“While the programmes in a shakha may have alternatives, the essence of a shakha is—coming together, cultivating collective virtues, and reigniting the resolve on a daily basis that we are working for the param vaibhav (ultimate glory) of Bharat Mata (our motherland) —this is the root — meeting, and cooperating with each other is fundamental. This is the basis, it is irreplaceable”, said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat in interview to Organiser.
“A common person remains common until he is connected with the collective whole. Then even ordinary person also do extraordinary work and unimaginable sacrifices. For achieving this, what needs is a conducive environment and condition to be part of that environment. Ideals and affinity are the only facilitators of change, nothing else. All over the world, there exist a model for transformation, somebody becomes agent of self-transformation which inspires others to emulate. Such model or ideal cannot be distant; it has to be close by and with the sense of belongingness”, he said.
“There are many great personalities, we know them and have respect and reverence for them but individually we generally follow the people around us. We generally do as per the environment provided by our peer group. A more competent friend is easier to emulate, this has been the tested method of transformation. Until this is true, Shakha is irreplaceable as it provides environment for inculcating individual and collective virtues. While the time and attire of shakha may change (and that’s already allowed), there is no alternative to Shakha. Shakha is never irrelevant. Today, people from advanced countries are coming and studying our shakha model, asking about it. Every ten years we contemplate whether there is any other alternative. I have been present in such contemplations for six-seven times, but till date, no viable alternative has yet emerged”, he further said.
On growing work of Sangh in the Vanavasi (Scheduled Tribe) areas, RSS Sarsanghchalak said, “the primary work in the forest areas is to empower the tribal people and serve them. Later, the efforts for safeguarding their interests were also included. We aspire that the leadership should emerge among the Janjatiya from within—leaders who care for their own people and see themselves as an integral part of the nation”.
“The number of Swayamsevaks working in these areas is steadily increasing. The efforts to build leadership and Karyakartas at the grassroots level, who would echo the national sentiments and contribute accordingly, are going on. To achieve the same, reawakening about the Scheduled Tribe traditions, their roots, local icons and their contribution in the freedom struggle is necessary. Shakhas are expanding across tribal regions of Bharat including the North-eastern parts”, he further said.
