As part of its centenary celebrations, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to launch a large-scale door-to-door outreach campaign in J&K. This initiative aims to take the Sangh’s message to every corner of the region, reinforcing its ideology and expanding its grassroots presence. The campaign is a part of a broader year-long plan to mark 100 years of the organisation’s establishment.
The Sangh, which will complete 100 years of its establishment this Vijayadashami (October 2, 2025), has devised an extensive engagement plan that will span across all provinces, with a special focus on Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing a press conference in Jammu, RSS Prant Sanghchalak Dr Gautam Mengi, along with Sah Prant Sanghchalak Dr. Vikrant and Prant Karywah Avtar Krishan, detailed the upcoming activities.
“On October 2, shakha programmes will be held in full uniform across all mandals and cities in the province. Over the next year, we will organise various gatherings, Hindu conferences, intellectual meetings, and social harmony events. A special focus will be placed on engaging the youth through structured programs designed to instill a sense of responsibility and patriotism,” Dr. Mengi stated.
The door-to-door campaign will distribute literature and hold discussions to educate people about the Sangh’s ideology and activities. The RSS also aims to increase its network of shakhas in the province, targeting maximum expansion before the centenary celebrations conclude.
Dr. Mengi further elaborated that the campaign will not be limited to urban centers but will extend to remote and rural areas, ensuring that even the most far-flung regions are covered. “Our goal is to strengthen community bonds and reinforce a nationalistic spirit among all sections of society,” he emphasised.
One of the key objectives of the campaign is to strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s full integration with Bharat, a process that was significantly advanced with the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. “We are now working to consolidate that integration by ensuring that nationalist ideas take deep root in the region,” Dr. Mengi asserted. He emphasised that this outreach initiative would help counter misinformation and bring more people into the mainstream nationalist discourse.
Responding to queries on religious inclusivity, Dr. Mengi clarified that RSS does not oppose Islam or Christianity. “Our ideology is rooted in universal brotherhood. Hindu culture believes in inclusion, not exclusion. When we speak of ‘Rashtra,’ it includes every citizen of Bharat, regardless of their faith, even atheists. This is the essence of our philosophy, which needs to be understood correctly.”
He stressed that the Sangh’s activities were focused on unifying all sections of society, with special attention given to social harmony and eliminating barriers of caste, creed, and regionalism.
The RSS leadership also addressed concerns over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. During the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha meeting held in Bengaluru from March 21 to 23, a resolution was passed condemning the systematic violence, injustice, and persecution faced by Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh at the hands of extremist elements.
“The situation is alarming and a grave violation of human rights. We urge the global community to support the Hindus of Bangladesh. We also appeal to the Government of India to engage in continuous dialogue with the Bangladeshi government and take all possible measures to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of the Hindu community there,” Dr. Mengi asserted.
The meeting also reviewed the larger political and social landscape of the country, assessing key areas where the RSS and its affiliated organisations need to step up their efforts. A strong call was made to intensify outreach programs in states where nationalist ideologies need reinforcement.
Currently, the RSS maintains a strong presence in J&K, with 678 daily shakhas, 394 Milan (weekly gatherings), and 328 monthly Mandalis (discussion forums). The organisation aims to significantly increase these numbers in the coming year through its outreach programs.
Dr. Mengi revealed that special training camps would be conducted for volunteers in the region to help them effectively communicate the Sangh’s message to different sections of society. These training sessions will also include workshops on leadership, community service, and cultural heritage.
A significant aspect of the centenary celebrations will be youth-focused programs aimed at fostering leadership and social responsibility. These will include workshops, educational seminars, and cultural events that highlight Bharat’s rich history and traditions. Special emphasis will also be given to women’s participation in the movement. Various forums will be created to encourage women to take active roles in social and cultural initiatives led by the Sangh.
The RSS leadership outlined their long-term vision for the country, emphasising the need to preserve and strengthen Bharat’s cultural identity. “Over the last 100 years, the Sangh has earned unwavering trust and affection from society through the values imparted by its Shakhas. RSS volunteers, with love and sincerity, have moved beyond pride and prejudice, working together to unite all,” Dr. Mengi said.
“As we embark on our next century, it is our duty to remember the revered saints, the virtuous powers of society whose blessings and support have always been our strength, and the selfless workers who dedicated their lives to this movement,” he added.
