RSS.

 

RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) — one of India’s largest volunteer-based organizations 👇

Founded: 27 September 1925

Founder: Keshav Baliram Hedgewar

Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Type: Volunteer-based Hindu nationalist organization (Sangh)

Motto: “Service and Discipline” (Seva and Shakthi)

Objective: Cultural nationalism and promotion of Hindu values, along with social service and nation-building.

🧑‍🏫 Historical Background

RSS was founded during the British colonial period in India.

Hedgewar aimed to unite Hindus under a common cultural and moral framework, focusing on self-reliance, discipline, and national consciousness.

Initially, it emerged as a cultural and social organization rather than a political one.

Over time, it developed a vast network of affiliated organizations (the Sangh Parivar) involved in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and politics.

🏋️ Core Ideology

1. Hindutva (Hindu-ness)

RSS promotes cultural nationalism rooted in Hindu heritage and traditions.

Hindutva, as conceptualized by RSS, focuses on unity of the Hindu community, social harmony, and preservation of cultural values.

2. Discipline and Service (Seva)

Members, called Swayamsevaks, engage in regular drills (shakhas) emphasizing physical fitness, discipline, and moral education.

Volunteer service, social work, and national duty are central practices.

3. Nation First

The organization stresses patriotism and national integration.

It believes in building India as a strong, culturally cohesive nation.

🏫 Activities & Programs

Daily Shakhas (Branches):

Physical exercises, drills, patriotic and cultural teachings.

Held in cities, towns, and villages across India (thousands of shakhas daily).

Educational Initiatives:

Many schools and colleges are linked through Vidya Bharati, promoting education with cultural values.

Social Work:

Disaster relief, cleanliness drives, health camps, and community service.

Youth Engagement:

Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and other affiliated youth wings foster leadership and activism.

🏛️ Political Connections

While RSS officially claims to be non-political, it has strong links with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s major political party.

Many BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have had RSS backgrounds.

The Sangh Parivar includes multiple organizations in education, labor, healthcare, and media that propagate RSS ideals.

⚖️ Controversies

1. Communal Allegations:

RSS has faced criticism for promoting Hindu nationalism and being linked to communal tensions in India.

2. Ban and Legal Challenges:

The organization was banned temporarily in 1948 after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse (a former RSS member).

It has faced legal scrutiny multiple times but remains active nationwide.

3. Criticism of Ideology:

Critics argue its interpretation of Hindutva can be exclusionary, while supporters claim it promotes cultural pride and national unity.

🌏 Global Presence

RSS has branches and shakhas in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and the Middle East, primarily serving Indian diaspora communities.

Its global wing promotes cultural events, language learning, and community service.

🌼 Legacy & Impact

RSS has played a major role in shaping Indian social and political life, especially in post-independence India.

Its influence extends to education, politics, disaster relief, and social reforms.

Estimated membership ranges in millions across India.

🔑 Summary

RSS = Cultural organization + Volunteer service + Ideological network

Promotes discipline, Hindu values, and nationalism.

Operates through shakhas, schools, and affiliated organizations.

Controversial yet influential in India’s political, social, and cultural landscape.