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.