In the interview with Organiser, Dr Mohan Bhagwat noted that, “Both the 1948 and 1975 bans on the RSS were politically motivated. Even those who imposed them knew very well that the Sangh was not harmful — on the contrary, it was beneficial. However, due to the natural ideological competition in such a large society, to maintain their political dominance, the people in the Government chose to suppress the Sangh”, he said.
“During the first ban, everything was at odds; the Sangh was bound to perish. Despite all adversities, the RSS emerged unblemished and, within 15–20 years, not only regained its ground but grew even stronger. Swayamsevaks, who only use to run shakhas and did not have any major societal role, started participating in various social activities, ensuring their decisive roles”, he further said.
These challenges, he added, helped the Sangh in realising its own potential, encouraging a shift from routine shakha work to impactful engagement with national life. “In a way, the ban of 1948 helped the Sangh in realising its own potential and Swayamsevaks started planning for a leading role in social and systemic transformation. From the inception, it was clear that the Sangh work is not limited to a one-hour shakha but the Sangh Sanskars, the values imbibed in the Shakha, should be reflected in the remaining 23 hours— in personal, family, social and professional life. Later during the 1975 Emergency, society could experience the inherent but extended strength of the Sangh. When many of the stalwarts were paralysed in fear and despair, an ordinary Swayamsevak would confidently remain assured about the passage of difficult times and emerging scratchless from the crisis”, he said.
“During the 1975 Emergency, the RSS prioritised restoring democracy over fighting against ban on itself. We also stood by those who generally used pessimistic language against Sangh. In this period, Sangh emerged as an intellectual, trustworthy pole of the society, especially among the though leaders. Post-Emergency, the Sangh came out with a multifold strength, he said.
