For a century, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been a formidable force in shaping Bharat’s social, cultural, and national identity. Established with a vision of fostering patriotism, discipline, and selfless service, the organisation has grown into one of the world’s largest voluntary institutions. From humanitarian efforts to educational reforms, and from preserving ancient traditions to fostering a unified national spirit, RSS has consistently upheld its motto of ‘Nation First, Always First.’
The birth of a vision: 1925 – Foundation of RSS
On Vijayadashami in 1925, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar laid the foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Nagpur, at a time when Bharat was still under colonial rule. The vision was clear—to rebuild national pride, unity, and self-reliance among Bharatiyas. The RSS emerged as a movement rooted in four key principles:
- Cultural Renaissance – Reviving and protecting Sanatan Dharma and Bharatiya civilisation against colonial influences.
- Character Building – Developing dedicated karyakartas (volunteers) who put the nation above self.
- Social Harmony – Uniting Bharatiyas beyond caste, creed, and regional barriers, fostering a sense of national unity.
- National Self-Reliance – Strengthening society for self-sufficiency and empowerment, advocating Swadeshi principles.
Slide 2: Birth of a Vision
Slide 3: Shakhas – Heartbeat of RSS
Slide 4: Service in Crisis
Slide 5: Fight Against Covid pic.twitter.com/b48x1CN0yW— ABVP (@ABVPVoice) March 4, 2025
Shakhas – The heartbeat of RSS
The foundation of discipline and unity, Shakhas serve as structured spaces where swayamsevaks learn discipline, self-reliance, and national pride. These gatherings include:
- Intellectual Development – Discussions on national issues, ethics, and leadership.
- Teamwork & Volunteerism – Preparing individuals for social service and community leadership.
- Physical Training – Yoga, self-defense, and exercises for strength and discipline.
RSS in Service of the Nation: Standing in Crisis
Throughout its 100-year journey, RSS has stood at the forefront of disaster relief, national emergencies, and humanitarian crises. Whether it was natural calamities, wars, or pandemics, RSS karyakartas were among the first to respond.
Major Contributions:
- 1947 Refugee Crisis – During Partition, RSS provided food, shelter, and security to lakhs of displaced families.
- 1971 Bangladesh War – Assisted refugees with medical aid, relief materials, and rehabilitation efforts.
- 1975-77 Emergency – RSS played a crucial role in resisting authoritarian rule, mobilising public support for democracy.
- 2001 Gujarat Earthquake – Karyakartas helped rebuild homes, schools, and livelihoods in affected areas.
- 2013 Uttarakhand Floods – RSS worked for months rehabilitating families and restoring the Kedarnath temple.
- Fight against COVID 19 – Mobilised lakhs of volunteers to provide food, oxygen, medical aid, and vaccinations.
During the COVID19 pandemic, RSS carried out one of Bharat’s largest voluntary relief efforts:
- Food Distribution – Lakhs of migrant workers, daily wage laborers, and slum dwellers were provided essential rations.
- Oxygen & Medical Assistance – Thousands of oxygen cylinders and medicines were distributed.
- Support for Migrant Workers – Special transport and shelters were arranged for laborers returning to their villages.
- Financial Assistance – Sponsored education for children who lost their parents during the pandemic.
- Quarantine Centers & Hospitals – RSS set up makeshift hospitals to treat COVID patients.
Defending Democracy: The Role of RSS in the 1975 Emergency
- During the 1975 Emergency, when fundamental rights were suspended, RSS led an underground resistance.
- Distributed anti-Emergency pamphlets, mobilised protests, and led demonstrations.
- RSS swayamsevaks were arrested, tortured, and even killed for defending democratic principles.
- Played a crucial role in the 1977 elections, mobilising millions of voters to restore democracy.
As a result, Indira Gandhi suffered a historic defeat, and Morarji Desai became Prime Minister, ending the dictatorship.
RSS & Education: Shaping Young Minds
RSS has significantly contributed to education by establishing Vidya Bharati and Ekal Vidyalayas.
Ekal Vidyalayas: Bringing Education to Remote Areas
Ekal Vidyalayas are informal schools that focus on providing inclusive education to rural and tribal children. These schools operate with a single teacher, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to basic education. The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (EVF) currently runs over 1,02,753 schools, empowering children across Bharat with literacy and knowledge.
Vidya Bharati: A Blend of Tradition & Modern Education
Vidya Bharati schools aim to inculcate Bharatiya ethos while offering modern scientific education. The first such school, Saraswati Shishu Mandir, was established in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1952. Today, more than 23,000 Vidya Bharati Schools operate across Bharat, shaping young minds to be rooted in tradition while excelling in modern disciplines.
Over the decades, RSS has inspired multiple organisations in education, social welfare, and nation-building:
- Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (Farmers’ welfare)
- Seva Bharti (Social service)
- Rashtra Sevika Samiti (Women empowerment)
- Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Global outreach)
- Bharatiya Masdoor Sangh (Labor rights)
- Vidya Bharati (Education)
- Vishva Hindu Parishad (Cultural preservation)
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (Student organisation)
- Vishva Samvad Kendra (Media & communications)
- Bharatiya Janata Party (Political front)
- Vivekananda Kendra (Spiritual and social service)
RSS & Women: Empowering Society Together
RSS firmly believes that men and women are complementary forces in nation-building rather than competitors. The Rashtra Sevika Samiti, established in 1936 by Laxmibai Kelkar, trains women in leadership, service, and social work. It currently operates around 5,000 shakhas across Bharat, fostering empowerment and active participation. Prominent women figures, including Santosh Yadav, have played significant roles in major RSS events, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to inclusive leadership.
The philosophy of RSS: Hindutva & National unity
The guiding principle of RSS is Hindutva, a way of life that transcends religion, caste, and region to embrace Bharat’s cultural unity. Core philosophical tenets include Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), Sewa Parmo Dharma (Service is the highest duty), and Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat (A united and strong Bharat).
Dr. Hedgewar envisioned RSS as an institution dedicated to strengthening Hindu society, fostering unity, and ensuring Bharat’s progress.
“The Hindu culture is the life-breath of Hindustan. If Hindu culture perishes, Bharat itself will cease to exist. Strength comes only through organisation. Every Hindu must work to consolidate Hindu society. The Sangh is carrying out this supreme task,” he said.
(The story is based on twitter thread by ABVP)
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