaries and visitors – Parking: Space for 135 cars, expandable to 270 |
Architectural Highlights | – Traditional Rajasthan & Gujarat-inspired facades – Use of 1,000 granite frames for eco-friendly construction |
Funding & Contributions | – 75,000 individuals donated, with contributions ranging from ₹5 to several lakhs |
Transition Timeline | – RSS moved from Udaseen Ashram (previous HQ) in September 2024 – Complete transition to Keshav Kunj is done, though some interior work is ongoing |
Upcoming Events | – February 19, 2025: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat to host ‘Karyakarta Milan’ – March 21-23, 2025: ‘Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha Baithak’ in Bengaluru |