Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – 100 Years

• Full Name: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
• Abbreviation: RSS
• Founded: 27 September 1925
• Founder: Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (Nagpur, Maharashtra)
• Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Nature: A socio-cultural and nationalist organization

Objectives

• To preserve and promote India’s culture and traditions.
• To develop national unity and discipline in society.
• To instill patriotism, spirit of service, and social awareness among citizens.
• To strengthen the nation by organizing the Hindu society.

Structure and Functioning

• Shakha (Branch):
  • The basic unit of RSS.
  • Held in open grounds in the morning or evening.
  • Activities include physical exercises, yoga, games, songs, and discussions on patriotism.
• Swayamsevak (Volunteer):
  • Members associated with RSS.
  • Participate in social service, education, disaster management, and cultural activities.
• Uniform:
  • Earlier: Khaki shorts, white shirt, and black cap.
  • Now: Khaki pants, white shirt, and black cap.

Associated Organizations (Sangh Parivar)

RSS has established various organizations for working in different fields, collectively called the Sangh Parivar. Key organizations include:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Political organization
• Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP): Religious and cultural organization
• Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP): Student organization
• Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS): Labor organization
• Rashtriya Seva Bharati: Social service organization
• Seva Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Sanskar Bharati, etc.

Chiefs of RSS

1. Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1925–1940)
2. Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (1940–1973)
3. Madhav Rao Deoras (1973–1994)
4. Prof. Rajendra Singh (1994–2000)
5. K.S. Sudarshan (2000–2009)
6. Mohan Bhagwat (2009–present)

Contributions to Society

• Indirect contribution to the freedom struggle (some volunteers participated in movements).
• Disaster management: Relief work during earthquakes, floods, and pandemics.
• Education: Establishment of schools, Gurukuls, and educational institutions.
• Social harmony: Campaigns against casteism, village-level service initiatives.
• Promotion of patriotism: Cultural programs, training, and emphasis on discipline.

Controversies and Criticisms

• Political connections: Alleged guidance to BJP by RSS.
• Religious nationalism: Critics view it as a carrier of “Hindu nationalism.”
• Bans:
  • 1948: After Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination
  • 1975: During Emergency
  • 1992: After Babri Masjid demolition
    (All bans were later lifted.)

Current Status

• RSS is considered India’s largest voluntary organization.
• Number of Shakhas: Over 60,000 (in India and abroad).
• Its influence continues to grow socially and politically.