The RSS’s centennial journey has been of persistent expansion and unwavering resolve.
Genesis and Evolution of RSS: Visionary leadership of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has entered its centennial year since inception. Since its establishment, the organisation has consistently expanded, strengthened and increased its influence, sparking curiosity among people to learn about and understand its activities. To truly comprehend the RSS, it is essential to understand its founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the first Sarsanghchalak. Dr Hedgewar was a born patriot who intensely despised British rule, which was evident from his childhood.
However, he believed that striving solely for independence was akin to treating the symptoms of a disease rather than addressing its root cause. He held it was crucial to introspect and ascertain the underlying reasons that led to the subjugation of a vast, affluent, and prosperous Bharatiya society.
To address these fundamental maladies, he envisioned fostering a sense of self-awareness, self-respect, unity, fraternal bonding, discipline, and national character within society. While actively participating in all endeavours aimed at achieving independence, he founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in October 1925, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami.
HINDUTVA AND THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF THE RSS
Bharat’s collective identity is deeply rooted in a spirituality-based, integral, and holistic worldview, widely recognized as Hindutva or the Hindu view of life. The RSS embarked on its mission with the objective of revitalising this ethos, unifying the entire society, and establishing a model of excellence for the Hindu community. Though Dr Hedgewar had close associations with leading thinkers and the intellectuals of his era, his vision stood out for its distinctiveness, comprehensiveness, inclusivity, and foresight.
The visionary perspective of Dr Hedgewar was remarkably astute and far-sighted, distinguishing him from his contemporaries. During this period, many spiritual and social organisations emerged, contributing significantly to Bharat’s progress. The formation of the RSS was entirely consonant with this larger movement. However, from its inception, it was evident that the RSS would function not merely as a subsidiary organisation within society, but rather as the very embodiment of the entire Hindu society. A distinguished thinker has astutely observed that conceptually the RSS and Hindu society are coterminous and psychologically they are one, existing in a state of symbiotic unity.
COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Dr Hedgewar was committed to consolidate society while avoiding contentious debates and adversarial postures, adhering to the principles of “Vadonavalambya” (do not indulge in debates) and “Sarvesham Avirodhena” (not opposed to anyone). The current Sarasanghachalak, Dr Mohan Ji Bhagwat, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Regardless of any opposition others may have towards us, we hold no animosity towards anyone. We shall engage with them amicably, while ensuring our organisation remains unscathed by their opposition.”
Character building and organising the society remain the core of RSS’s work, alongside activities pertaining to contemporary challenges. Dr Hedgewar exemplified this balance of eternal and ephemeral. Before founding the RSS in 1925, he participated in the 1921 Non-Cooperation Movement and endured a year in prison. After establishing the RSS, he and other swayamsevaks joined the 1930 Civil Disobedience Movement, which led to another nine months of imprisonment.
Despite such involvement in current movements, he ensured the continuity of RSS’s foundational mission by entrusting leadership responsibilities as Sarsanghchalak, to his associate, Dr Lakshman Vasantrao Paranjape. His ability to distinguish between the eternal and the ephemeral remains a guiding principle for RSS.
REVITALISING THE TIMELESS TRADITION OF GURU DAKSHINA
The tradition of accepting philanthropic contributions from society for the purpose of undertaking activities beneficial to the community has a long-standing presence in Bharat. However, Dr Hedgewar introduced a novel paradigm, wherein the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) endeavours would be solely funded by the Guru Dakshina contributed by swayamsevaks, thereby ensuring the organisation’s financial independence and autonomy. This innovative approach has been consistently adhered to since its inception.
In Bharat, exceptional individuals are often venerated as Gurus. As RSS is an organisation of the entire Hindu society it eschews the notion of acknowledging any individual as a Guru. Understanding the need for a unifying symbol rooted in Hindu tradition, Dr Hedgewar designated the saffron flag as RSS’s revered Guru, embodying Hindutva’s timeless legacy.
BHARATIYA NATIONAL FLAG: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, AND THE RSS EMBLEM
Sister Nivedita (Margaret Noble), a disciple of Swami Vivekananda, designed one of the earliest flags for an independent Bharat in 1906, featuring a yellow Vajra emblem on a saffron background. In 1931, the Congress Working Committee constituted a Flag Committee—including Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Master Tara Singh, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Pattabhi Sitaramayya (Convener), Kaka Kalelkar, and Dr Hardikar—which unanimously proposed that the national flag of Bharat should be of a single-colour, specifically saffron, as it is equally acceptable to all the people and is associated with this ancient country by long tradition. The committee’s design featured a blue spinning wheel (charkha) emblazoned on a rectangular saffron flag. During this era several organisations like Arya Samaj and Hindu Mahasabha also adopted saffron flags accompanied by emblems of the sun or Om. However, the saffron flag of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), established in 1927 as a revered symbol of the Guru, has carried no emblems, reinforcing its core belief that the RSS is not an organisation within the society—it is an organisation of the entire society.
CONCEPT OF SHAKHA: ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) developed a methodology of “Shakha” to foster national character building and collective virtues, as well as to perpetuate the memory of its ideals. Typically, a Shakha gathering lasts for an hour, cultivating the sentiment that the entire Bharatiya society is one, equal, and my own.
To inculcate values such as entrepreneurship, courage, perseverance, strength, intellect, and valour, various activities like games, Lathi, Yogasanas, indigenous martial art “Niyuddha” are conducted during Shakhas. Additionally, programmes like parades, route marches, and physical training (PT) exercises, inspired by the British Army, are also held to instill discipline, unity, bravery, and collectivism.
At its core, the Shakha is not just a routine gathering but a transformative practice that fosters both individual virtues and collective consciousness. It is through this immersive environment that swayamsevaks develop a deep-rooted sense of belonging and a lifelong commitment to the nation’s welfare. Inspired by dedicated workers who have embraced this mission as a way of life, thousands of volunteers actively participate in this selfless mission.
The RSS has achieved a pervasive presence across Bharat, extending its reach to 98.3% of the nation’s 924 districts, 92.3% of the 6,618 blocks (tehsils) and 52.2% of the 58,939 mandals (a mandal is a group of 10-12 villages).
Through an extensive network of 83,129 (daily gathering centres ) shakhas (branches) at 51,710 places and 22,866 weekly milan kendras (meeting centres) at 21,936 additional places, the organisation continues to expand steadily, underscoring its enduring influence and appeal.
A notable feature of the Shaka structure is its demographic composition: 59%, of the daily shakhas comprise of student members, while the remaining 41% consist of professional swayamsevaks (volunteers). Of the latter, 11% of the shakhas are led by swayamsevaks above the age of 40, while the rest are led by young professionals.
The RSS primarily conducts shakhas for men, while, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti runs shakhas exclusively for women, focusing on similar character-building efforts. Additionally, women actively participate in various social awakening initiatives undertaken by RSS swayamsevaks through the Prachar Vibhag (Media Relations), Sampark Vibhag (Outreach in the society), and Seva Vibhag (Service Activities). Continuous efforts are made to augment women’s participation in these endeavours.
TRANSFORMATIVE PRACTICES: INITIATIVES THAT CULTIVATE POSITIVE CHANGE AND PROMOTE SOCIETAL BETTERMENT
Beyond Shakhas, the RSS collaborates with various social and cultural activities to drive large-scale social transformation. These efforts span diverse domains such as Dharm Jagran Samanvay (Awakening and connecting to one’s cultural and spiritual roots Coordination), Gram Vikas (Village Development), Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment), Samajik Samarasata (Social Harmony), Gau Samvardhan (Cow Conservation), Paryavaran Sanrakshan (Environmental Conservation), Ghumantu Karya (Work among nomadic tribes), and Samajik Sadbhav Karya (Social networking). In all these socially transformative initiatives women participation is increasing along with swayamsevaks.
To effect systemic changes in different aspects of societal life, RSS swayamsevaks are engaged in over 35 fields, including labour, agriculture, student welfare, education, religious leadership, politics, arts, law, small-scale industries, tribal welfare, sports, and more. Concerted efforts are made to increase women’s participation in these initiatives. Notably, all these activities, in which swayamsevaks are engaged, operate independently and autonomously, reflecting the RSS’s guiding philosophy—organising society from within rather than relying on external power structures.
AUGMENTING THE REACH AND INFLUENCE OF THE SANGH
The RSS’s centennial journey has been of persistent expansion and unwavering resolve. Initially, the organisation faced indifference, ridicule, and resistance, opposition from vested interest, yet it has persevered in its mission to revitalise the nation, propelled by tireless dedication, sacrifices of its workers, an unwavering support from the society and divine blessings. At present, support and participation from society are continuously growing. Furthermore, the organisation is also receiving issue-based support from various sections of society, culminating in a discernible transformation in its influence, societal mindset
Looking ahead to Vijayadashami 2025, when RSS will complete 100 years of its journey and mission, the RSS aims to accelerate the growth of its work, expanding its outreach and allowing more people to directly connect with RSS and engage in its mission of nation-building. Following this milestone, swayamsevaks will actively engage in transforming society by involving more sections of society in five key areas transformation known as “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations). These transformations encompass:
* Kutumb Prabodhan: Srengthening family bonds through values and awareness.
* Samajik Samrasta: Fostering social harmony and integration.
* Paryavaran Sanrakshan aur Samvardhan: Environmental conservation and sustainability.
* Swadeshi Jeevan Shaili: Promoting an indigenous, self-reliant lifestyle.
* Lok Kartyavah Bodh: Cultivating a sense of responsibility towards society and duties.
THE CATALYST IN RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH’S EXPANSION
The remarkable growth of RSS has left people astonished, appreciative, and impressed. The credit for this accomplishment goes to the organisation’s founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, whose vision, leadership and grassroots organisational methods laid a strong foundation for the movement’s sustained impact. Unlike many movements that rely on political influence, the RSS has always emphasised social transformation through organic institutions, ensuring a deeper and more enduring impact.
A verse from an RSS song succinctly captures this sentiment:
“Do not rely solely on power for transformation;
an immortal society will emerge from the centres of an awakened populace.”
(Keval Satta se Mat Karan’s Parivartan ki Aas
Jagrut Janata ke Kendron se Hoga Amar Samaj).
Observing and engaging in these activities, it is imperative to acknowledge a crucial consideration: the mere expansion of the shakhas’ reach will not suffice to awaken, cultivate values, and organise the entire society. To achieve this objective, it is essential to leverage the natural institutions within society, such as families, schools, colleges, and community organisations, to impart values and foster a sense of responsibility.
When exemplary role models are visible at every level and in every sphere, individuals from all segments of society—including children, youth, and adults—will develop a profound understanding of the authentic concept of this ancient and distinctive nation. Consequently, they will conduct themselves in a manner that aligns with this understanding. Only then will a transformative, positive force emerge within the entire society, precipitating a paradigmatic shift.
Ultimately, a prosperous, empowered, and active Bharat will establish its inclusive, integrated, and holistic cultural identity, akin to a beacon, guiding humanity and fulfilling its global responsibilities. The endeavours undertaken by the RSS through its shakhas and by swayamsevaks through their conduct will begin to permeate society’s natural institutions. A victorious, organised society will continue to emerge, and the RSS’s mission will endure, becoming an integral part of the entire society’s functioning.
* Dr Manmohan Vaidya is Sah Sarkaryawah (Joint General Secretary) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.