KOLKATA: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is not an organisation driven by competition, reaction, or opposition, but one rooted in fulfilment and collective purpose, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat asserted while addressing the Kolkata Lecture Series marking the Sangh’s 100-year journey. His address, delivered during the second session of the event, provided a comprehensive overview of the Sangh’s origins, philosophy, and evolving responsibilities in contemporary India.
Dr Bhagwat began by underlining the importance of unity amid ideological diversity. “There can be competition of ideas, but hearts must remain united,” he said, drawing a parallel with former US President Abraham Lincoln, who famously appointed a political rival as his Defence Secretary to strengthen national unity. The example, Bhagwat noted, underscored that leadership lies in inclusion, not exclusion.
Rejecting long-standing characterisations of the RSS as a paramilitary or reactionary organisation, Bhagwat stressed that the Sangh operates on the principles of friendship, selflessness, and collective discipline. “Sangh is not competition, not reaction, not opposition. Sangh has come to fulfil, not to destroy,” he said, adding that true understanding of the organisation comes only through firsthand experience at its grassroots shakhas, rather than through external labels.
The RSS chief paid tribute to its founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, describing him as the ideological and moral cornerstone of the Sangh. Bhagwat highlighted that Hedgewar’s life was defined by sacrifice and conviction, noting that he was sent to the National Medical College in Kolkata not merely to become a doctor but to build revolutionary networks linked to the Anushilan Samiti. “If Dr Hedgewar had not existed, the Sangh would not exist. To understand the Sangh, one must study his character,” Bhagwat said.
Tracing the Sangh’s journey through decades of opposition, violence, and political hostility, Bhagwat observed that no other voluntary organisation in the world has faced such sustained resistance. Yet, he noted, the Sangh’s volunteers never responded with bitterness. “There were attacks, even murders, but there is no resentment in the hearts of swayamsevaks. This itself reflects the organisation’s spiritual strength,” he said.
Dr Bhagwat emphasised that the RSS remains financially self-reliant, functioning entirely through voluntary contributions known as ‘Guru Dakshina’. “We do not take funds from outside. Every rupee is accounted for and audited,” he said, adding that financial transparency is integral to the Sangh’s credibility.
Highlighting the organisation’s scale, Bhagwat revealed that RSS activities now span over 1.25 lakh locations across nearly seven lakh villages in India, while urban outreach covers roughly half of the country’s 45,000 towns and cities. “Earlier, we worked in an atmosphere of opposition. Today, the environment is more favourable. This means we must expand faster, but with greater focus on quality,” he said, identifying cadre development as the key agenda of the centenary year.
A significant portion of Bhagwat’s address focused on what he termed “behavioural transformation” as the next phase of national awakening. He outlined five areas where change must begin, starting with swayamsevaks themselves.
The first is social harmony, stressing equal access to temples, water sources, and cremation grounds for all Hindus. The second is family awakening, which advocates regular family interactions, shared meals, devotional practices, and discussions of tradition and values. The third pillar is environmental responsibility, which urges practical actions such as water conservation, reducing single-use plastics, maintaining cleanliness, and promoting rooftop greenery.
The fourth focus area is Swadeshi, which Bhagwat linked to self-reliance, employment, and cultural confidence. He called for prioritising indigenous products, languages, food habits, and lifestyles. The fifth is constitutional awareness, encouraging families to educate children about the Constitution’s preamble, duties, directive principles, and rights, noting that the civilisational ethos of India is deeply reflected in its constitutional framework.
Dr Bhagwat reiterated that India, Hindustan, and Hindu are synonymous civilisational terms, asserting that the Sangh views the entire society as its own. “No organisation walks with everyone and takes everyone along the way the Sangh does,” he said.
Concluding his address, Dr Bhagwat clarified that the RSS does not seek credit for its work. “We do not work for recognition. We work because it is our responsibility,” he said, calling upon society’s “sajjan shakti” — ordinary citizens quietly serving the nation — to come together in coordinated, complementary efforts.
As the RSS celebrates its centenary year, Dr Bhagwat’s message was clear: the next phase is not about expansion alone, but about deep, values-driven transformation of society itself.
