Retrospect and prospect of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in nation building

Abstract

Rashtriya Seva Sangh, (National Volunteer Organization, RSS) organization founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1889-1940), a physician living in the Maharashtra region of India, as part of the movement against British rule and as a response to rioting between Hindus and Muslims. Hedgewar was deeply influenced by the writings of the Hindu nationalist ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and adopted much of his rhetoric concerning the need for the creation of a “Hindu nation.” Hedgewar formed the RSS as a disciplined cadre consisting mostly of upper-caste Brahmins who were dedicated to independence and the protection of Hindu political, cultural, and religious interests. In the lead Hedgewar’s death, leadership of the group was assumed by Madhava Sadashiv Golwalkar and later by Madhhukar Dattatray Deoras. The RSS presents itself as a cultural, not a political, organization that nevertheless advocates a Hindu nationalistic agenda under the banner of Hindutva, or “Hindu-ness.” The group is structured hierarchically under the guidance of a national leader, while regional leaders are charged with overseeing the local branches. A major emphasis is placed on dedication and discipline, both mental and physical, as a means to restore strength, valour, and courage in Hindu youth and to foster unity among Hindus of all castes and classes. Paramilitary training and daily exercise and drills are part of this discipline. The RSS reveres Hanuman and in the organization’s early years made him the centre of its initiation ceremony. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh actively took part in every national moment called upon by the Indian National Congress at the time of freedom struggle. The RSS also played a crucial role at the time of partition by providing its support in many relief activities and helping Hindus in migrating. The present paper examines retrospect and prospect of RSS in nation building.