The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the world’s largest voluntary organization, is entering its 100th year on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami. Founded on this very day in 1925, also known as Dussehra, the RSS has grown exponentially over the past nine decades, expanding its reach across India and abroad.
Prime Minister Acknowledges RSS’s Role
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on its centenary, acknowledging its significant contribution to nation-building.
- In a post on X, Modi urged his followers to listen to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s annual Vijayadashami address, describing it as a “must-listen” speech.
- Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to all RSS volunteers, emphasizing the historic milestone and uninterrupted journey of the organization dedicated to “Maa Bharti.”
- The PM stated that the RSS’s dedication to the nation would inspire generations and energize the pursuit of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
(RSS) : A Historical Overview
- Founding and Ideological Roots
- The RSS was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a physician from Maharashtra, as a response to both British colonial rule and Hindu-Muslim communal tensions.
- Hedgewar was influenced by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s writings on Hindu nationalism, particularly the concept of a “Hindu nation.”
Early Focus
- The organization initially comprised mainly upper-caste Brahmins and was dedicated to India’s independence and the promotion of Hindu political, cultural, and religious interests.
- After Hedgewar’s death, leadership passed to Madhava Sadashiv Golwalkar, who further developed the organization’s structure and ideology.
The RSS Structure and Ideology
- The RSS positions itself as a cultural organization rather than a political entity, promoting a Hindu nationalist ideology known as Hindutva, or “Hindu-ness.”
- It is organized under a national leader, with regional leaders overseeing local branches. The group emphasizes discipline, both mental and physical, to build unity and strength among Hindu youth.
- The RSS advocates for the restoration of Hindu valor and courage through paramilitary training, daily exercise, and drills. Hanuman, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, has historically been central to the organization’s initiation rites.
Influence and Controversy
- The RSS has played a significant role in the Hindu nationalist movement and continues to be influential in shaping its trajectory.
- Many leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have been members of the RSS, highlighting its influence on Indian politics.
- The organization has been banned several times by the Indian government, primarily led by the Congress Party, due to allegations of involvement in communal violence.