It’s the story of ‘grit and grace’ that defines Hindu-centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) whose centennial took off poignantly on this Vijayadashmi.
The momentous journey of RSS began after it came into being very modestly in the midst of independence struggle to organize Hindus and instil confidence in the people bracketed as ‘Sanatan Dharmis’ or followers of Sanatan dharma’.
In 1925, on tenth day of Dusserah festival that marks victory over evil, RSS took shape under stewardship of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. From then on, it metamorphosed into a gigantic movement and recognized as largest non-government voluntary organization or movement globally.
For many practicing and non-practicing Hindus, RSS continued to be an enigma for quite some time, understood and misunderstood easily. Its unique work culture, selfless volunteers driven organization draws strength from Bharat’s civilizational connect that survived many a tsunamis and upheavals.
In fact, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat let out the secret behind sustained and organic growth of the organization on this Vijaydashmi while referring to the centennial milestone at the Sangh’s sprawling ‘Reshim bagh’ headquarters.
‘Organized strength and national character’ were breezily identified by Dr Bhagwat as two big components that contributed to growth of Bharat, Hindu society and in turn the Sangh.
With over 73,000 shakhas or branches, Sangh today is a huge entity and a bouquet of fellow Hindu organizations make up for the ‘parivar’ or ‘larger family’. With over 120,000 service projects under its belt and about 30,000 schools up its sleeves, Sangh swayamsevaks depict a picture of ‘selflessness, sacrifice and courage’.
RSS shakhas or basic building units spread over 63,000 mandals (clusters of 8 – 10 villages each) held in open spaces each day is what makes the organization tick. Over 28,000 weekly shakhas add another feature to these branches.
The Sangh wears twin objectives of ‘man-making and character-building’ as process badges and is well on its way to reaching out to over 100,000 villages. Along with the ‘Sakhas’, Sangh takes its services projects spanning healthcare, education, self-reliance to socio-economic development of communities in villages, semi-urban and urban cities.
One cannot easily fathom this organization’s reach as it turns 100 in next few months. Sangh swayamsevaks reaching out to over 129 million families in 575,000 villages in just 40 days to mobilize resources and support for construction of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya reflects its tenacity and influence among Hindus.
Most analysts were eager to know, what next for RSS? One hundred years is quite a journey for any voluntary organization. But, RSS volunteers seem to be rearing to go!
Five transformative ideas put forth by RSS Sarsanghchalak in his Vijaydashmi speech provide clear idea as to the ‘big bang’ long term issues that the organization seeks to work on.
From environmental degradation to erosion of Hindu family values, bonding seem to have become the focus for action going forward. Achieving social harmony, inculcating the spirit of ‘self-esteem’ and imbibing civic discipline in larger communities and society seem to have been retained as new work areas.
These ‘panch parivartan’ ideas (five transformative ideas) got amplified by the RSS chief while he enlisted larger immediate issues that confronted humanity. Serious anomalies induced by ‘Deep state’, ‘Wokeism’, ‘cultural Marxists were identified as serious challenges faced by societies globally and Bharat in particular ‘to create anarchy’. From West Asian crisis defined by conflict between Hamas and Israel to coup in Bangladesh that led to virtual genocide of Hindus came in for particular mention in RSS chief’s key address.
From Bharat’s perspective also, several key issues were flagged by RSS Sarsanghchalak especially the shameful incidents of rape in many places like R.G.Kar Hospital in Kolkata leading to an unending protests by doctors.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat also emphasised on ‘importance of being strong’ and united in the face of disturbances in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh on north-western borders, Kerala and Tamil Nadu coast and entire north-eastern region spread from Bihar to Manipur. Rightly so, he pointed to attempts being made at creating conflicts by ‘divisive elements’.
Faith based intolerance and attempts to rake up violence during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga puja or Ram navami were also referred to by Dr Mohan Bhagwat while emphasising on being strong and the importance of achieving harmony.
