Why I think Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is not sinned but sinned against

By N.S. Venkataraman* 

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has completed a century of existence. A study of its history, functioning, and stated objectives shows that it has been one of the most influential socio-cultural organizations in India.

I am now 80 years old and recall attending shakhas (local gatherings) of the RSS when I was about eleven or twelve. These sessions were held for about an hour in the evenings, beginning and ending with a prayer to the nation. Participants engaged in physical exercises and listened to stories about well-known Indian figures from different fields. In my experience, the focus was on discipline, national pride, and moral development. I did not encounter any discussions expressing animosity toward any group.

After attending the shakha for some time, I discontinued—not due to any reservations but because I preferred spending that time playing cricket. Although I never became a formal member, the memories of those early gatherings have remained positive in my mind.

Over the decades, I have often reflected on the divergent opinions about the RSS. Some groups have criticized it, questioning its motivations and describing its ideology as non-secular. At the same time, I have also come across accounts of RSS volunteers providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and epidemics.

An incident from a few years ago particularly stands out. A patient known to me required an urgent heart operation but the hospital lacked a specific blood group. Through an RSS volunteer—whom I had not known previously—arrangements were quietly made for the required blood to be donated. The donors did not seek recognition. This left a lasting impression on me regarding the organization’s service-oriented aspect.

During my early participation in shakhas, I observed that only men attended; women were not part of the sessions. Even now, I am not fully aware of the extent of women’s participation in RSS activities or the scale of their involvement.

It is generally acknowledged that the RSS emphasizes India’s traditional and cultural values, drawing inspiration largely from Hindu religious and philosophical traditions. The organization has also expressed concern over religious conversions of Hindus and views itself as working to preserve cultural continuity. At the same time, RSS leaders have often stated that people of all religions can and should coexist in India with mutual respect and understanding.

Disagreements often arise over the organization’s opposition to religious conversions, which some critics interpret as intolerance or exclusivism. The RSS, however, presents this stance as protection of cultural identity. Over time, despite controversy, it has continued to expand its activities and social reach.

In recent years, the organization has also expressed views on socioeconomic and industrial issues, adapting its perspectives to changing global and technological contexts. This suggests an ongoing process of evolution in its thought and policy engagement.

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*Trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai