Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, known as the RSS, is a large Indian volunteer organization. It is a right-wing group that promotes the ideology of Hindutva. Hindutva is a belief system focused on strengthening the Hindu community. The RSS serves as the leader of the Sangh Parivar. This is a large family of many different organizations. The group includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the ruling party in India.

The RSS works through a system of discipline and character training. Volunteers, called swayamsevaks, participate in training to build physical and mental strength. They often use paramilitary techniques during their activities. This includes practicing with items like bamboo staffs, swords, javelins, and daggers.

Members have used specific uniforms, such as khaki shirts and shorts with black forage caps. The organization uses the Bhagwa Dhwaj, a saffron flag, as its emblem. This flag is associated with the historical figure Shivaji. The group also holds weekly sessions for ideological education. These sessions teach members about Hindu history and national heroes.

Dr. K. B. Hedgewar founded the RSS on September 27, 1925. He was a doctor living in the city of Nagpur. Hedgewar was influenced by the political leader B. S. Moonje. He was also deeply moved by the writings of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Savarkar wrote a pamphlet called Essentials of Hindutva in 1923. Hedgewar believed that Hindu society was too divided to be strong. He wanted to create a unified movement based on Indian traditions.

To grow the group, he established many local branches, called shakhas, across India. He even sent people to recruit students at various universities.

The history of the RSS involves significant political tension. During the period of British colonial rule, the RSS did not join the Indian independence movement. Hedgewar avoided any political activity that might be seen as anti-British. While he personally joined Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March in 1930, he did not involve the RSS. This choice caused friction with other nationalist groups. The organization also faced several bans by the Indian government. One ban occurred in 1948 after Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.

The group was banned again during the Emergency between 1975 and 1977. A third ban followed the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.

Relations between different religious groups have been a major part of the RSS story. In the 1920s, relations between Hindus and Muslims in India became very difficult. This era saw several incidents of communal violence and riots. Hedgewar felt that these conflicts showed Hindus needed better organization. The RSS was often described as being directed against Muslim interests. Critics argue that the group promotes Hindu supremacy. Many scholars and observers have accused the RSS of being intolerant toward minorities. This has led to the group being described as an extremist organization.

Despite these controversies, the RSS is a massive presence in modern India. It is currently considered the world's largest far-right organization by membership. The group operates through a wide network of schools, clubs, and charities. This allows the Sangh Parivar to influence many different parts of society. The organization is not only involved in politics but also in social work.

They provide support during times of crisis. For example, volunteers have provided first aid during earthquakes.

They also participate in relief work during major floods.

The RSS remains a powerful force in the structure of Indian life. It connects religious identity with social and political action. The group's influence extends from local village branches to the highest levels of government. Its leadership includes figures like the sarsanghchalak, currently Mohan Bhagwat. The organization continues to shape the ideological landscape of the country. It remains a central subject in discussions about Indian nationalism and social unity.