Throughout its centennial history, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has relied on the Pracharak as a fundamental component of its structure, development and philosophy. The necessity for Pracharaks within the RSS was envisioned by Dr. Hedgewar, to disseminate the Sangh’s ideology and selfless efforts throughout Bharat in a systematic and sustained manner. Since then, Pracharaks have been the crucial agents disseminating the Sangh’s ideals of nationalism, discipline, and cultural unity throughout Bharat. RSS Pracharak is a full-time, unmarried volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) who devotes his entire life to helping the nation in accordance with the organization’s doctrine and activities. They are not paid any remuneration or salary to perform their services. The title Pracharak derives from the Sanskrit word “prachar”, which signifies “to disseminate,” highlighting their function in promoting the RSS’s principles of nationalism, social cohesion, and cultural unity. The Pracharak system commenced in 1929, four years subsequent to the establishment of the RSS. The initial cohort of four Pracharaks was established in 1932 with Babasaheb Apte, Dadarao Parmarth, Rambhau Jamgade, and Gopalrao Yerkuntwar. Pracharaks lead an austere and disciplined existence, free from material indulgences and familial obligations, to concentrate entirely on social and organizational tasks. They endeavor to build and strengthen shakhas (local training groups), educate swayamsevaks (volunteers), and advance social welfare, education, and cultural awareness. Their objective is to establish a robust, self-sufficient, and cohesive Bharat via moral and cultural rejuvenation. Their relentless efforts converted the RSS from a Nagpur-based organization into one of the largest volunteer groups globally. Dedication of a Pracharak to this motherland can be understood in the following lines of RSS prayer. In the RSS prayer, the swayamsevak reveres Bharat as a mother (mata) and articulates a commitment of respect, devotion, and service to her. It reflects the ethos of dedicating one’s body, mind, and life to the service of the motherland.
नमस्ते सदा वत्सले मातृभूमे, त्वया हिन्दुभूमे सुखं वर्धितोऽहम्।
महा मङ्गले पुण्यभूमे त्वदर्थे, पतत्वेष कायो नमस्ते नमस्ते॥
Life and working of an RSS Pracharak
Pracharaks live a minimalistic life with simplicity. The day of an RSS Pracharak commences early morning with prayer, yoga, and the study of patriotic and spiritual literature. The day time is dedicated to engaging with swayamsevaks, coordinating shakhas, overseeing social service initiatives, and advocating for education and social cohesion. Evenings are dedicated to conducting shakhas, games, and conversations to foster character development and solidarity among youth. Evenings also encompass reading, contemplation, and report preparation. The Pracharak, through a minimalist lifestyle, dedicates all actions to the principles of discipline, service, dedication, and cultural enlightenment, exemplifying total commitment to the nation and society.
Embracing simplicity and selflessness, Pracharak forsakes personal aspirations to cultivate disciplined, patriotic individuals. Pracharaks facilitate shakhas (daily assemblies) that instruct swayamsevaks in physical training, ethical values, and intellectual clarity. They organize bauddhik (intellectual sessions) to promote understanding of Bhartiya culture, unity, and social peace. They also spearhead relief initiatives during emergencies throughout Bharat. Pracharaks adhere to the values of seva (service), tyag (sacrifice), and discipline, embodying the mantra “Tan, Man, Dhan se Desh Seva.” Influenced by RSS pioneers such as Dr. Hedgewar and Shri Golwalkar Guruji, they constitute the foundation of the organization’s objective for national character development and cultural revitalization. The following group of three shlokas, from Rigveda are recited by Pracharaks and other swayamsevaks as Sangathan Mantra (organization mantra) before RSS meetings. These mantra calls for unity in thought, word, and deed, cooperation in action, and selfless alignment of intentions, which are essential for social harmony, collective work, and even national service. These Rigvedic shloka reflects the ideals guiding an RSS Pracharak, working tirelessly for the welfare and harmony of the nation through unity, selfless service, coordination, and shared purpose.
ॐ सङ्गच्छध्वं संवदध्वं, सं वो मनांसि जानताम्।
देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे, संञ्जानाना उपासते ।।1 ।।
समानो मंत्रः समितिः समानी, समानं मनः सहचित्तमेषाम्।
समानं मन्त्र अभिमन्त्रये वः, समानेन वो हविषा जुहोमी ।।2।।
समानी व आकूतिः, समाना हृदयानि वः।
समानमस्तु वो मनो, यथा वः सुसहासति ।।3।।
।। ॐ शांतिः शांतिः शांतिः ||
The RSS employs Pracharaks throughout Bharat and even beyond to enhance its network and operations. Numerous individuals subsequently assisted in founding or directing associated organizations inspired by RSS, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Seva Bharati, etc. In post-independence Bharat, Pracharaks emerged as crucial organizers and leaders throughout many national organizations, ranging from social initiatives such as Seva Bharati to political entities like the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Through their dedication, discipline, and ethical behavior, they established the legitimacy and continuity of RSS despite prohibitions and adversities. Numerous distinguished Bhartiya leaders, such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Eknath Ranade, commenced their public careers as Pracharaks, illustrating the impact of RSS in cultivating leadership grounded in discipline, service, and patriotism.
Prominent RSS Pracharaks and their contribution
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has shaped Bharat’s socio-cultural and national landscape via the committed endeavors of its Pracharaks—selfless volunteers devoted to nation-building and social change. These Pracharaks have devoted their lives to strengthening values via character development, social service, and intellectual clarity rooted in the Bhartiya values. Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS in 1925, envisioned a nation defined by discipline, unity, and moral integrity. He emphasized that national restoration can only be achieved by nurturing individual character and promoting unity among Hindus, surpassing caste and regional differences. M. S. Golwalkar (Second Sarsanghchalak, 1940 – 1973), referred to as “Guruji,” transformed the RSS into a national movement, creating a strong doctrinal and organizational structure. He clarified the concept of cultural nationalism, or Hindutva. Guruji inspired the formation of various organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Seva Bharati, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh etc.
Eknath Ranade, a senior Pracharak, exemplified the RSS philosophy of merging spirituality with nation-building. He led the creation of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and established the Vivekananda Kendra to promote Swami Vivekananda’s idea of “man-making” and a service-oriented life. Dattopant Thengadi significantly contributed to Bharat’s labor and agricultural movements. He established the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), promoting self-sufficiency and rejecting Marxist class conflict, while emphasizing unity through “Swadeshi economics”. Nanaji Deshmukh epitomized the RSS’s social aims through efforts in rural development and education. As the founder of the Deendayal Research Institute, he created self-sustaining village models in Chitrakoot and other areas, merging traditional wisdom with modern invention. Balasaheb Deoras, the third Sarsanghchalak (1973 – 1993), emphasized the significance of social unity and the eradication of untouchability. Under his leadership, the Sangh expanded its outreach through diverse service activities and promoted national unity across religious and caste boundaries. The Vishwa Vibhag (Overseas Department) of the RSS was also conceived by Balasaheb Deoras. He envisioned the expansion of the Sangh’s cultural and social mission beyond Bharat to engage the global Hindu diaspora and uphold Bharatiya principles internationally.
Dr. Rajendra Singh also called Rajju Bhaiya (fourth Sarsanghchalak, 1994 – 2000), a former physics professor, integrated scientific principles with moral instruction and led the RSS with simplicity and sincerity. He augmented RSS’s impact in educational and cultural domains, including engagement with youngsters and students. Moreover, he encouraged the study of Bhartiya texts, philosophy, and culture among RSS volunteers and advocated for the amalgamation of scientific reasoning with spiritual and ethical principles. K. S. Sudarshan, the fifth Sarsanghchalak of the RSS (2000–2009), highlighted the principles of Swadeshi, self-reliance, and national cohesion. He advocated for a scientific mindset grounded in Bhartiya values, enhanced the Sangh’s engagement with intellectuals and youth, and fostered unity across Hindu faiths. His leadership enhanced intellectual clarity and broadened the social and educational initiatives of the RSS. There are many more senior Pracharaks who contributed significantly to the growth of the organization and served the national cause. It would be difficult to summarize their contribution in one article but some of them who inspired various spheres of the society are described in the next section.
RSS Pracharaks who impacted various domains of society
RSS Pracharaks have made significant contributions in various domains beyond the organization, exemplifying the principles of altruistic service, discipline, and national revitalization. Their efforts embody the Sangh’s ideology of merging spirituality, social accountability, and nationalism into everyday existence. Deendayal Upadhyaya advanced political philosophy via Integral Humanism, highlighting the synergy between material advancement and ethical principles, and established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). Nanaji Deshmukh transformed rural development via the Deendayal Research Institute and his Gramodaya model for self-sufficient villages, which garnered him the Bharat Ratna in 2019. Dattopant Thengadi revolutionized Bharat ‘s labor and agricultural movements by establishing the Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh (BMS) and Bhartiya Kishan Sangh (BKS), advocating for cooperative, Swadeshi-oriented economy.
Madan Das Devi and HV Sheshadri enhanced value-based education and student leadership via the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Bhaurao Deoras and Moropant Pingle were instrumental during the Emergency (1975–77), upholding democratic principles and orchestrating the Sangh’s organizational framework throughout Bharat. Moreover, Moropant Pingley was a key figure and key precursor to Shri Ram Janmbhoomi movement. P. Parameswaran, was an esteemed RSS Pracharak and intellectual, established the Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram and directed the Vivekananda Kendra. He disseminated the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana in Kerala, advocated for cultural nationalism, and composed significant texts on Bhartiya philosophy and society. Dr. Shankar Rao Tatwawadi, a senior RSS Pracharak and scholar, held the position of Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak, facilitating the global expansion of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. He was a former BHU professor, who took voluntary retirement and dedicated his entire life for the nation. Dr. Rao advocated for Hindu cultural values, education, and community service globally, establishing a significant legacy in organizational leadership, ideological direction, and diaspora engagement. Collectively, these Pracharaks advanced the RSS mission into the realms of politics, education, labor, and rural change, converting principles into tangible social action. Their ideals of service (Seva), togetherness (Sangathan), and character (Sanskar) persist in shaping Bharat’s political ideology, social progress, and national identity. The legacy of Pujya Dr. Hedgewar and Pujya Guruji still inspires the current generation of Pracharaks and they are also contributing in their respective areas of dayitva.
Order of Dayitva (responsibility or duty) in RSS
The hierarchy of Pracharaks in RSS is organized in a disciplined and structured manner. The hierarchy is founded on dayitva (responsibility or duty) and experience rather than power. The hierarchy is organised from the highest to the grassroots level. Hierarchical framework of RSS facilitates effective coordination from the local to the national level. The Sarsanghchalak, the organisation’s highest ideological and spiritual leader, offers vision, guidance, and direction to the organization. He is assisted by the Sarkaryavah (General Secretary), who oversees daily administration and coordinates all activities throughout Bharat. The Sah-Sarkaryavahs (Joint General Secretaries) assist him by managing specific portfolios, including organisation, training, and communication. The Akhil Bharatiya Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are the national office bearers who oversee and direct the organisation’s activities throughout Bharat. They are senior pracharaks assigned significant responsibilities concerning administration, ideology, training, and coordination.
The Kshetra Pracharak oversees operations throughout various states or regions, whilst the Prant Pracharak directs activity inside a certain state, leading the regional and district cadres. The Vibhag Pracharak oversees multiple districts to ensure the effective execution of programs, while the Zila Pracharak manages all RSS activities within a district. At the community level, the Nagar or Khand Pracharak collaborates directly with shakhas (daily assemblies), instructing and inspiring swayamsevaks (volunteers). The foundation of the system comprises committed Karyakartas or Swayamsevaks, who engage in local shakhas, service initiatives, and community projects. This multi-tiered hierarchy facilitates the RSS’s operation with discipline, cohesion, and efficient communication. Each level is interlinked, guaranteeing that the organization’s principles, decisions, and service initiatives are seamlessly transmitted from national leadership to grassroots, embodying the Sangh’s dedication to national character development and social cohesion.
Conclusion
An RSS Pracharak embodies unselfish dedication, organizational commitment, and the principle of prioritizing the nation over the individual, diligently and continuously contributing to the cultural and social fortification of Bharat. For almost a century, the Pracharak has epitomized the essence of the Sangh – dedicating oneself to the nation rather than to personal interests. Their invisible yet unwavering efforts have guaranteed the RSS’s persistent presence and impact in creating the social and cultural environment of contemporary Bharat. These Pracharaks have collectively transformed the RSS from small volunteer organization into one of the most influential socio-cultural entities in Bharat. Their contributions include education, rural development, labor rights, national unity, and political awareness. By advocating the ideals of Seva (selfless service), Sangathan (organization), and Sanskar (values), they have furthered the objective of a resilient, cohesive, and self-reliant Bharat rooted in its spiritual and cultural history. Therefore, Pracharaks are Rastrarishis in the true sense on account of their selfless service and dedication to the Bharat Mata. When we are witnessing the centenary year of RSS, it is our moral duty to remember all those Ratrarishis who dedicated their lives for our society and nation.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
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