संघ परिवार

Organizations which are inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's ideology refer themselves as the members of the Sangh Parivar. In most of the cases Pracharaks [Full time volunteers of the RSS] were deputed to start and manage these organizations.
* Seva Bharathi: Social Service Organization
* Bharatiya Jan Sangh (Merged with Janata Party and later split to form the present BJP)
* Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Political Outfit
* Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP): World Hindu Organization
* Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad: Students Wing
* Bajrang Dal: VHP Youth Wing
* Vidya Bharti: Umbrella organization for guiding educational instituions run by the principles of R.S.S.
* Bharatiya Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram: Organization working amongst tribals (called 'vanvasis', forest dwellers, by the Sangh Parivar)
* Swadeshi Jagran Manch
* Bharatiya Kisan Sangh: peasants union
* Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh: trade union
* Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh: an organization to unite Hindus in the world

ओर्गानिज़शन

Organization

The RSS has been described by The Economist as the largest non-communist organisation in the world. It has an estimated 1.3 million members. BBC News, Three 'militants' killed in India. Retrieved 01-June-2006.

The Sangh organises itself hierarchically, with a single individual, the sarsanghachalak (English: supreme organisational director), directing it. The position is decided by appointment, with each sarsanghachalak appointing his successor. The current sarsanghachalak of RSS is K.S. Sudarshan.

Most of the organisational work of the Sangh is done through the coordination of shakhas, or branches. These shakhas are run every morning (prabhat shakha), evening (sayam shakha) or night (atisayam shakha) for 1 hour in public places and are open to people of any creed. Currently about 50,000 shakhas are run throughout India. Apart from 42,000 daily gatherings, there are about 5,000 weekly and 2,000 monthly gatherings conducted throughout the length and breadth of the country.

These shakhas are the core building blocks of RSS structure. During a Shakha, the activities consist of yoga, games (including sometimes training in Silambam), discussions on broad range of social topics, prayer to Bharat Mata and an educational session (bouddhik) given by a notable figure selected by the shakha coordinator. Usually the educational session relates to the history of India, Indian philosophy and culture, or ethics. RSS leaders wear the common uniform of a black cap, white shirt and brown khaki shorts.

SANGHA PARIVAR

The Sangh Parivar (Hindi: संघ परिवार, translation: Family of Associations) refers to the family of organisations that have been started by the volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or are inspired by its ideals. The Sangh Parivar represents the Hindu nationalist movement^[1]. It includes the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and several dozen smaller organisations, whose members' expressed opinions have been diverse over a range of topics.^[2]

The different organizations within the Sangh Parivar run independently and peruse different policies and activities, but the stated mission of these activities has been "attaining the 'Saravangeena Unnati' (all-round development)" of India ^[3]. Putting it in the words of Shri M S Golwalkar “in order to be able to contribute our unique knowledge to mankind, in order to be able to live and strive for the unity and welfare of the world, we stand before the world as a self-confident, resurgent and mighty nation.” ^[4]

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

Publications

• "Panchajanya" (in Hindi). RSS weekly publication. http://www.panchjanya.com/.
• "Organiser" (in English). RSS weekly publication. http://www.organiser.org/.
• Bunch of Thoughts. Banglore, India: Sahitya Sindhu Prakashana. 1966. ISBN 81-86595-19-8. - Collection of Speeches by Golwalkar.
• Weekly Swastika The Nationalist Bengali News Weekly
• (in Hindi and English) Biographies of Dr. Hedgewar. http://archivesofrss.org/index.php?option=com_biographies&Itemid=37/.

[edit] Books

• Anderson, Walter K.; Damle, Sridhar D. (1987). The Brotherhood in Saffron. Delhi, India: Vistaar Publishers.
• Anand, Adeesh (2007). Shree Guruji And His R.S.S.. Delhi, India: MD Publication Pvt. Ltd..

RECEPTION

Reception

Field Marshal Cariappa in his speech to RSS volunteers said "RSS is my heart's work. My dear young men, don't be disturbed by uncharitable comments of interested persons. Look ahead! Go ahead! The country is standing in need of your services" ^[74]

Noted Gandhian leader and the leader of Sarvoday movement, Jayaprakash Narayan, who earlier was a vocal opponent of RSS had the following to say about it in 1977 "RSS is a revolutionary organization. No other organization in the country comes anywhere near it. It alone has the capacity to transform society, end casteism and wipe the tears from the eyes of the poor." He further added "I have great expectations from this revolutionary organization which has taken up the challenge of creating a new India" ^[75]

DISCRIMINATION

– Kushwant Singh

[edit] Discrimination against RSS volunteers

Many cases have been reported in post-independence India where RSS volunteers have been discriminated against by the government due to their allegiance to the RSS and its ideology.^[66] In a court case of a teacher who was dismissed from service due to his past links with the RSS, the Supreme Court labeled the government's action as "McCarthyism" and a "violation of fundamental rights".^{[67][68][69][70][71][72]}

A municipal school teacher, Ramshanker Raghuvanshi, was dismissed by the Congress government of Madhya Pradesh in 1974, which stated that he had taken "part in the RSS" activities and hence was "not a fit person to be entertained in Government service". The Supreme Court dismissed the arguments of the government and said that the government had not adhered to the provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court bench consisting of Justice Syed Murtuza Fazalali and Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy observed that "India is not a police state" and pleaded that the "promise of fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution not become a forgotten chapter of history". Delivering the landmark judgment, the Court observed that "seeking a police report on person's political faith", in the first place, "amounted to the violation of fundamental rights". The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the municipal teacher and ordered his reinstatement.^{[67][68][69][70][71][72]}

Similar observations were made by the High courts of different provinces of India in different cases of political persecution of RSS volunteers.^[66] One case involved Ranganathacharya Agnihotri, who was selected for the post of Munsiff but was not absorbed into service as he had been a volunteer of the RSS in his past. When Agnihotri approached the High Court of Mysore, he was reinstated. The Court observed:

"Prima facie the RSS is a non-political cultural organization without any hatred or ill will towards non-Hindus and that many eminent and respected persons in the country have not hesitated to preside over the functions or appreciate the work of its volunteers. In a country like ours which has accepted the democratic way of life (as ensured by the Constitution), it would not be within reason to accept the proposition that mere membership of such peaceful or non-violent association and participation in activities thereof, will render a person (in whose character and antecedents there are no other defects) unsuitable to be appointed to the post of a Munsiff."

– High Court of Mysore, The State of Karnataka Vs Ranganathacharya Agnihotri, writ No. 588/1966

The RSS also has been banned in India thrice, during periods in which the government of the time claimed that they were a threat to the state: in 1948 after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, during the Emergency (1975-77), and after the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. The bans were subsequently lifted, in 1949 after the RSS was absolved of charges in the Gandhi murder case, in 1977 as a result of the Emergency being revoked, and in 1993 when no evidence of any unlawful activities was found against it by the tribunal constituted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. ^[73]

HELPING HANDS TO SIKH BROTHERS

Protection of Sikhs during anti-Sikh riots 1984

Khushwant Singh, credits members of the RSS with helping and protecting Sikhs who were being targeted by members of the Congress(I) political party during the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots.^[65] Singh who otherwise has been critical of the RSS and believes that it is a " communal organization and dangerous to the country's secular fabric" has said:

"RSS has played a honorable role in maintaining Hindu-Sikh unity before and after the murder of Indira Gandhi in Delhi and in other places"
"It was the Congress(I) leaders who instigated mobs in 1984 and got more than 3000 people killed. I must give due credit to RSS and the BJP for showing courage and protecting helpless Sikhs during those difficult days"^[65]

– Kushwant Singh

RELIEF AND REHABILITATION

Natural Calamities

RSS has participated in many relief activities during natural calamities. For instance, in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Indian newsmagazine Outlook's reporter Saba Naqvi Bhaumik reported that:

"Literally within minutes RSS volunteers were at the scenes of distress. Across Gujarat, the (RSS) cadres were the saviors. Even as the state machinery went comatose in the first two days after the quake, the cadre-based machinery of the Sangh fanned out throughout the state. Approximately 35,000 RSS members in uniform were pressed into service."

– Saba Naqvi Bhaumik, Outlook, Feb 12, 2001

“"This is an old tradition in the RSS. To be the first at any disaster strike: floods, cyclone, drought and now quake. In Kutch, too, the RSS was the first to reach the affected areas. At Anjar, a town in ruins, the RSS was present much before the Army and took the lead in finding survivors and fishing out the dead."

– K. Srinivas, District collector of Ahmedabad

India-Today, reported in its Feb. 12, 2001 issue that

"It is conceded by even their worst detractors that the RSS has been in the forefront of the non- official rescue and relief (operations). This has led to an upsurge of goodwill for the Sangh"

– India Today

The RSS assisted in relief efforts quite extensively during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. They helped rebuild villages.^[57] They "earned kudos" from many varied agencies and sources for their actions.^[58]

This is a long and continuous tradition with the RSS. The RSS was instrumental in relief efforts after the 1971 Orissa Cyclone and the 1977 Andhra Pradesh Cyclone.^[58]

The RSS has also participated in relief efforts in the Indian State of Kashmir, which has been besieged by terrorism (see Terrorism in Kashmir). An RSS-affiliated NGO, Seva Bharati, has adopted 100 children, most of them Muslims, from militancy affected areas of the region to provide them education at least up to Higher Secondary level.^[59] They have also taken care of many victims of the Kargil War of 1999.^[60]

Sewa Bharati has also collaborated with several relief groups, such as the Catholics Bishops Conference of India to conduct relief operations in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Activities included building shelters for the victims, providing food, clothes and medical necessities.^[61] They raised over one crore rupees for the effort in one week after the tsunami.^[62] The RSS assisted relief efforts during the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and the subsequent Tsunami.^[63].

In 2006, RSS participated in relief efforts to provide basic necessities such as food, milk and potable water to the people of Surat, Gujarat who were affected by massive floods in the region^[64].

SOCIAL REFORMS

RSS says it rejects the caste system and believes in the equality of all Hindus. It has expressed concern over caste-based political and social conflicts and has urged Hindus to "get rid of this evil at the earliest"^[50]. In addition, the RSS has advocated the training of Dalits and other backward classes as temple high priests (a position traditionally reserved for Caste Brahmins and denied to lower castes). They argue that the social divisiveness of the Caste system is responsible for the lack of adherence to Hindu values and traditions and reaching out to the lower castes in this manner will be a remedy to the problem^[51]. The RSS has also condemned "upper caste Hindus" for preventing Dalits from worshipping at temples, saying that "even God will desert the temple Dalits cannot enter"^[52]

Christophe Jaffrelot observes that most of the RSS founders and its leading organisers were all Maharashtrian Brahmins.^[53] and argues that the pervasiveness of the Brahminical ethic in the organisation was probably the main reason why it failed to attract support from the low castes. He notes that "[i]mportant aspects of the RSS's ideology seemed therefore to contradict its ambition of building an encompassing Hindu Rashtra." He argues that the "RSS resorted to instrumentalist techniques of ethno-religious mobilisation – in which its Brahminism was diluted – to overcome this handicap."^[54]

Contrary to what Jaffrelot observes, many Dalit and tribal volunteers of the RSS have grown into prominence in political and social spheres. Dr Suraj Bhan, a Dalit, who had been a full time worker of the RSS, became the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, in 1998.^[55] Another volunteer of the RSS, Babulal Marandi, belonging to the tribal community, became the first Chief Minister of the State of Jharkhand^[56]

MISSION

The mission of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been described as the revitalization of Indian value system based on universalism and peace and prosperity to all^[42]. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the worldview that the whole world is one family, propounded by the ancient thinkers of India, is considered as the ultimate mission of the organization^[46].

But the immediate focus, the leaders believe, is on the Hindu renaissance, which would build an egalitarian society and a strong India that could propound this philosophy. Hence, the focus is on social reform, economic upliftment of the downtrodden and the protection of cultural diversity of the natives in India^[46].The organization says, it aspires to unite all Hindus and build a strong India, which could contribute to the welfare of the world. In the words of RSS ideologue and the second head of the RSS, Shri M S Golwalkar, “in order to be able to contribute our unique knowledge to mankind, in order to be able to live and strive for the unity and welfare of the world, we stand before the world as a self-confident, resurgent and mighty nation.” [4

SHAKHA

Shakha

"Shakha" means "branch" in Sanskrit. Most of the organizational work of the RSS is done through the coordination of shakhas or branches. These shakhas are run for 1 hour in public places. In 2004, more than 60,000 shakhas were run throughout India.^[43].

The Shakhas conduct various activities for its volunteers which include physical fitness activities through yoga, exercises and games. It has other activities which emphasize on qualities like civic sense, social service, community living and patriotism.^[44] The volunteers are trained in first aid and in rescue and rehabilitation operations. The volunteers are also encouraged to get involved in the developmental activities of the village or locality^[44][45].

Sarsanghchalaks

Sarsanghchalaks

RSS volunteers searching for survivors in the ruble of a collapsed building, Gujarat earthquake 2001

The Sarsanghchalak is the head of the RSS organization. The individuals who have been Sarsanghchalaks are:

• Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (founder), also known as Doctorji (1925 - 1930 & 1931 - 1940)
• Dr. Laxman Vaman Paranjpe (1930 - 1931) (when Dr. Hedgewar was in jail during Forest Satyagraha)
• Shri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, also known as, Guruji (1940 - 1973)
• Shri. Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras, also known as, Balasaheb (1973 - 1993)
• Prof. Rajendra Singh, also known as, Rajjubhaiya (1993 - 2000)
• Shri. Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan (2000 - 2009)
• Dr. Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat (21 March, 2009 - till date)

The position is decided by nomination by predecessor. The current Sarsanghachalak of RSS is Dr. Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat.

THE LARGEST CADET IN WHOLE WORLD

RSS WON'T KEEP RECORDES ON MEMBERSHIP THE MEMBER SHIP IS CONSIDERED TO BE 2.5-6 MILLION

PARTICIPATION IN LAND REFORMS

Participation in Land reforms

It has been noted that the RSS volunteers participated in the Bhoodan movement organized by Gandhian leader Vinobha Bhave. Vinobha Bhave had met the RSS leader M. S. Golwalkar in Meerut in November 1951. Golwalkar had been inspired by the movement that encouraged land reforms through voluntary means. He pledged the support of the RSS for this movement^[40]. Consequently, many RSS volunteers led by Nanaji Deshmukh participated in the movement. ^[41]. But Golwalkar has also been critical of the Bhoodan movement, on other occasions for being reactionary and for working "merely with a view to counteracting Communism". He believed that the movement should inculcate a right and positive faith in the masses that can make them rise above the base appeal of Communism^[42].

FIGHT BACK'S

Movement for the restoration of democracy

In 1975, the Indian Government under the Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, proclaimed emergency rule in India, thereby suspending the fundamental rights and curtailing the rights of the press.^[35] This extreme step was taken after the Supreme Court of India, cancelled her election to the Indian Parliament on charges of malpractices in the election^[35]. The democratic institutions were kept under suspended animation and prominent opposition leaders including Gandhian Jayaprakash Narayan, were arrested and thousands of people were detained without any charges being framed against them.^[36] RSS, which was seen close to opposition leaders, and with its large organizational base was seen to have potential of organizing protests against the Government, was also banned.^[37] Police clamped down on the organization and thousands of its workers were imprisoned.^[15]

The RSS defied the ban and thousands participated in Satyagraha (peaceful protests) against the ban and against the curtailment of fundamental rights. Later, when there was no letup, the volunteers of the RSS formed underground movements for the restoration of democracy. Literature that was censored in the media was clandestinely published and distributed on a large scale and funds were collected for the movement. Networks were established between leaders of different political parties in the jail and outside for the coordination of the movement^[38]. 'The Economist', London, described the movement as "the only non-left revolutionary force in the world". It said that the movement was "dominated by tens of thousands of RSS cadres, though more and more young recruits are coming". Talking about its objectives it said "its platform at the moment has only one plank: to bring democracy back to India"^[39]. The Emergency was lifted in 1977 and as a consequence the ban on the RSS too was lifted.

ROLE ON SINO INDIAN WAR IN 1962

The RSS which had been keeping low profile after the lifting of the ban, earned recognition based on its volunteer work during the Sino Indian war in 1962^[30]. The then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru invited them for the Republic Day parade of 1963. A batch of 3000 volunteers of the RSS participated in the parade as a separate contingent. This event helped RSS increase its popularity and its patriotic image.^[31][32][33]

Later in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars too, the RSS volunteers offered their services to maintain law and order of the country and were the apparently the first to donate blood. ^[34]

ON GHANDI'S DEATH

Main article: Assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Following Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 by former member of the RSS Nathuram Godse,^[24] many prominent leaders of the RSS were arrested and RSS as an organization was banned in February 4, 1948. Godse's connection with the RSS was investigated.^[25] Justice Kapur Commission^[25] setup to look into the conspiracy to murder Mahatma Gandhi noted the following

"...RSS as such were not responsible for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, meaning thereby that one could not name the organization as such as being responsible for that most diabolical crime, the murder of the apostle of peace".
"It has not been proved that they (the accused) were members of the RSS which shows that they (the accused) were believers in a more violent form of activities..."

– Kapur Commission Report, Vol. 1, Page 165

RSS Leaders were acquitted of the conspiracy charge by the Supreme Court of India and following an intervention by the Court, the Indian Government agreed to lift the ban with condition that the RSS adopt a formal constitution. The second Sarsanghachalak, Golwalkar drafted the constitution for the RSS which he sent to the government in March 1949. In July of the same year, after many negotiations over the constitution and its acceptance, the ban on RSS was lifted.^[14]

ON FIRST LOOK---HELPING HANDS

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (Hindi: राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ, English: National Volunteers Organization), also known as the Sangh or the RSS, is a Hindu revivalist organization in India^[1]. It was founded by Dr. K. B. Hedgewar, a doctor from Nagpur, as a cultural organisation in pre-independent India, with the aim of uniting Hindus against colonial powers^[1].

The RSS is active throughout India and its influence is spread across different walks of life. The volunteers of the RSS participated in various political and social movements including the freedom movement, the Bhoodan, the Sarvoday and the movement for the restoration of democracy in India^[1]. The RSS is also known for its role in the relief and rehabilitation work during natural calamities^[2].

Of late, the volunteers of the RSS have also held prominent political and administrative positions in India including the Prime Minister of India, the Vice President of India, the Home Minister and Ministers in the Central Government, Governors and Chief Ministers of various provinces and the members of elected bodies at the state and the national level and also the Indian ambassador to the US^{[3] [4][5]}

HISTORY

RSS was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who was a doctor in the central Indian city of Nagpur^[14]. Hedgewar as a medical student in Kolkata had been a part of the revolutionary activities of the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar striving to free India from British rule^[15][16]. He had been charged with sedition in 1921 by the British Administration and was imprisoned for a year^[16]. After returning to Nagpur, he was briefly a member of Indian National Congress^[15] before he left it in 1925, to form the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. After the formation of the RSS, Hedgewar kept the organization from having any direct affiliation with any of the political organisations then fighting British rule.^[17] But Hedgewar and teams of volunteers, took part in the Indian National Congress, led movements against the British rule. Hedgewar was arrested in the Jungle Satyagraha agitation in 1931 and served a second term in prison.^[15][16][18]
The RSS was established as a educational body whose objective was to train a group of Hindus, who on the basis of their character would work to unite the Hindu community so that India could become an Independent country and a creative society^[19].