RSS Sah Sarkaryawah Dr Manmohan Vaidya while briefing the media on March 15 at the Swami Dayanand Saraswati premises of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Reshimbag, Nagpur spoke about the expansive reach and impact of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) across Bharat. Dr. Vaidya reiterated the words of RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who had famously stated, “RSS is the organisation of the entire society,” underscoring the organisation’s integral role in shaping Indian society for the past 99 years.
Addressing the media alongside Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar and others, Dr Vaidya provided insight into the structure and operations of the Sangh. He revealed that the RSS comprises 45 Prants (regions) across the country. These prants are further divided into Vibhag, Districts, and Khands. Currently, there are 73,117 daily shakhas (branches) operating in 922 districts, 6597 khands, and 27,720 mandals, each mandal covering 12 to 15 villages.
Dr. Vaidya highlighted the significant growth in the number of shakhas, with a year-on-year increase of 4,466. These shakhas cater to a diverse demographic, with 60 per cent of participants being students and 40 per cent being working karyakartas (volunteers). Notably, 11 per cent of shakhas are specifically tailored for Swayamsevaks above the age of forty.
Additionally, Dr. Vaidya disclosed that there are 27,717 saptahik Milan (weekly meetings), representing an increase of 840 from the previous year. The current count of Sangh Mandali stands at 10,567. Furthermore, urban areas are also extensively covered, with ten thousand bastis (settlements) in towns and cities hosting 43 thousand shakhas.
RSS to create awareness about Ahilyabai Holkar’s birth centenary year
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at empowering women, commemorating historical figures, and promoting civic engagement across India. Efforts are also underway to commemorate the birth tercentenary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered historical figure known for her contributions to rebuilding religious sites and promoting economic self-reliance among the marginalised. The RSS aims to raise awareness about Ahilyabai’s legacy and inspire admiration for her remarkable achievements.
A total of 460 Mahila Samanvaya programmes have been organised across 44 prants, drawing the participation of over 5,61,000 women from the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and other women’s organisations. These programmes are instrumental in fostering active participation of women in Bharatiya chintan (Indian thought) and societal transformation, particularly in light of the RSS’s centenary year.
Furthermore, RSS karyakartas are actively engaged in promoting voter awareness through door-to-door campaigns. Dr Manmohan Ji Vaidya emphasised the importance of achieving cent per cent voting participation, underscoring the RSS’s commitment to strengthening democratic principles and civic engagement.
RSS Introduces New Curriculum and Format for Sangh Shiksha Varg
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has announced a significant overhaul in the curriculum and format of its Sangh Shiksha Varg, aimed at enhancing the training and development of its members. RSS unveiled the details of the new system, which includes a more structured approach and practical training components.
Under the previous system, the Sangh Shiksha Varg comprised a 7-day Prathamik (Primary) varg, followed by longer varsh (years) programmes. However, the new format will feature a 3-day Prarambhik (Initiation) varg, a 7-day Prathamik varg, a 15-day Sangh Shiksha Varg, and two Karyakarta Vikas vargs spanning 20 days and 25 days respectively. Notably, the revised system will prioritise practical training, known as vyavaharik prashikshan, to equip members with hands-on skills and knowledge.
Additionally, the official website of the RSS, rss.org, has observed a significant surge in ‘Join RSS’ requests, particularly following the recent Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha event. While the platform typically receives an average of one lakh requests annually between 2017 and 2023, the number has doubled in the first two months of this year, indicating a growing interest and engagement with the organisation.
The announcement came following the inauguration of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) of the RSS, Dr Mohan Ji Bhagwat and Dattatray Hosabale Ji paid homage to Bharat Mata through a floral offering.
The revamped Sangh Shiksha Varg curriculum reflects the RSS’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that its members receive comprehensive training and development opportunities to contribute effectively to society.
