At the ABP Network’s ‘Idea of India 2025’ Summit, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sah Sarkaryavah Arun Kumar delivered a powerful address, outlining the organisation’s vision, growth, and its role in shaping Bharat’s future. He categorically dismissed speculations about the RSS’s connection with political power, reaffirming that the Sangh remains rooted in its ideology, discipline, and dedication to nation-building.
Welcoming Arun Kumar to the stage, the moderator, Megha Prasad, set the tone by highlighting the lesser-discussed aspects of RSS—the organisation’s ability to evolve while remaining steadfast in its commitment to nation-building. She remarked that the Sangh does not publicise its work, yet its impact on society is evident.
Addressing the theme of the session, ‘Understanding RSS,’ Arun Kumar elaborated on the three key pillars of the organisation—its ideology, its structural framework, and its work in society.
RSS Sahsarakaryavah Arun Kumar speaks on Understanding RSS at ‘Idea of India 2025’ Summit at Conclave by ABP Media. pic.twitter.com/v02ddIMLOi
— Rajesh Padmar (@rajeshpadmar) February 22, 2025
“RSS is often misunderstood because perceptions about it travel faster than the organisation itself,” he said. He emphasised that the Sangh’s ideology is rooted in the belief that India is an eternal nation, not an artificial construct formed by colonial rule or constitutional processes. Citing historical references from the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, he reinforced the idea that India’s nationhood has been an unbroken continuum for thousands of years.
“The Western concept of a nation is based on race, language, religion, and administrative setup. But Bharat has always been different. Here, the people form the nation, not the state,” he asserted, quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s view that society is the core of the nation’s identity.
Speaking on the evolution of the Sangh, Arun Kumar explained how RSS seeks to cultivate a disciplined, selfless, and service-oriented society by focusing on individual transformation. “A society changes only when individuals change. The Sangh believes in creating such individuals who embody national consciousness, organisational discipline, and selfless service,” he said.
Tracing the historical journey of the RSS since its inception in Nagpur, Kumar revealed the organisation’s ambitious expansion strategy. “The Sangh has spread its ‘Shakhas’ and ‘Milans’ across Bharat. We have reached every ‘Prant,’ district, and sub-division. Our target now is to establish ‘Mandal’ and ‘Basti’ units for every 10,000 people, particularly in rural Bharat,” he explained.
RSS currently has over 50 lakh active volunteers and has established more than 50 organisations and 500 institutions across diverse sectors. These entities work towards addressing both localised and national challenges, emphasising self-reliance and social responsibility.
Responding to criticisms that RSS is a rigid, unchanging organisation, Arun Kumar refuted the claim, stating, “We do not consider anyone as our opponent. There are only two kinds of people—those who are with the Sangh and those who are yet to join.” He added that any perceived opposition arises from a lack of understanding, which the Sangh considers its responsibility to address.
He highlighted that while RSS remains steadfast in its core values, it constantly adapts to the changing needs of the nation. “Our work is about bringing society together. If society evolves, we evolve with it,” he explained, reinforcing the Sangh’s philosophy of organic growth and adaptation.
He also addressed the oft-debated relationship between the RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Responding to claims that RSS functionaries dominate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, Kumar firmly stated that the PM inducted leaders through a democratic process, not on the basis of RSS affiliation.
Addressing key issues such as cultural identity, nationalism, and the politics of appeasement, he emphasised the need for citizens to understand Bharatiya culture and contribute towards nation-building.
Arun Kumar attributed the Partition of India to the Monte Milo Award, the Khilafat Movement, and the politics of appeasement. He stressed that appeasement policies must be universally condemned and that a strong sense of nationalism must be cultivated in society. “The unfortunate division of the country in 1947 was a direct result of appeasement politics. Ending this mindset is crucial,” he stated.
Despite its extensive work in education, tribal welfare, and social upliftment, the RSS prefers to stay away from publicity. “Our belief is in man-making and nation-building, not self-promotion. Many organisations work for society, and we collaborate with them rather than claiming sole credit,” Kumar Ji said. He also pointed out that excessive media exposure can lead to unrealistic expectations and unnecessary challenges for the organisation.
RSS as an Ideology
Arun Kumar articulated that the RSS ideology is rooted in the eternal concept of Bharat as a nation, a perspective that predates colonial influences and Western interpretations of nationhood. He emphasised that the idea of Bharat is not an artificial construct but a civilisation with an unbroken continuity for thousands of years.
Addressing the organisational structure, Arun Kumar provided insights into how the Sangh has expanded its reach across Bharat. Starting in Nagpur, the RSS now operates in every province, district, and city. The next milestone is to establish a presence in every Mandal and Basti, covering a population of 10,000 in rural areas.
“Our work is not limited to branches and meetings; it is about nurturing individuals who embody the values we stand for. These individuals, in turn, contribute to societal transformation,” he said.
Positioning the RSS as a pillar of Bharat’s civilisational ethos, Kumar declared, “The Sangh’s golden age is intrinsically linked to Bharat’s golden age. Our success lies in the success of our nation, and our progress reflects the nation’s advancement.”
How to Join the RSS?
Arun Kumar elaborated on the process of joining the RSS, stating that there are no prerequisites, fees, or formal membership requirements. “Anyone interested can visit their nearest shakha or register through the ‘Join RSS’ option on our website. We receive over a hundred thousand inquiries each month from people eager to connect,” he said.
Further speaking at the event, Kumar emphasised the collaborative efforts that drive societal progress, underscoring that no single entity should claim sole credit for transformative work.
RSS’s perspective on leadership and nation-building
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement likening the RSS to a banyan tree, Kumar acknowledged the organisation’s role in inspiring millions. He expressed pride in RSS volunteers achieving leadership positions but emphasised that the organisation’s true ‘golden age’ would be realised only when Bharat attains the envisioned societal transformation.
The ‘Idea of India 2025’ Summit, organised by ABP Network, explored Bharat’s role in a rapidly transforming global landscape. With a theme of ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier,’ the event brought together thought leaders and experts to discuss critical issues, including climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements.
The summit provided a platform for intellectuals, innovators, and policymakers to deliberate on Bharat’s emergence as an economic and cultural powerhouse. Through discussions on science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, the event emphasised Bharat’s responsibility in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for humanity.
