The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925 by Dr KB Hedgewar to organise India’s youth through patriotism, physical and mental development, and self-discipline, has long incorporated Yoga as an essential component of its spiritual and physical training. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, meditation, and various asanas is a staple at RSS ‘Shakhas’ (daily gatherings).
The connection between Yoga and the RSS extends beyond mere physical well-being; it is deeply intertwined with self-control, social service, harmony, and spiritual awakening. Dr. Hedgewar himself was a practitioner of Yoga and mandated its inclusion in the Shakha methodology. His successor, M.S. Golwalkar, affectionately known as Shri Guruji, also viewed Yoga as an integral part of inner discipline and penance. He emphasised, “If people pay attention to the practice of yogasanas for health protection and disease prevention, the general public’s health will improve, their expenditure on medicines will decrease, and they will benefit in all respects.”
The RSS views Yoga not merely as a tool for individual upliftment but as a path for societal betterment and nation-building. This comprehensive perspective is integral to the organisation’s approach. In its major training camps, systematic education in Yogasanas and meditation is imparted. Through Yoga, volunteers are cultivated with discipline, courage, and physical vigour, enabling them to be proactive in community service.
Even today, Yoga practice remains a mandatory activity in thousands of RSS Shakhas across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, himself a former Swayamsevak (volunteer) of the RSS, has significantly contributed to this tradition by declaring and establishing the International Day of Yoga on the global stage. This initiative is seen as a modern manifestation of the Sangh’s enduring commitment to Yoga. The RSS’s philosophy can be encapsulated in the motto: “Yoga is the strategy, Yoga is the strength.” As affirmed by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (All India Representatives’ Assembly) in 2015, “Yoga is India’s gift to the world.”
RSS Resolution on International Yoga Day
The declaration by the 69th United Nations General Assembly to observe June 21 annually as International Yoga Day brought immense joy and pride to all Indians, people of Indian origin, and millions of Yoga enthusiasts worldwide. It was a matter of great delight that the proposal put forth by India’s Prime Minister on September 27, 2014, in his address to the UN General Assembly, received unprecedented support. Nepal immediately welcomed it, and 175 member states co-sponsored the resolution, which was adopted by consensus without a vote on December 11, 2014, in under three months.
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha drew attention to the fact that Yoga is India’s timeless gift to the world. Derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj,’ meaning ‘to unite’ or ‘to join,’ Yoga is not merely limited to physical exercises. According to sages like Maharshi Patanjali, it is a holistic lifestyle that connects the body, mind, intellect, and soul. Scriptures define Yoga in various ways, such as ‘Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind’ (Yogaschittavritti Nirodhah), ‘Yoga is the means to calm the mind’ (Manah Prashamanopayah Yogah), and ‘Equanimity is Yoga’ (Samatvam Yoga Uchyate). By adopting these principles, individuals experience a peaceful and healthy life.
The number of people worldwide who seek to live a balanced life in harmony with nature through Yoga is steadily increasing. This includes ordinary individuals from diverse cultures, as well as famous personalities, entrepreneurs, and diplomats. The Pratinidhi Sabha expressed its gratitude to all the saints, Yoga gurus, and instructors who have contributed to the global spread of Yoga. It affirmed that all Yoga lovers must disseminate the message of Yoga to every corner of the world.
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha extended its greetings to Indian diplomats, co-sponsoring and supporting member states, and UN officials who contributed to the adoption of this historic resolution. The Sabha expressed its firm belief that observing Yoga Day and embracing a Yoga-based integrated lifestyle will foster an atmosphere of true harmony and global unity everywhere.
Finally, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha urged central and state governments to further this initiative by integrating Yoga into educational curricula, encouraging research programs on Yoga, and making every possible effort to promote Yoga in societal life. The Pratinidhi Sabha appealed to all citizens, including Swayamsevaks, people of Indian origin worldwide, and all Yoga enthusiasts, to strive to make life joyful, healthy, and sustainable across the globe through the widespread dissemination of Yoga.
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