Pragya Pravah National Coordinator J Nandakumar has observed that a quiet yet significant tectonic change is underway at the foundational level of Kerala society. According to him, Kerala is currently gripped by a social, political and religious atmosphere that fosters anti-national sentiments and promotes ideas that run counter to Bharatiya culture and values. In a conversation with 24 News, a malayalam news channel, he expressed concern that the peculiar socio-political and religious climate in Kerala has left people in the state largely unaware of the sweeping changes unfolding across the nation and the world. This socio-political system must change, and that change is bound to happen soon in Kerala, he asserted, adding that the transformation will be positive and far-reaching.
Nandakumar stated, “A peculiar political, social and religious atmosphere exists in Kerala, as we all know. A kind of pseudo-progressive ideology created by that atmosphere also exists in the state. We have developed a mindset that views anyone who speaks against Bharat or Bharatiya values as inherently progressive, liberal, and secular. From within the comfort of this illusionary palace we have constructed, we hurl criticisms at the world outside. Kerala today faces a situation where many live like frogs in a well, unaware of the broader realities beyond their narrow confines. That must change. And that change is indeed underway. The calm visible on the surface of Kerala’s social structure is deceptive; it does not reflect the true state of affairs. A tectonic shift is occurring at the very foundation of Kerala society. If not today, it will certainly become evident tomorrow. And it will be a positive transformation, a change for the better in every sphere of life in Kerala”.
RSS Plans Expansion to 3 Lakh Villages in 3 Years, Focusses Introspection Over Jubilees
Nandakumar JI clarified that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has never celebrated jubilees in its history, as the organisation places greater emphasis on introspection than on commemorating the passage of years. He stated that each passing year is viewed by the Sangh not as a milestone to be celebrated, but as another year in which progress has been made towards its set goals. He added that the Sangh prioritises energising its activities and working with greater intensity and commitment rather than marking anniversaries.
He emphasized that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) does not view itself merely as an organisation within society, but as an organisation of society itself. “It is not an organisation in the society, but an organisation of society,” he clarified. Accordingly, he noted, the Sangh is working to expand its influence beyond political ideologies into broader areas of social life. As the RSS completes 100 years, the focus remains on evaluating how existing activities can be further intensified and expanded. In line with this vision, he said the Sangh has set a target to establish one lakh new shakhas (branches) within the next year. Over the next three years, the goal is to reach a total of three lakh villages across the country.
Currently, RSS activities are active in more than 60,000 villages across India. Despite this, the Sangh has already grown to become the world’s largest voluntary organisation. Nandakumar emphasized that the time is ripe for organisational planning and renewed efforts to ensure the Sangh’s presence extends to even more regions in the coming years.
RSS Growth Not Linked to Political Power
He has dismissed the notion that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has become more acceptable in other parts of India compared to Kerala solely due to the presence of the BJP-led government at the Centre.
He clarified that the Sangh’s growing acceptance is not a result of any government in power. “The current central government cannot be described as one functioning on Sangh ideology,” he said. “It is more accurate to say that many individuals in the government are inspired by the Sangh.” He further noted that the perception that the government is driven by RSS policies is a creation of the media.
Nandakumar ji explained that while several members of the government are Sangh Swayamsevaks and others are influenced by its ideology, the Sangh’s organisational growth is independent of political developments. “If we analyse the Sangh’s growth through statistics, it did not start in 2014. The wide expansion was already visible before that, especially after 2000 and throughout the 2010s.”
He pointed out that political influence and the Sangh’s activities operate along different paths. For instance, Gujarat, despite being a politically powerful state, has only an average number of Sangh sakhas. On the other hand, Kerala ranks highest in the number of RSS sakhas in the country.
According to Nandakumar ji, the increasing influence of the Sangh is rooted in the dedication and effectiveness of its workers, as well as the rising number of full-time pracharaks. The changes in society’s response to the Sangh are driven by the Sangh’s zeal, capacity for hard work, and the systematic implementation of the goals it has set for the nation, he said.
