A Century of Influence: Tracing the Remarkable Journey of the RSS

From its humble beginnings in 1925, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has embarked on a remarkable journey, evolving into one of the world's largest voluntary organizations. As it approaches its centenary, the Sangh's trajectory reflects a complex interplay of social, cultural, and political forces that have shaped modern India.

Its story is one of dedicated grassroots work, periods of intense controversy, and an unwavering commitment to its core ideology of Hindu nationalism.

The seeds of the RSS were sown in Nagpur on September 27, 1925, by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. A freedom fighter and visionary, Hedgewar established the organization with the primary objective of character building among Hindu youth and fostering a sense of national unity.

He envisioned a strong, self-reliant India rooted in its ancient cultural values. Initially, the Sangh focused on daily 'shakhas' (branches) where swayamsevaks (volunteers) engaged in physical exercises, patriotic songs, and ideological discussions, laying the foundation for a disciplined cadre.

The early decades saw the RSS steadily expand its footprint, attracting thousands of dedicated individuals.

However, its journey was not without significant challenges. A pivotal moment of crisis arrived in 1948, when the RSS faced a ban following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Though the ban was eventually lifted after the Sangh provided a written constitution and pledged allegiance to the Indian Constitution, this period marked a difficult chapter, requiring the organization to redefine its public image and operational framework.

Post-independence, under the leadership of M.S.

Golwalkar and subsequent 'Sarsanghchalaks', the RSS intensified its efforts to permeate various spheres of Indian society. It began establishing numerous affiliate organizations, each dedicated to a specific domain – from education (Vidya Bharati) and student welfare (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad - ABVP) to labor (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh - BMS) and religious outreach (Vishwa Hindu Parishad - VHP).

This strategic expansion allowed the Sangh's ideology to reach a diverse audience and influence policy discussions.

The mid-1970s brought another period of intense pressure. During the Emergency (1975-77), the RSS was once again banned, and thousands of its members were imprisoned. Far from stifling the organization, this period inadvertently cemented its image as a resilient force against authoritarianism.

RSS cadres played a crucial role in underground resistance movements, further solidifying their commitment to democratic values, even as their critics questioned their foundational ideology.

The 1980s marked a significant turning point with the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, evolving from the erstwhile Bharatiya Jan Sangh.

While the RSS maintains it is a cultural organization, its ideological guidance and dedicated cadre have undeniably provided a strong backbone for the BJP's political ascent. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s, spearheaded by RSS affiliates, propelled the Sangh into the national spotlight, demonstrating its immense capacity for mobilization.

As the 21st century dawned, the RSS's influence continued to grow exponentially.

With the BJP's rise to power at the Centre in 2014 and 2019, the Sangh's vision and principles have found greater resonance in India's national discourse. Today, the RSS operates thousands of shakhas, runs countless social welfare projects, and boasts millions of active members, touching almost every facet of Indian life.

Its centenary celebrations are expected to be a grand testament to a century of unwavering dedication and profound impact on the nation's fabric, as it continues to shape the future of India while upholding its foundational ethos.