A Century of Resurgence: The RSS at 100 and Its Unfolding Impact on India's Destiny

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) prepares to mark its monumental centenary on October 2, 2025, it stands as arguably the most influential and pervasive organization in contemporary India. What began as a modest gathering of five individuals in 1925 has blossomed into a formidable socio-cultural and political powerhouse, fundamentally reshaping the nation's landscape.

Its journey, marked by perseverance, controversy, and strategic evolution, offers a compelling narrative of how an ideological movement can, over a hundred years, come to dominate the very fabric of a diverse polity.

The seeds of the RSS were sown in Nagpur by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a disillusioned medical professional and freedom fighter.

His vision transcended immediate political struggles, aiming instead at the holistic regeneration of Hindu society, fostering a sense of national identity, and instilling discipline and character among its youth. The initial objective was clear: to unite Hindus and cultivate a strong, self-reliant nation through daily 'shakhas' (local branches) where members, or 'swayamsevaks', engaged in physical exercises, patriotic songs, and ideological discussions.

This grassroots approach proved remarkably effective, laying a sturdy foundation for future expansion.

Following Dr. Hedgewar's demise in 1940, Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, affectionately known as 'Guruji,' took the reins. It was under Golwalkar's leadership that the RSS began to articulate a more defined ideological framework, emphasizing 'Hindu Rashtra' (Hindu Nation) and expanding its organizational reach.

Despite facing immense challenges, including a ban after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 (from which it was later cleared), Golwalkar skillfully navigated these turbulent waters, ensuring the survival and gradual resurgence of the Sangh. The 'Guru Dakshina' tradition, where swayamsevaks contribute financially to the organization, became a cornerstone of its self-sufficiency and autonomy, ensuring it remained independent of external funding.

The latter half of the 20th century witnessed the RSS's strategic diversification.

Visionaries like Dattopant Thengadi spearheaded the creation of various 'Parivar' (family) organizations – affiliates that extended the Sangh's influence into virtually every sector of Indian life. From labour unions (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh) to student bodies (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), farmer associations (Bharatiya Kisan Sangh), and educational institutions (Vidya Bharati), this expansion created a vast network.

This intricate web allowed the RSS's core ideology of cultural nationalism and social service to permeate deep into society, fostering a cadre of dedicated individuals across professional domains.

Key historical junctures underscored the Sangh's growing relevance. The Emergency (1975-77) saw RSS cadres actively participating in resistance, bolstering its image as a defender of democracy.

Later, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya became a pivotal moment, galvanizing support and propelling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the political offshoot of the RSS, into national prominence. This period marked a significant shift, transforming the Sangh from primarily a cultural organization into a formidable political force, increasingly shaping the national discourse and electoral outcomes.

Under the stewardship of current Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS has continued its evolution.

While maintaining its foundational emphasis on cultural nationalism and 'Hindu-first' identity, Bhagwat has also engaged in outreach, seeking dialogue with diverse sections of society and attempting to soften some of its more hardline perceptions. The unprecedented electoral success of the BJP, particularly since 2014, with several key leaders having deep roots in the Sangh, unequivocally demonstrates the RSS's profound and undeniable political clout.

Its ideological tenets, once considered fringe, now often form the mainstream narrative of Indian governance.

The RSS's enduring strength lies in its disciplined cadre of swayamsevaks, its daily shakhas that reinforce camaraderie and ideological commitment, and its unwavering focus on 'rashtra nirmaan' (nation-building) through character development and social service.

As it stands on the cusp of its second century, the RSS is not merely a historical artifact but a dynamic and central actor in India's ongoing story, continuously adapting while remaining true to its core vision of a strong, culturally rooted India. Its journey from a small ideological group to a national behemoth offers crucial insights into the forces shaping modern India and the trajectory of its future.