Among the many genres of literature, poetry is considered one of the finest. Like a flowing river, its life force lies in movement, enduring the blows of time and carrying forward new currents. When poetry takes a musical form, it becomes a song, which is, an even more powerful medium to reinforce emotions and sentiments.
Recognising this, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has, since its inception, given special importance to songs in programmes and daily Shakhas. In the expansion of the RSS, Sangh songs have served as a flowing elixir of vitality. Senior pracharak Shri Dattopant Thengadi Ji often said, “The development of the Sangh has been natural and gradual, which I call in English ‘progressive unfoldment.’” This is equally true of the evolution of its songs. Gifted Karyakartas composed impactful songs as per the needs of the time, inspired by devotion, loyalty, dedication, and national spirit.
Unknown and Uncelebrated Composers
Acharya Mammata, in Kavyaprakasha, described desire for fame as a primary cause of poetic creation. Yet Sangh songs are strikingly anonymous. Why? Perhaps like a devotee who dissolves the “self” in bhakti, unwilling to retain even the pride of offering Naivedya, these emotional composers surrendered their creations at the feet of Bharat Mata and chose silence.
Some of the best works of Hindi poets were adopted as Sangh songs, though their names were never publicised. Among them are Maithili Sharan Gupt, Shivmangal Suman, Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala,’ Chandrakant Bharadwaj, and Vishwanath Pratap Singh. Also remembered in this lineage are Atal
Bihari Vajpayee, Vachnesh Tripathi, L J Harshe, Vishnugupta Vijigishu, and Shrikant Bharadwaj.
Just as Tulsidas in the Ramcharitmanas foresaw the transformations of Kaliyuga, truths that resonate even today, many Sangh song poets were also seers. Their compositions continue to reflect and address social realities. Since these songs were created at different times by different poets, categorising them by period is difficult, especially as most creators remain unknown.
Changing Sentiments
From its inception, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been a flexible organisation. Accepting that “change is the chief characteristic of a living society,” the Sangh has always adapted its methods while remaining rooted in fundamentals. This adaptability is reflected in Sangh songs, which, from before Independence till today, have evoked the sentiments demanded by the times.
1) Awakening of Courage and Patriotism
Before Independence, songs stirred emotions that still inspire sacrifice and vigour:
- Ati bikat nikat sankat ka tat sar par hai (Grave crisis looms near)
- O veer Swayamsevakon, kuchh karke dikha do (O brave Swayamsevaks, rise and show your deeds)
These instilled courage, discipline, and devotion.
2) National Devotion (Rashtra Aradhana)
After Independence, songs highlighted ideology and Bharat’s greatness: - Ham karein rashtra aradhana (Let us worship the Nation)
- Rastrabhakti le hriday me (With patriotism in the heart)
- Mitane mata ke sab klesha (Remove all Mother’s sufferings)
3) Dedication to the Goal (Dhyeya Chintan)
Songs emphasised Hindu Rashtra and Bharat as Vishwaguru: - Divya dhyeya ki ore tapasvi (Towards the divine goal, the ascetic moves)
- Ma basa yah vardana chahiye (Mother, grant us this boon alone)
- Charan kamal par mata tere (At your lotus feet, Mother)
4) Cultural Unity (Sanskritik Ekatmata)
Songs reflected cultural integration, recalling Ram, Buddha, Chanakya, Rana Pratap, Bhagat Singh and others: - Bhujaon mein do Bheem sa bala (Grant arms the strength of Bhima)
- Jaag utha hai Hindu phir se (The Hindu has awakened again)
- Chandan hai is desh ki maati (The soil of this land is sandalwood)
5) Worship of the Flag (Dhwaj Vandana)
The saffron flag, revered as Guru, inspired numerous songs: - Vishwaguru tava archana mein (In worship of you, O World Teacher)
- Jaya jaya jaya rashtriya pataake (Victory to the national flag)
- Namo namaste namo namo bhagwa dhwaja (Salutations to the Saffron Flag)
- Vijaya dhwaja phahare (Let the victorious flag fly)
6) Glorification of Great Men
The sacred tree of the Sangh, planted by Dr Hedgewar and nourished by Revered Shri Guruji, has spread across Bharat and abroad. As new Swayamsevaks join, many songs glorify these great men, inspiring remembrance and strength:
a) Ham sabhi ka janma tava pratibimba sa ban jae (May our lives reflect yours; may your unfinished pursuit be fulfilled eternally)
b) Keshavam smarami sada paramapujaniyam (I always remember Keshav, the most revered)
c) Lo shraddhanjali rashtrapurush (Receive this tribute, O national hero, millions of hearts have blossomed)
d) Chahiye ashish Madhav (We seek your
blessings, Madhav)
7) Well-being of the World (Vishwamangal)
Bharatiya thought prays for universal well-being. Upholding Dharma and dispelling sorrow, Sangh songs express this spirit:
a) Matrumandir ka samarpit deep main (I am the dedicated lamp of the Mother’s temple)
b) Phoonk di nij deh bhi jab vishwa ka kalyan karne (Sacrificing one’s body for world well-being)
c) Vasundhara parivar hamara (The earth is our family; this vast Hindu thought will purify humanity)
d) Hindu jage to vishwa jagega (When the Hindu awakens, the world awakens)
8) Inspirational (Udbodhan)
Once, a disheartened Karyakarta regained zeal after hearing: “Na ho sath koi, akele badho tum. Safalta tumhare charan choom legi.” (Even if no one walks with you, move forward alone. Success will bow at your feet) Many such songs ignite morale:
a) Dhyeya marg par chale veer to (Heroes on the path of the goal never look back)
b) Jisne marna sikh liya hai (He who has learned to die has the right to live)
c) Jag utha hai aj des ka vah soya abhimaan (The nation’s slumbering pride has awakened)
d) Aao ham itihas badal dein (Come, let us change history, leave foreign footprints behind)
9) Contextual (Prasangik)
Sangh festivals feature special songs: - Varsha Pratipada – Poorna karenge ham sab Keshav
- Hindu Samrajya Din – Paavan Hindu Samrajya Divas
- Guru Poornima – Guru vandya mahaan arpit koti koti pranam
- Rakshabandhan – Bandhankaari pash nahi yah
- Vijayadashami – Vijay ka shubh parv aaya
- Makar Sankranti – Aa gaya Sankranti ka sandesh pavan
10) Special Problems and National Questions
During the Emergency (1975–77), when the Sangh was banned, morale was sustained with stirring songs:
a) Badhaen aati hain aen (Obstacles may come, but we must burn like fire and march together)
b) Ao phir se diya jale (Come, let us light the lamp again; new Dadhichis must dissolve their bones for victory)
c) Akhon me vaibhav ke sapne (Dreams of glory in our eyes, storms in our steps, patriotism unstoppable)
In the Ram Mandir Movement, songs charged both young and old:
a) Saugandh Ram ki khate hain (We swear by Shri Ram, we shall build the temple right there)
b) Paapiyon ke naash ko Ram ji ki sena chali (For destruction of the wicked and rise of Dharma, Bhagwan Ram’s army advances)
11) Modern
In this age of globalisation, Sangh songs have strengthened Karyakartas to confront modern challenges such as assaults on Hindu Sanskriti, foreign and multinational influence, brain drain, and neglect of one’s own country:
1. Desh prem ka bhav jagaane, gram nagar abhiyan chale (To awaken patriotism, campaigns must run in villages and towns)
2. Bane rastra ka dharm swadeshi, vaibhav mantra swadeshi (The nation’s dharma and prosperity mantra must be Swadeshi)
3. Edi se choti tak, sara Hindustan swadeshi ho (From heel to head, the entire Hindustan must be Swadeshi)
Dedication defines a Sangh Karyakarta,
expressed in songs:
1. Tan samarpit man samarpit (My body, mind, and life dedicated; I wish to give more to my land)
2. Seva hai yajna-kund samidhasam (Service is the sacred fire in which we burn; in the ocean of the goal, we merge like rivers)
3. Charaiveti charaiveti (Keep moving, never stop,
never tire)
Environmental Awareness:
a) Desh hame deta hai sab kuchh (The nation gives us everything; we must give back)
b) Swarth sadhana ki aandhi mein (Amidst selfish pursuits, do not forget the well-being of the earth)
Classification of Sangh Songs
1. Ekal Geet (Individual Song): Uses classical elements; ideas are clear. - Divya dhyeya ki or tapasvi (Towards the divine goal, the ascetic walks unwavering, lifelong)
2. Samooha Geet (Group Song): Inspires Karyakartas, arouses national and Sanskritik consciousness. - Bharat vande mataram (Victory to Mother Bharat; steps must move forward even in storms)
3. Sanchalan Geet (Marching Song): Sung in rhythm with marching, fostering unity and patriotism. - Himadri tunga shring se (From the Himalayas, awakened Bharati shines, calling for freedom)
- Matrubhoomi gaan se goonjta rahe gagan (Let skies resound with songs of the motherland; let flowers bloom forever)
- Galat mat kadam uthao (Do not take a wrong step; walk thoughtfully and overcome difficulties)
Thus, from its founding until today, songs in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, with their varied forms and features, have continuously kept its consciousness flowing. Most songs are in Hindi, but as the Sangh’s work spread, regional Karyakartas and poets composed songs in Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Northeastern languages.
Regional songs carry the same qualities—spirit of sacrifice, dedication, service, and patriotism. Inspired by the Sangh, other organisations also sing patriotic songs to foster commitment. The most important feature of Sangh songs is that they connect heart to heart, Karyakarta to Karyakarta.
Late Revered Balasaheb Deoras said, “When the voices of Karyakartas unite in song, their hearts unite automatically.” For 90 years, regardless of age, language, province, or caste, Swayamsevaks have bonded through songs. Even in the coming mechanical age, Sangh songs will continue to unite minds and nurture harmony in society and the nation.
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