Thiruvananthapuram: A social media post by a senior official from Kerala, sharing her personal experiences with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) karyakartas, has gone viral as the organisation marks its centenary year. The post, written by Reshmi Ayisha, a senior official at KIMS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, has drawn wide attention for its candid portrayal of how her perception of RSS changed after meeting the karyakartas, including Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat.
The heading of the SM post in Malayalam is “RSS, the organisation a Muslim like me has known when it turns 100.”
Here is the English version of her post:
“I had already had a vague idea, got from gossip here and there, about RSS. It was a frightening piece of information that RSS stood for eliminating the Muslim community and driving them away from the country. I saw RSS with fear and contempt. One of those days, an RSS karyakarta came to our hospital in connection with his friend’s treatment. He was C. Babu. When he introduced himself to me, he mentioned with total humility that he was a state-level worker of RSS. Immediately, I developed a fear of him just like I had of RSS. But a soft-spoken man; ordinary mundu (Kerala dhoti) and shirt, and cloth shoulder bag. But he says he is a state-level worker. I have never seen such a politician.
I was surprised. This is not the RSS I have known. I asked him if RSS would send Muslims like us to Pakistan. An instant laugh was his reply. He told me: ‘Chechi (Didi or elder sister in Malayalam), someone has misguided you. You all are our brothers and sisters.’
He was much older than me. I asked him to address me by name. Then he replied: ‘Our organisation has taught us to respect women. Therefore, we address even younger women as Chechi.’ That statement made me inquisitive.
Thereafter, I started my ‘investigations’ about RSS. I met several ‘Chettans’ (Malayalam terminology for elder brothers) in RSS. Visited several RSS Vargs (training camps). All spoke to me and addressed ‘Chechi’ with folded hands. When I visited the Thiruvananthapuram RSS Karyalaya the first time, I was a bit afraid. Slowly it changed. I became a sister who goes to see her brothers.
Their dhotis and shirts are somebody’s gifts. In most cases, they do not have money for food or tea. They are Pracharaks. They have embraced Sanyasa for the sake of our country. They do not have either luxurious lives or luxurious vehicles. They eat whatever they get. They sleep in bus stands or railway coaches. They have sacrificed their lives for the Param Vaibhavam (pinnacle or glory) of the country. I learned that our Prime Minister Modiji is a Pracharak like them.
Gradually, I became the Chechi of senior workers of Zilla-Vibhag-Pranth level organisation and ‘younger brothers’. Prominent among them are P. Parameswarji, S. Sethumadhavan (Chettan), P. P. Mukundan (Chettan), (Dakshin Kerala) Pranth Pracharak S. Sudarshanji and even Poojaneeya Sarsanghchalakji Dr. Mohanji Bhagavat… I learnt from them what RSS is.
I have been their sister for the last ten years. I am comfortable sitting with them without purdah. Their behaviour was not at all uncomfortable to me.
Hindutva is All-inclusive
RSS is an NGO without membership. One can take the membership with their heart. The only such organisation in the whole world. The largest organisation in the world. The country’s Param Vaibhavam is the only target of the Swayamsevaks.
Anyone may approach them and study them without any fear. Those who blame them should go closer and understand what they are. Then you will welcome them wholeheartedly. My best wishes to the RSS which completes 100 years and lakhs of Swayamsevaks who have offered their lives for the motherland.”
Namasthe Sada Vatsale Mathrubhume …….. “
