The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which completed a century of its journey, traces its evolution through four major phases from its founding in Nagpur to its nationwide organisational expansion, the establishment of affiliated bodies across diverse sectors, and its current focus on social transformation through the framework of Panch Parivartan (Five Transformations).
According to the account of the Sangh’s journey, the organisation’s initial phase, spanning its founding to India’s Independence, focused primarily on strengthening its organisational foundations. While individual swayamsevaks participated in the freedom movement, social service, and reform initiatives, the Sangh concentrated on expanding its network and developing its organisational structure.
From Nagpur to a Nationwide Organisation
Founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS began with a small gathering in Nagpur before gradually expanding across the country through the efforts of young volunteers. Following Hedgewar’s death in 1940, Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, popularly known as Shri Guruji, assumed the role of the second Sarsanghchalak.
As the demand for Independence intensified and Partition approached, the Sangh called upon its volunteers to expand organisational activities. During the Partition of 1947, swayamsevaks participated in efforts to rescue Hindu families, facilitate their relocation, and assist displaced people, according to the Sangh’s account.
1948 ban and satyagraha mark second phase
The second phase was marked by a major confrontation with the government. In 1948, following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the government banned the RSS, and several of its leaders and volunteers, including Golwalkar, were imprisoned.
The Sangh subsequently launched a satyagraha after negotiations failed, seeking the removal of the ban. The prohibition was lifted later in 1949 after the organisation agreed to operate under a written constitution and the government accepted the arrangement.
The post-Independence period also witnessed the growth of organisations inspired by the Sangh across education, politics, labour, agriculture, tribal welfare, law, science, and cultural activities.
Among these are the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Vidya Bharati, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Vijnana Bharati, Sanskar Bharati, and the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad. The Sangh’s account identifies more than 32 such organisations operating across different sectors of public life.
Service expansion becomes a major priority
The third phase began around the birth centenary of Hedgewar in 1989, when the Sangh resolved to increase its engagement with disadvantaged and underserved communities. The establishment of the Seva Vibhag in 1990 formalised its focus on service-oriented activities and holistic social development.
The scale of these initiatives has since expanded considerably. According to the figures cited in the account, swayamsevaks are involved in approximately 129,000 service projects and activities through various organisations, covering education, healthcare, social welfare, and self-reliance.
The Sampark Vibhag, established in 1994, was created to connect with influential individuals and other members of society who wished to contribute to national development, while also communicating the Sangh’s vision and activities.
Other initiatives highlighted during this phase include Dharma Jagaran, which focuses on religious awareness and facilitating the return of individuals to Hinduism; Samajik Samarasata, which seeks to address caste discrimination and untouchability; and Samajik Sadbhav, which promotes dialogue and social goodwill across caste divisions.
Rural development, indigenous cattle conservation, cow shelters, and the promotion of organic farming using cow dung have also become part of the Sangh’s wider activities.
Fourth Phase: From Shakhas to wider social engagement
The RSS describes its current phase as one in which volunteers increasingly take up work in fields suited to their interests, skills, and capabilities, extending their activities beyond regular shakhas (daily gatherings).
The organisation maintains that the shakha remains a foundation for individual development, while the broader objective is to encourage volunteers to participate in social transformation across different spheres of life. The Rashtra Sevika Samiti undertakes comparable activities for women, while initiatives in service, outreach, public communication, family values, social harmony, environmental protection, and rural development bring together volunteers and other members of society.
The guiding principle, attributed to Hedgewar, is that the Sangh’s work is not confined to the shakha but extends to the wider Hindu society.
Panch Parivartan: The Sangh’s five priorities for social change
Looking ahead, the Sangh has outlined Panch Parivartan, or Five Transformations, as a framework for encouraging changes in individual conduct and collective social life. The approach rests on the view that lasting national transformation requires participation across society rather than the efforts of a small group alone.
The five areas identified are:
1. Social Harmony (Samajik Samarasata): The Sangh calls for eliminating untouchability, caste-based discrimination, and social injustice, advocating equal dignity and a stronger sense of social unity.
2. Environmental Conservation: Emphasising the Indian tradition of reverence for nature, the initiative promotes water conservation, tree plantation, cleanliness, and responsible energy use as everyday civic responsibilities.
3. Family Enrichment (Kutumb Prabodhan): The family is presented as the foundation of social stability and national strength. The focus is on nurturing values, responsibilities, and cultural traditions within family life.
4. Self-Reliant Living (Swadeshi): The Sangh advocates greater use of indigenous products, local languages, traditional attire, and domestic industries. It presents self-reliance not as isolation from the world but as economic engagement grounded in national capacity and self-respect. India’s achievements in defence, space research, computing, and vaccine development are cited as examples of this approach.
5. Civic Duty and Etiquette: Citizens are encouraged to complement their constitutional rights with responsible conduct, including honesty, discipline, courteous behaviour, and the careful use of water, electricity, and fuel.
The Sangh’s four-phase narrative presents its journey as a progression from organisational consolidation to nationwide expansion, service activities, and broader social engagement. Its current emphasis on Panch Parivartan seeks to translate its stated objectives into everyday practices within families, communities, and civic life.
