Tag Archives: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

How My Views on Sangh and Swayamsevaks Changed Overnight

Leave a reply

Zafar Irshad, a Lucknow-based journalist narrates that how his views on Sangh and Swayamsevaks changed overnight

As a journalist, I’ve covered many events of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). However, I never knew about their ideology and activities much. After the visit of the former President Pranab Mukherjee, as we witness a media storm now, I find it surprising that people do not know about the social works and selfless service of the Sangh at all. I didn’t know about that as well. But, I am a witness to the same and the story must be told.

In those days, I was with a newspaper agency and was posted in Kanpur as their principal correspondent. On July 10, 2011, my phone rang and my editor informed me that a serious train accident has taken place at Malwa near Fatehpur. I called my sources, got confirmed and left for the ground to report the mishap.

What I Saw, Changed my Views Forever

When I reached the spot, I was taken aback by the horror of that accident. I was trying to calm me down before I start reporting, and then I saw something. Men dressed in white shirts and khaki shorts were volunteering in taking the corpses out of the train and then covering the dead bodies by a white sheet- the kafan. It took me a while to figure out that who these men were? I went ahead and inquired. They didn’t reply and continued with their work.

After a while, the same men started serving tea and biscuits to the passengers and the families of those who were killed and injured. The same was also offered to me. While busy in my reporting, I took a sip. Now, I was fixed! I so wanted to find out about these men who were endlessly serving without doing much talking.

I chased one of the volunteers. I asked him about his identity. With a very calm face, he turned towards me and said, “If you need more tea, please come near that peepal tree.” I didn’t need more tea. I needed to find out about these selfless volunteers. I went near the tree to find a kurta-pyjama clad old man who was giving directions to men and women under the tree. I asked him about the volunteers. He smiled, didn’t reply and got busy with his work.

I left without my answers and started reporting again. At dusk, the same old man appeared from somewhere and he handed a plastic bag to me. I asked him about its contents. He calmly replied, “It has some four chapattis and vegetables. You are reporting for a long time. Eat your food first.” This time I became adamant. I replied that until he doesn’t share his identity with me, I won’t eat the food. I introduced myself as Zafar Irshad. The man said they were Swayamsevaks of the Sangh (RSS). I was taken aback. I had never realised that those who are affiliated with Sangh can have such humanely faces as well. It was new for me!

I requested the elderly person to tell me more about their work so that their social service can become a part of my news story. He sternly said no. When I insisted he told me about their arrangements but on the condition that I won’t ever tell people about it. He informed me that women who were making tea and who cooked food are from their families only. And the kafan which was taken here for the dead bodies was contributed by a Swayamsevak who owns a cloth shop. He reminded me of the promise again that I must not report it, and he left.

After almost seven years, I remember that incident which showed the human and loving face of the Swayamsevaks, not as a report but as another human being. Yes! Selfless service is what the Swayamsevaks do.

Courtesy: Organiser

Telugu Translation

– జాఫర్ ఇర్షాద్

నేను జర్నలిస్ట్ గా అనేక ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ కార్యక్రమాలకు వెళ్ళాను, రిపోర్ట్ తయారు చేశాను. కానీ నాకు ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ అంటే ఏమిటో ఏమాత్రం తెలియదు. ఇటీవల మాజీ రాష్ట్రపతి ప్రణబ్ ముఖర్జీ ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ కార్యక్రమానికి హాజరుకావడంపై వచ్చిన విమర్శలు, వాదోపవాదాలు చూసి నాకు ఆశ్చర్యం కలిగింది. ఈ విమర్శలు చేసినవారెవరు ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ చేసిన, చేస్తున్న సేవా కార్యక్రమాలను ఎప్పుడు చూసినవారుకాదు, తెలుసుకున్నవారుకాదు. కానీ ఒక జర్నలిస్ట్ గా నేను వారి సేవాకార్యక్రమాలను దగ్గరగా చూశాను. అందుకే ఇప్పుడు వాటి గురించి కొద్దిగా చెప్పాలనుకుంటున్నాను. ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ ముస్లిములకు వ్యతిరేకమా, హిందువులకు అనుకూలమా అంటే నేను చెప్పలేనుకానీ అది మానవత్వానికి విరుద్ధంకాదని మాత్రం చెప్పగలను. నా 24 ఏళ్ల జర్నలిస్ట్ జీవితంలో అనేక సందర్భాల్లో ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ కార్యకర్తలు ఎలాంటి పేరు, గుర్తింపు కోరుకోకుండా ప్రజలకు సహాయపడ్డం చూశాను కానీ ఏ మత ఘర్షణలో, దొమ్మిలో పాల్గొన్నట్లు చూడలేదు. అలాగే ఇతర జర్నలిస్ట్ లు లేదా నాయకులు కూడా మత ఘర్షణల్లో వారి పాత్ర ఉందని చెప్పగలరని నేను అనుకోవడం లేదు. అయితే ఇక్కడ ఒక విషయం స్పష్టం చేయాలనుకుంటున్నాను. నాకు ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ తో గాని, బిజెపితోగాని ఎలాంటి సంబంధం లేదు.

అది 2011 జులై 10. నేను కాన్పూర్ లో ఒక న్యూస్ ఏజెన్సీ తరఫున పనిచేస్తున్నాను. ఆదివారం కావడంతో కాస్త విశ్రాంతిగా ఉన్నాను. హఠాత్తుగా మా ఎడిటర్ నుంచి ఫోన్ వచ్చింది. ఫతేపూర్ దగ్గర మాల్వాలో రైలు ప్రమాదం జరిగిందని, వెంటనే వివరాలు సేకరించమని చెప్పారు. నేను వెంటనే రైల్వే అధికారులకు ఫోన్ చేసి విషయం అడిగాను. వాళ్ళు రైలుప్రమాదం జరిగిందని, అదికూడా పెద్ద ప్రమాదమేనని చెప్పారు. నేను వెంటనే ప్రమాద స్థలానికి బయలుదేరాను. గంట ప్రయాణం తరువాత ఘటన స్థలానికి చేరాను. మాల్వాకు 10-12 కి.మీ. దూరంలో ప్రమాదం జరిగింది. ప్రమాద స్థలానికి చుట్టుపక్కల ఎక్కడా జనవాసాలు లేవు. అక్కడికి చేరాలంటే దాదాపు 4కి.మీ లు పొలాల్లో నడిచి వెళ్ళాలి.

అక్కడికి చేరుకోగానే నేను పని ప్రారంభించాను. ప్రమాదం గురించి డిల్లీలోని మా ఎడిటర్ కు, న్యూస్ డెస్క్ కు సమాచారం అందించడం మొదలుపెట్టాను. పూర్తిగా దెబ్బతిన్న బోగీల నుంచి శవాలను బయటకు తీస్తున్నారు. గాయపడినవారిని ఆసుపత్రికి తరలిస్తున్నారు. దగ్గరవారిని కోల్పోయిన వారి ఏడ్పులు, గాయాల మూలంగా బాధితులు పెడుతున్న  పెడబొబ్బలు ఆ ప్రదేశాన్ని భయానకంగా మార్చాయి. శవాలను దగ్గర ఉన్న పొలాల్లోకి చేర్చారు. బాగా ఛిద్రమైన వాటితోపాటు ఇతర శవాలపై కొందరు తెల్లబట్ట కప్పుతూ కనిపించారు. వాళ్ళంతా ఖాకీ నిక్కర్లు వేసుకుని ఉన్నారు.

తమవారిని కోల్పోయి బాధలో ఉన్నవారు కూర్చున్న చోటికి వెళ్ళాను. వారిని ఆకలి, దప్పిక కూడా బాధిస్తోంది. అప్పుడే కొద్దిమంది అక్కడికి వచ్చి బాధితులకు టి, బిస్కట్ లు ఇవ్వడం చూశాను. నాతోపాటు మరో 24మంది జర్నలిస్ట్ లు అక్కడ ఉన్నారు. ఒక వ్యక్తి నాకు కప్పు టీ, రెండు బిస్కట్ లు తెచ్చి ఇచ్చాడు. ఆ నిర్మానుష్యమైన ప్రదేశంలో నాలుగు గంటలుగా పనిచేస్తున్న మాకు ఆ టీ అమృతప్రాయంగా అనిపించింది. అప్పుడే నాకు ఒక సందేహం వచ్చింది. ఇంత నిర్మానుష్య ప్రదేశంలో టీ, బిస్కట్ లు ఉచితంగా ఇస్తున్న వీళ్ళు ఎవరు? వీళ్ళు ప్రభుత్వోద్యోగులా? వెంటనే వాళ్ళలో ఒకరిని అడిగాను -`భాయిసాబ్ మీరు ఎందుకు ఇవి పంచుతున్నారు? ఎవరి తరఫున పనిచేస్తున్నారు?’ అందుకు ఆ వ్యక్తి `మీకు మరికొంత టీ కావాలంటే ఆ చెట్టు దగ్గరకి రండి’ అన్నాడు. నా సందేహం తీర్చుకునేందుకు నేను అతను చెప్పినట్లే చెట్టు దగ్గరకి వెళ్ళాను. అక్కడకి వెళితే నాకు ఒక ఆశ్చర్యకరమైన దృశ్యం కనిపించింది. కొద్దిమంది మహిళలు అక్కడ కూర్చుని కూరగాయలు తరుగుతున్నారు. రొట్టెలకు పిండి తయారుచేస్తున్నారు. ఆ పక్కనే కట్టెల పొయ్యి మండుతోంది. దానిపై టీ మరుగుతోంది. అక్కడే కొన్ని వందల బిస్కట్ ప్యాకెట్ లు ఉన్నాయి.  మరోపక్క కొందరు బాధితులకు అందించడం కోసం మంచినీటిని కవర్ లలో నింపుతున్నారు.

కుర్తా, పైజమా వేసుకున్న ఒక వ్యక్తి పని త్వరగా చేయాలంటూ అందరికీ సూచనలు ఇస్తూ కనిపించాడు. నేను అతని దగ్గరకు వెళ్ళి `మీ పేరేమిటి’ అని అడిగాను. అతను నవ్వాడుగానీ సమాధానం చెప్పలేదు. నన్ను నేను పరిచయం చేసుకుని ఏ సంస్థ తరఫున పనిచేస్తున్నారని అడిగాను. బాధితులకు అందిస్తున్న సేవ గురించి నేను రాస్తానని చెప్పాను. ఎప్పుడైతే నేను జర్నలిస్ట్ నని చెప్పానో వెంటనే అతను అక్కడ నుంచి వెళిపోయి బాధితులకు టీ అందించడంలో నిమగ్నమయ్యాడు. టీ అందిస్తూ అతను ఎవరిని నీ మతం ఏది? నీ కులం ఏది అని అడగలేదు. నేను కూడా చనిపోయినవారు ఎంతమంది, గాయపడినవారు ఎంతమంది అని తెలుసుకుని, సహాయ కార్యక్రమాల గురించి మా ఆఫీస్ కు సమాచారం అందించడంలో పడిపోయాను.

అది అర్ధరాత్రి సమయం. శవాలను బోగీల నుండి తీసే పని కొనసాగుతోంది. అప్పుడే మధ్యాహ్నం నేను కలిసిన వ్యక్తి నా దగ్గరకు వచ్చాడు. నాకు ఒక ప్లాస్టిక్ కవర్ ఇచ్చాడు. `ఇందులో నాలుగు రొట్టెలు, కొద్దిగా కూర ఉన్నాయి. మీరు మధ్యాహ్నం నుంచి పని చేస్తూ అలిసిపోయి ఉంటారు. ఆకలిగా ఉండిఉంటుంది. తినండి’’అన్నాడు. నాకు నిజంగానే బాగా ఆకలిగా ఉంది. అయినా మీ పేరు, మీరు ఏ సంస్థ తరఫున పనిచేస్తున్నారో చెపితేనే ప్యాకెట్ తీసుకుంటానని షరతు పెట్టాను. అప్పుడు అతను తాము రాష్ట్రీయ స్వయంసేవక్ సంఘ్ కార్యకర్తలమని చెప్పాడు. రైలు ప్రమాద బాధితులకు సహాయం అందించడానికి వచ్చామని చెప్పాడు. వెంటనే నా జర్నలిస్ట్ బుర్రకు ఇది చాలా మంచి స్టోరీ అవుతుందనిపించింది. అతని పేరు చెప్పమని పదేపదే అడిగాను. అయినా అతను తన పేరు మాత్రం చెప్పలేదు. పైగా ఇది ఎక్కడ ప్రచురించనని నేను అంతకుముందే చేసిన వాగ్దానాన్ని గుర్తుచేశాడు. అప్పుడు రోజంతా అక్కడే ఉండి, అందరికీ టీ, టిఫిన్ తయారుచేసిన మహిళల గురించి అడిగాను. వాళ్ళంతా తమ కార్యకర్తల కుటుంబాల నుంచి వచ్చినవారు అని చెప్పాడు. శవాలపై కప్పిన తెల్ల బట్ట గురించి అడిగితే అది బట్టల దుకాణం ఉన్న స్వయంసేవకులు స్వచ్ఛందంగా ఇచ్చిన బట్ట అని చెప్పాడు. రొట్టెల పిండి, నూనె కిరాణా దుకాణం ఉన్న వాళ్ళు ఉచితంగా ఇచ్చారని చెప్పాడు. ఆర్ ఎస్ ఎస్ హిందూ సంస్థ కదా, మీరు ఇతరులకు కూడా సహాయం అందిస్తున్నారేమిటని అడిగాను. అందుకు అతను `భాయిసాబ్, ఇక్కడ బాధితులందరికి మేము సహాయం అందిస్తున్నాము. సహాయం అందించడంలో కులం, మతం చూడకూడదని మా సంస్థ భావిస్తుంది’ అని సమాధానమిచ్చాడు. శవాలపై బట్ట కప్పుతున్నప్పుడు కూడా చనిపోయినవారి మతం ఏమిటో, కులం ఏమిటో తమకు తెలియదని, అది పట్టించుకోమని చెప్పాడతను. ఈ మాటలు చెప్పి ఆ నిజాయతీపరుడైన `భగవంతుని సేవకుడు’ తన పేరు చెప్పకుండానే అక్కడ నుంచి వెళ్లిపోయాడు. నేను ప్రమాద స్థలంలో 36 గంటలపాటు ఉన్నాను. అంతసేపూ వాళ్ళు బాధితులకు, జర్నలిస్ట్ లకు, డ్యూటీలో ఉన్న ప్రభుత్వాధికారులకు కావలసినవి అందిస్తూ కనిపించారు. ఆ మర్నాడు ప్రమాద వార్తను పత్రికలన్నింటిలో చూసిన నాకు బాధితులకు నిస్వార్ధంగా సేవ చేసిన ఆ కార్యకర్తల పేర్లు గానీ, ప్రస్తావన గానీ ఎక్కడ కనిపించలేదు.

(రచయిత లక్నోలో పిటిఐ వార్త సంస్థ సినియర్ కరెస్పాండంట్ గా పని చేసారు)

  • Translated by Sri Keshav Nath Khandavalli

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Annual Report 2018

Leave a reply
Presented by Ma. Sarkaryavah in the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha
Param Poojaniya Sarsanghchalak ji, Akhil Bharatiya office-bearers, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal, invitee members and special invitee members, all the delegates of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha and honourable invitee sisters and brothers engaged in various activities in different fields of our national life, I heartily welcome you all to this Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha.
HOMAGE
We feel the pain and vacuum when we experience the absence of close associates, beloved ones, and distinguished personalities from social, political, religious, and cultural fields. In the course of time, many such noble personalities have left us for the final abode. Notable amongst them are:
  1. Pujya Swami Jayendra Saraswati ji – Kancchi – Shankaracharya of kanchi Kamkoti Peetham
  2. Shri. A. V. Bhaskaran – Kochhi – Senior Pracharak- Ex prant Sangathan Mantri, Bharatiya Vidya Niketan
  3. Shri. Sankataprasad ji – Lucknow- Ex Akhil Bharatiya Sangathan Mantri , Bharatya Kisan Sangh
  4. Shri Mahavir ji – Chandigarh – Ex Akhil Bharatiya Bouddhik Pramukh
  5. Shri Vasantrao Bapat – Kolkata- Ex Akhil Bharatiya Vyavastha Pramukh
  6. Shri Ishwarchandra Gupta –Kanpur – Ex Kshetra Sanghachalak, Purvi Uttar Pradesh
  7. Shri Narendrabhai Panchasara – Surat – Ex Saha Prant Pracharak, Gujarat
  8. Shri Ramesh Prakash, Delhi- Ex Prant Sanghachalak
  9. Shri Mohan Joshi – Delhi- Senior Pracharak, Vishva Hindu Parishad
  10. Shri Jagadish ji Sarada [Shastri] – Torento- who started first shakha outside Bharat
  11. Shri Vishnupant [ mama] Muthal – Nagpur – senior Pracharak
  12. Shri D. Shiv Prakash ji – Vishakhapattanam – Ex Prant Sanghachalak, Andhra Pradesh
  13. Shri Subbarao ji – Chennai – senior Pracharak
  14. Shri Narsinhbhai Patel – Chandrala [ Gujarat] – Ex Vbhag Sanghachalak, gandhinagar Vibhag
  15. Shri Anil Patki – Nagpur – Ex Prant Sampark Pramukh, Vidarbha
  16. Shri Kalidas Kanago – Pune – Ex Nagpur Prant Sharirik Pramukh
  17. Shri. Ravindra Gosai – Ludhiana- Shakha Mukhya Shikshak- was assassinated by bullet
  18. Shri V. Anandan –keral – murdered by CPM hooligans
  19. Shri Shyamprasad – murdered by jehadi forces
  20. Shri Muralidhar Sharma – Jaipur – Ex Prant Samarasta Sanyojak
  21. Shri Subhashchandra Katiyar – Jaipur – Vanaprasthi Karyakarta in Bharati Bhavan, Prant karyakarini Sadasya
  22. Shri Laxman ji Harshe – Jaloun – Ex Vibhag Sanghachalak – Urai Vibhag
  23. Shri Rohini Pramanik –Kolkata – Ex Prant Sangathan Mantri, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Dakshin bang
  24. Shri Hari Asudani – Delhi – Prant Sanghatan Sachiv of Saksham
  25. Shri Chintaman Vanga – Palghar- member of parliament of BJP
  26. Shri HukumSingh – Kairana- member of parliament of BJP
  27. Shri Yashvantrao Gadgil – Sangli – famous jweller – Sanghachalak of Sangli city for 20 years
  28. Shri Narayanrao – Chennai – first state BJP president
  29. Shrimati Shakuntai Varadpande –Nagpur – Ex Prant karyavahika, Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Vidarbha Prant
  30. Shri P. Y. Vaidya Khadiwale – Pune- famous Ayurvedic physician
  31. Shri Joseph Punnikal – Keral – founder of national Church movement
  32. Shri Mujaffar Husein – Mumbai –Padmashree- famous journalist
  33. Shri T. Vishvambharam – Keral- Ex editor of janmabhoomi, Sanskrit scholar
  34. Dr. P. Kunjabdulla – Keral- Malyalam author
  35. Shri K. Geetanandan – Keral- winner of Sahitya academi award, expert in Ottanthulla
  36. Shri M. Vasedevan Nayar – keral – padmabhushan, katthakali dancer
  37. Shrimati Girijadevi – Kolkata- famous Thumari and classical singer
  38. Shri Ulhas Bapat- Mumbai – famous instrumentalist [Santoor]
  39. Shri Chandrashekhar Rath – Odissa- Padmashree – author
  40. Shrimati Sarasvati Rajmani – first woman intelligence office of INA of Subhashchandra Bose
  41. Shri rasiklal Dhariwal- Industrialist – founder of Manikchand group
  42. Shri Gautam Adhikari – Mumbai – founder of SUB TV
  43. Shri Anilbhai Patel – Gujarat – Ex Industry minister and founder of Ganapat University, Mehsana
  44. Shri Priyaranjan Das Munshi – Delhi – Ex Central Minister
  45. Shri Madhukarrao Kimmatkar – Nagpur- Ex minister – Maharashtra state
  46. Shri Vasantrao Davkhare – Mumbai – Ex vice president of Maharashtra assembly
  47. Shri Narayan Farande – Pune – Ex president of Maharashtra legislative council
  48. Shri Shashi Kapur – Mumbai – famous actor
  49. Shrimati Parvati Ghosh – Odissa- famous actor
  50. Shri Arvind Muduli – Odissa- famous Bhajan singer
  51. Shrimati Sridevi – Mumbai – famous actor
Similarly, many brave-hearts sacrificed their lives in the line of duty for protecting the nation or fighting against the terrorists. It is very painful to accept that many of our brethren fell victim to the violence of political intolerance. Many people have left us due to natural calamities and accidents.
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha pays homage to all such departed souls and prays for their eternal peace besides expressing deep condolences towards their family members. May the God Almighty give ‘Sadgati’ to the departed souls.
OM Shanti!Shanti!! Shanti !!!
Status of our work
Sangh Shiksha Varg and Prathmik Shiksha Varg held in 2017-18
Total Sangh Shiksha Varg (SSV):
Prathmik Shiksha Varg (PSV):
Report on Shakhas:
Tour of P. P. Sarsanghchalak ji
In the year 2017-18, during the tours of P. P. Sarsanghachalak Ji, besides organizational meetings with Karyakartas, interactions with prominent people from various walks of life and special programmes were organized.
  • P.P. Sarsanghachalak ji met President of Ramakrishna Math, Swami Smarananand Ji, Syedana Saheb, a revered figure of Bohra community from Mumbai, Isha Foundation’s Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev Ji, Poojya Bhole ji Maharaj and Poojya Mangala Mata ji of Hans Foundation and Mahamahim Rashtrapati Shri Ramnath Kovind Ji etc.
  • A session of interaction also took place with renowned musical maestro Padmashri Rashid Khan, Cine Actor Ajay Devgan, former football player Kalyan Ji Chaube and Shri G. M. Rao of GMR group.
 Presence in Special Programmes:
  • Concluding Ceremony of Millennium Year celebration of Ramanujacharya
  • Lecture on 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagini Nivedita
  • Guruta-Gaddi – A Special programme on 350 years of Praksh Parv
  • Valchand Memorial Lecture at Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce, Mumbai
  • Interaction at National Defence College, Delhi
  • Informal interactions with heads of embassies of various Countries.
A multidimensional integrated rural development project is going on at Baripada Village in Devagiri Prant by Shri Chaitram Pawar for the last 25 years. An effective execution is taking place on the issues of environmental protection.
This project is also a guiding example for the people who are working in the area of Rural Development. P. P. Sarsanghachalak Ji observed the project and interacted with the villagers.
Tour of Sarkaryawah 
In the year 2017-18, my Zonal tours were planned. Besides organizational meetings, two special types of meetings were arranged. In the first one, the focus was on the activities taking place in the Vanvasi areas of the respective zones. Such churning took place in 8 zones. The karyakartas associated with the local and national organizations working in the Vanvasi areas participated in these meetings. Besides the sharing of information about the present working in the Vanvasi areas, future activities and programmes were also deliberated upon. Meetings of Vyavastha Vinbhag were also held. At some places, meetings for special programmes too were organized.
  • Sewa Vibhag has developed a website called ‘Sewa-Gatha’ to give space to the stories based on the experiences gathered while working in some service projects. This was launched in Bhopal.
  • A special Karyakarta camp of Khand (block)/ Nagar level Karyakartas and above was organized in the Telagana Prant. In the two day camp organized at Karim Nagar was attended by 1633 Karyakartas, which was 56 percent of the total expected participants.
  • In Pune, a special programme of experimental professional and youth Shakhas was organized. In this core team of selected 35 Shakhas were expected. Out of the 215 expected participants, 190 were present. The experience sharing was very effective and inspirational.
  • During the tour in Western Odisha, a social harmony meeting was organized at Rourkela in which 149 representatives of 42 different communities and organizations. Many contemporary issues were discussed here.
  • In Dehradun, a spectacle of many Shakhas was organized. 57 Shakhas of young professionals were simultaneously held on one ground in which 1257 youth were present.
  • For intensifying the work at the Basti (locality) level, a meeting of key people from each locality was organized at Siliguri. Out of 108 Bastis, 107 Bastis were represented by 170 Karyakartas.
At Sundrel of Dhar district in Malva Prant, a two day meeting of Karyakartas working at the national level in the field of rural development and Gau-Sewa (Cow-Conservation). 182 karyakartas from 33 prants were present.
Vibhag-wise Reporting
Sharirik Vibhag: ‘Akhil Bharatiya Prahar Mahayagya’ has been organized for last three years. Every year, there is a consistent increase in the participation of Swayamsevaks and Shakhas in the Prahar Yagya. This year 4,43,811 Swayamsevaks participated from 32434 Shakhas and 2306 Saptahik Milans. 95,815 hit more than 1000 Prahars. 3,34,142 Swayamsevaks were below 40 years of age.
Bouddhik Vibhag: A five-day workshop at akhil bharatiya level was organized to discuss the topics of Geet (songs), Prarthana, presentation of intellectual subjects, storytelling and news analysis. 246 Karyakartas were present in this workshop from every prant. Each topic was discussed in depth. The participants received guidance from Shri Suresh Ji Soni and Shri Bhagaiah Ji.
This year a special training programme of selected Karyakartas took place in South-Central, West, North-West and North zones and 33 prants.
Prachar Vibhag:
  • An akhil bharatiya level Social Media workshop was organized at Bhopal in which 148 Karyakartas, including that of mass organizations, from 38 Prants participated.
  • A live facebook webcast of the Vijayadahsmi speech of P. P. Sarsanghchalak Ji was watched by 19 lac viewers.
  • Like every year, ‘Narad Jayanti’ programmes were held at different places in which 40,000 people participated including 10,000 journalists. 1300 journalists were felicitated for their special contribution
  • The Jagarana Patrikas reach to remote villages. 30 such Patrikas in 12 languages reach up to more than 2 lac villages. Haryana Prant has done a special experiement in which they felicitated 572 postmen working with the postal department who are contributing immensely in taking these Patrikas to the remote areas.
  • A programme on introduction to the RSS was organized for journalists at various places in which 541 journalists from 7 prants participated.
Sampark Vibhag: For the last few years, a special interaction of elites on the Vijayadahsmi speech of P. P. Sarsanghachalak Ji is being organized at prominent places of the country. This year at 18 locations 1007 eminent people participated in such interaction. P. P. Sarsanghachalak ji himself was present in a programme at Delhi while at other places other Akhil Bharatiya Office Bearers were present in which a meaningful and in depth discussion took place.
Making of ‘Coffee Table Book’ presenting the evolution of the Sangh Karya and important events associated with requires a special mention here. Renowned industrialist Shri Abhaykumar Firodia released this book at Nagpur. The programme of presenting the same to the eminent national personalities is going on.
In the month of November, a special programme of Ghosh (RSS Band) was organized at Nagpur called Swarsmmohini, presenting the tunes on various Ragas on band. Besides Sri Sri Ravishankar Guruji, many famous names from the music industry were present. After the function, an interaction of P. P. Sarsanghachalak Ji was organized with the distinguished guests.

Many meetings and training programmes are being organized for strengthening the organizational structure. Resultantly, influencial sections of the society are coming close to the Sangh.

Gatividhi Activities
Go-Sewa: In the year 2017-18, various programmes were organized. In the Go-katha programmes organized at 323 places in which 30,800 brothers and sisters were present. In 232 training programmes 5,849 Karyakartas participated. We are in touch with 1500 Goshalas all over the country. On the subject of Panchgavya Chikitsa seminars were organized in 22 Prants in which 612 doctors participated. 18,590 farmers were trained with the techniques of Organic Farming.
  • Samrasata – Akhil Bharatiya Baithak was held in Pune on 2nd and 3rd Dec. 2017. From 33 prants 70 men and women karyakatas participated in baithak. In many prants workshops were held. One central committee was formed to accelerate the work.
In Telangana Prant Swayamsevaks made efforts with the help of Poojya Sandhu Sant and society for social harmony in some selected villages. Due to these efforts now in 200 villages it is now possible to have one cremation place, no discrimination in temple entry and common glasses for all in Hotels.
Prant-wise Special programs 
{1} Kerala: Camp for Pravasi Karyakartas:- Taking the benefit of P. P. Sarshaghachalkji’s tour to Kerala, the Kerala Prant organized a 3 days special camp of Pravasi Karyakartas. Out of 7,032 expected Karyakartas, 4,308 that is 62 percent were present in the camp. Each district was expected to prepare a special song for the programme. Thus 37 new Sangh Songs were composed. An exhibition on the evolution of Sangh, social condition and history of Kerala was also showcased there. In the closing ceremony, Swayamsevaks presented the Yoga, Ghosh and Dand demonstrations. 400 Swayamsevaks demonstrated 15 different types of Attack and Defence Skills with continuous dand prahar.
The Republic Day programme on January 26, 2018 was also organized in the presence of P. P. Sarsanghchalakji.
 {2} South Tamil Nadu: Praudh Saptahik (Weekly) Milan Sanghik: The Sangh work is consistently growing on in Kanyakumari district. Special efforts were taken this year to strengthen the Praudh Saptahik Milans. Presently, there are 106 ongoing Praudh Milans. In the month of November, Praudh Milan Sanghik was organized at Kolankod in which 367 Swayamsevaks from 82 Sapatahik Milans were present. Considering the Praudh Swayamsevaks, special Sharirik and Bouddhik programmes are thought of.
A plan is being prepared with the considering that these Praudh Swayamsevaks can play a constructive role note only in Kutumba Prabodhan (family counseling) and Samrasta (social integration) but also resolving the local social problems. The participation of doctors, engineers, retired government servants along with the small vendors and businessmen is also increasing due to these efforts.
{3} Telangana: Special Experiment on Vijayadahsmi – Every year, in Bhagyanagar Mahanagar, district wise route march used to be organized. This year a collective Vijayadashmi Utsav of both the Vibhags and 10 districts took place. Taking benefit of this experiment, with the aim of taking Sangh work to each and every locality, special efforts were made in updating the list and organizing the group-wise system.
From each locality at least 10 people should be represented was the target. Out of total 765 localities of the metropolitan area 626 (82 %) localities were represented with total participation of more than 11,000 Swayamsevaks, out of which 7397 were in full Sangh uniform. 900 mothers and sisters also were present on the occasion.
{4} Andhra Pradesh: Work among College Youth – This year, each Vibhag organized special camps of College Youths to give impetus to Shakhas and Saptahik Milans. In 11 such camps 4,641 students of 585 colleges participated in full Sangh uniform. 48 out of them have become short-term vistaraks. Due to these efforts, Shakhas and Saptahik Milans have increased from 98 to 139 and 33 to 136 respectively while 111 new Monthly Meetings have started. In the Prathamik Shiksha Varg Swayamsevaks from 808 colleges and 68 professional institutions underwent training.
{5} Konkan: Hindu Chetana Sangam: This year on January 7, 2018, a unique Programme was organized in the name of ‘Hindu Chetana Sangam’. On the same day in each and every block or urban centres, a conglomeration of fully uniformed Swayamsevaks was organized. Total 255 such programmes were organized in which from 506 blocks, 2,372 localities and 1,471 villages, total 34,448 Swayamsevaks were present. Besides this, 48,814 men and 24,268 women also were present in these programmes from various sections of society.
This effort was very fruitful in taking the Sangh Work in each block and locality. In the programme 89 blocks, 85 % urban localities and 25 % villages of the entire Prant were represented.
As a follow-up, at every block and locality level, Bharat Mata Pujan programmes were organized. Further planning is going to organize Vibhag (Divisional) level Prathamik Shiksha Varg for professional Swayamsevaks and Introduction to the Sangh programmes for the new Swayamsevaks.

{6} Pashchim Maharashtra: Sant Snagam: There was a successful organization of ‘Shivshakti Sangam’ in 2016. Thousands of Swayamsevaks are participating in a cleanliness drive undertaken in collaboration with different religious and social organisations for the last three consecutive years on the Route of Pandharpur Pilgrimage called ‘Nirmal-Vari’. Many Sages and leaders of different sects came in contact in these efforts. To strengthen the contact with these religious leaders and involve them in the works of social transformation, a special drive to meet these heads of various sects was undertaken in the name of ‘Dharmacharya Sampark’.

A list of 400 such spiritual leaders is prepared. On January 18, 2018, on the sacred land of Pandharpur, ‘Sant Sangam’ was organized in the presence of P. P. Sarsanghachalakji in which 327 Sants and heads of various religious sects were present. The presence of 35 prominent religious leaders in this conglomeration was noteworthy.
 
There was a meaningful discussion on two subjects, namely, the role of temples in social transformation and participation Sants in social change. With the follow-up dialogue process, this ‘Sant Sangam’ will certainly prove to be effective.
{7} Madhya Bharat:
(1) Swami Vivekananda Day in Colleges: The life and thought of Swami Vivekanada has been always inspirational for the entire society, especially the youth. Keeping the life of Swami Vivekananda at the centre, a plan was prepared to organize a programme in colleges and universities of the Prant during January 1-5, 2018. A list of colleges was prepared and special effort was made to build a local team of Karyakarta in selective colleges. As part of the programme Bharat Jago Daud (Run for Awakening Bharat), poetry recitation, elocution and painting competitions and speeches by eminent personalities were organized. This programme was organised in 112 colleges and educational institutions of 27 districts, in which 11,213 students and 213 teachers participated.
(2) Jagran Shreni Programme, Vidisha – In the Vidisha Nagar, there are 5 suburbs with 20 localities and 118 colonies. Total population is 1 Lakh 87 thousand. A plan was prepared to organize a Jagran (Awakening) Programme in each locality and colony. For the successful organization of the programme, 493 meetings took place at various levels. In the localities 20 and in suburbs 25 programmes were organized with participation of 7,994 and 15,071 people. In the entire city, 415 programmes took place with participation of 37,196 people, out of which 12,000 were women.
A special get-together of Karyakartas involved in organizing these programmes was organized on January 12, 2018, in the presence of P. P. Sarsanghachalakji in which 3,472 Karyakartas were present, including the other office bearers.
{8} Mahakaushal:
(1) Chatarpur Vibhag Ekatrikaran: In a divisional level effort, conglomeration of Chatarpur Vibhag was organized on January 7, 2018. 98 Karyakartas worked as Vistaraks for 7 days each and organized 262 meetings for the planning. 860 villages were represented in the programme from 313 circles in which 5,588 Swayamsevaks in the Sangh uniform and 2,230 common citizens were present. Due to this, 30 new Shakha centres have inceased. 20 circles (Mandals) started the new Shakhas while in 24 new Mandals contacts could be established.
(2) Rashtrashakti Sammelan, Patalkot (Chindwada) – Patalkot area of Chindwada district consists of many Scheduled Tribe communities such as Bharia, Gond, Mavasi etc. In this area, on January 23, 2018, the Rashtrashakti Sammelan took place in which 9245 men and 4500 women from 90 villages participated. In the programme, a resolve to protect the Panch Matas (five mothers – Own Mother, Narmada River, Mother Earth, Go Mata and Bharat Mata) was taken by the participants. 32 village doctors were also felicitated in this programme in the presence of various religious leaders and eminent personalities.
{9} Chittod :
(1) Meetings for Samajik Samarasta – In the Prant a plan was prepared to organize Samajik Samarasta meetings in each Shakha, Saptahik Milan or Sangh Mandali, for which places were identified and selected Karyakartas were trained.
Total 1,355 Samarasta Meetings were organized in the Prant, in which 26,764 men and 549 women, of as many as 35 communities and social groups participated. Besides the topics of One Temple, One Cremation Ground and One Water-body, other relevant subjects such as conversion, love-jihad, population imbalance etc were discussed. For the follow-up, conveners were also identified in 127 villages.
(2) Vistarak Yojna – A short-term Vistarak Yojna was carried out in the Prant from December 24-31, 2017. Total 3,819 Vistaraks went to 1356 villages out of which 682 were new places and 327 villages adjoining to highways. 143 of them gave entire 7 days for the Sangh work as Vistaraks. Similar plan for urban areas will be executed in the next phase.
{10} Jaipur: ‘Swar Govindam’ Ghosh Shibir: A Ghosh Shibir was organized in Jaipur called ‘Swar Govindam’ on November 5, 2017 in which 1,251 instrument players participated from 108 blocks and Nagars.
An exhibition of 108 Rajasthani instruments was the centre of attraction. On the 6 kilometres route march, 1 lakh 55 thousand square feed Rangoli was prepared by 2,200 men-women with the hard work of 48 hours. Along with P. P. Sarsanghachalakji, 33,000 citizens experienced this magnificent route march.
 {11} Delhi: Karya Vistar: The 508 shakhas are increased in Delhi Prant through Karya Vistar Yojna that is the rise of 28.5 %. For the purpose it was insisted that each shakha should organize a Varshikotsav (an annual programme exhibiting Shakha skills) and 92 percent Shakhas organized them.

{12} Haryana:

(1) As part of the Integrated Village Development Scheme, a workshop was organized on ‘Organic Farming’ in which 1,200 farmers participated.
(2) A three-day camp of Basti and Village Pramukhs was organized at Gurugram in which 587 Karyakartas participated. During the preparation for this camp, 841 locality heads were identified.
(3) Samras Ganga Mahotsav, Palval: On ……2017, Ganga Mahotsav was organized at Palval in which all the 298 villages of the district were represented. Processions carrying urns of soil from 47 villages of martyrs and 60 temples of the district were organized in which 18000 people participated. For the planning and execution 700 meetings were organized. Maj Gen (Retd) G D Bakshi and Sant Shreshtha Mahamandaleshwar Swami Dharmadevji graced the occasion with their inspirational presence.
{13} Meerut :- “Rashtroday Swayamsevak Samagam” was a big success. 1,45,322 swayamsevaks from 7649 villages representing all mandal (987) and basti (1553) were present out of which 1,01,712 youths were below the age of 40. For the last few years efforts were on to make all mandal active with sangh karya.
As a result this program was successful. For this program 6 lakhs food packets were collected from 3 lakhs families of 3 districts.
{14} Dakshin Bihar: To take the Sangh work to each locality of the Patna, massive efforts undertaken since December 2017. It was planned that on February 11, 2018 a programme would be organised in the presence of P. P. Sanrsanghachalk Ji in which maximum localities should be represented. As part of the preparations updation of lists, locality-wise meetings and Vistarak Yojna was chalked out. On February 4, Nagar level programmes were organized in which out of 206 localities, 156 localities were represented. Actually on February 11, 3950 Swayamsevaks were present from 194 localities. This effort was very fruitful for strengthening the organizational work in Patna.
{15} Dakshin Bang:
(1) Shri Ram Navami: In April 2017, an unprecedented programme of mass awakening was organized on the occasion of Shri Ram Navami in which processions were carried out at 210 places with participation of 18 lakh people.
(2) Commemorating the completion of 125 years of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Speech, various programme were organized throughout the Prant in the month of September. 85 Lakh books and 13 lakh stickers were distributed. More than 30,000 and 4,33,000 youths participated in the bicycle and motorcycle rallies respectively, organized on this occasion. 1.75 lakh people attended the public meetings. 4 lakh families of 382 blocks, and 1805 circles could be reached out to through the programme. Resultantly, 300 Saptahik Milans are increased.
{16} Uttar Assam: Luitparia Hindu Samavesh: A massive conglomeration of Swayamsevaks of Uttar Assam was organized at Guwahati on January 21, 2018. Total 31351 Swayamsevaks in full Sangh uniform were represented from 239 blocks (96 %), 46 Nagars, 1511 circles (70 %) and 90 % of urban localities. Significantly, more than 35,000 common people also joined the programme.
On the specially erected stage, the presence of 65 Sants and religious leaders and 75 prominent people from various walks of life signify the growing acceptability of the Sangh. In an unprecedented manner, 14 thousand families of Guwahati contributed in the successful organization of the programme.
 
The presence of dignitaries from different sects, languages, sects and religions divulge the success and significance of this glorious event. Media also supported constructively.
 
This programme was instrumental in boosting the confidence of all Karyakartas not just of Uttar Assam but the entire Northeastern region.
After the programme, 840 Karyakartas were present in a review meeting. Both the Samavesh and the meeting was guided by P. P. Sarsanghachalakji
{17} Dakshin Assam: Hindu Sammelan, Agartala – On September 17, 2017, a massive Hindu Sammelan was organized in the capital of Tripura, Agartala.
The preparations for the programme started in the month of June itself, and the objective was to reach out to maximum villages and ensure representation from each of them. A plan to contact each and every tribal group was prepared and Gurupujan, Raksha Bandhan, Vijayadashmi programmes took the process forward.
Through the household meetings and introduction to the Sangh programmes efforts were carried out to reach to the new areas and new families. The invitations were delivered personally and not through the usual technological tools. Each house was hoisted with a saffron flag and consequently in just 2 days 1 lakh households couled be reached.
In the presence of P. P. Sarsanghachalakji a mega Hindu Congregation happened in which out of 1043 villages of the prant, 505 were represented. In the 3346 household meetings 15,000 people participated. With the efforts of more than 800 Karyakartas 26000 Hindus participated in the programme.
This programme organized in the Northeastern State of Tripura was effective in every sense.
National Scenario
All of us are experiencing that with the growing trust in our work, there are growing expectations also throughout the country. The participation of Hindu society in the programmes organized by various Prants give the same experience. The Hindu Sammelans organized in the Northeastern States, especially in Tripura, was inspirational in much ways. The admiration expressed by eminent personalities from social, religious, industrial fields indicates the growing acceptability of our work.
At the same time, the incidents of internal strife in the society are a matter of grave concern for all. Violence and damage to public property in such incidences is highly condemnable. Learning from the past and creating the amicable and healthy environment by resolving the present problems should be the priority of all. In such situations, we have to be careful about the divisive forces.
Similarly, some incidents hurting social sentiments also take place and collective outrage is expressed. It is necessary for all the concerned parties/groups to keep this in mind that their actions should not hurt the social pride and popular sentiments. Ours is an enlarged family and therefore, mutual interaction and trust should be strongly preserved. In such situations, the constructive role of religious, social and political leadership becomes crucial.
It should be our concern that the respect and confidence towards justice and security system should not be broken. We have every right to present our view within the Constitutional and legal system. The adherence to those restrictions is also necessary.
We can see many active forces working for creating divisions and spreading confusions. In all these situations, patiently and skillfully, we have to move forward with persistence and hardwork, with the faith that the answer to most of these problems lies in the success of our work. Let the Sangh work become goal of our life.
सफल-विफल और आशा-निराशा
इसकी और कहाँ जिज्ञासा
बीहड़ता में राह बनाता,
राही मचल-मचल चलता है
जीवनभर अविचल चलता है ।।

Dr Hedgewar sowed the seeds of eternity for RSS

Leave a reply

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has dominated the social scene in all spheres of life today. Its opponents are worried over its ever increasing strength and they miss no opportunity to malign its name and fame. But in spite of all their attempts to defame the organisation, this ‘Rashtra Shakti’ is on the rise complicating their worries. On the other hand, the nationalist forces are happy and assured at the bright future of the country with its growing strength. They are willing to join and cooperate the RSS or any of its social welfare activity, and contribute their might in the process of nation building.

It has been observed that the number of those willing to join the RSS on internet was 1000 per month in 2012. It increased to 2500 per month in 2013 and 9000 in 2014! This is sufficient to indicate the growth of RSS. The secret of this growth lies in the pure national outlook of RSS and a chain of selfless, devoted, dedicated and committed workers.

While this huge Banyan tree, called RSS, is touching new heights, its roots are penetrating deeper and deeper searching new sources of the elixir of life. The very idea about the seed of such a huge Banyan tree enthuse our minds. It was Dr Hedgewar whose 125th birth anniversary coincides this year’s ‘Varsh Pratipada’. How was that seed?

Born on the auspicious occasion of Varsh Pratipada (April 1, 1889) Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was a born patriot. He came from an orthodox Brahmin family, which had no connection with the freedom struggle nor was there any major movement for freedom in the Central Provinces then. But the spark of freedom burnt in the heart of young Keshav and his heart throbbed for freedom. This urge of freedom became visible through many incidents of his childhood days. Noteworthy amongst them were throwing away the sweet box distributed to the students on diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria; or refusing to go for enjoying lighting and decoration on the government buildings to commemorate the arrival of George Vth in India, and many more such examples.

Young Keshav was the mastermind of ripping through the infamous Risley Circular that prohibited the singing of Vande Mataram in 1907 against the background of “Bang-Bhang” movement. When the School Inspector entered a classroom he was greeted with a shout of “Vande Mataram”. Obviously, Keshav was the inspiration of this protest. He opted for Calcutta to pursue his studies in Medicine as Calcutta happened to be the core centre of revolutionary activities then. He joined the Anusheelan Samiti, the topmost revolutionary outfit, and soon admitted to its inner most circles. After completing his medical studies and obtaining licence to practice, he came back to Nagpur but did not get involved in practice nor did he think for entering into a married life. His life aim was to free the motherland and he plunged into the freedom struggle then.

Dr. Hedgewar was entrusted with the responsibility of a volunteer corps of 1920 Congress Session in Nagpur. He raised the volunteer force of 1200 for it. Besides, he proposed two resolutions to the Draft Committee. One of them was related to full freedom of India. And the other was freeing other countries of the world from the clutches of imperialism. However, these resolutions could not see the light of the day. But when Congress passed a resolution of full freedom in 1930, Dr Hedgewar wrote to all the RSS Shakhas to congratulate the Congress. This showed his all encompassing vision.

Despite his differences he was of the opinion that all should join hands to throw off the shackles of slavery without weakening the movement. Due to this thinking he did not express his displeasure on Congress support to ‘Khilafat’ Movement, though he had differences with Mahatma Gandhi on this issue. He participated under the leadership of Gandhi in the non-cooperation movement and suffered jail term.

To achieve Independence is very important for any society but to create a society infused with national values, ethos and character to uphold and protect the freedom was more necessary and fundamental. Dr Hedgewar realised this and decided to start the RSS in 1925. He mingled with the youths and led them by his example through the technique of daily shakha, which happens to be real forte of RSS. Worship of strength, collectivism, discipline, patriotism, national pride and love and compassion for entire society and work selflessly for the society with full dedication were some of the virtues he wanted to inject and infuse into the Hindu society through the technique of daily shakha. Traversing the entire country in spite of his falling health, he succeeded in spreading the countrywide network of RSS in the short span of 15 years.

He did not have slightest of hesitation to use modern means to obtain desired results even though he had deep faith in our age-old culture and traditions. He always used to project his comrades to the forefront of the work and it was this style of his that laid a very strong, unshakable foundation of the RSS.

He not only kept in touch with various movements in the society aimed at Independence of the country even after he founded the RSS, but he also participated in them. In 1930, he participated in Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement and participated in ‘Jungle Satyagraha’ in Vidarbha and suffered a nine-month jail term at Akola. But he also took care of RSS and appointed Dr LW Paranjape, his close associate as Sarsanghachalak and made arrangements of senior swayamsevaks to look after the Sangh work. The society was then divided in Congress, Revolutionary, Tilakites, Gandhites, Hindu Mahasabhaites and so on. Dr Hedgewar kept himself aloof from all such fractions yet he had good cordial relations with all of them. He sailed the RSS through such turbulences like an expert captain.

He ensured that RSS does not become yet another organisation in the society. He developed RSS as an organisation of the entire society. He introduced the tradition of ‘Guru Dakshina’ to make RSS self-reliant and self-sufficient. He placed the traditional ‘Bhagwa Dhwaj’, a symbol of dedication, renunciation, and selfless service, as the ideal ‘guru’. He was against projecting any individual as “guru” because he was aware of the shortcomings of an individual. That is why the RSS work is spreading to new areas and constituencies even after nine decades without diversions.

Dr Hedgewar was free from the ego of being the founder of RSS. Though he agreed to be Sarsanghachalak on the requests of his colleagues in 1929, he expressed his mind in 1933 meeting of the Sanghachalaks thus:
“I am fully aware of the fact that I am not the father or founder of the RSS; I am only performing the duties of a foster-mother of RSS as per your wish and would continue to do this so long as you wish and desire.

I would not care for any difficulty, problem or insult, etc. “Whenever you feel that RSS is suffering owing to my incompatibility you are free to appoint any proper and competent person to the post. I will owe my allegiance to the new incumbent and work as a devoted swayamsevak as happily as I have opted to work as per your order. For me personality does not matter. It is the mission of Sangh that matters, therefore, I would not hesitate to do any work in the interest of the Sangh”.

These thoughts of RSS founder Dr Hedgewar throw sufficient light on his unattached attitude and dedicated personality.

Dr Hedgewar introduced common uniform, route march, band, military drill, camps etc. to inculcate virtues like collective discipline, and rising above the self attitude amongst the swayamsevaks.

This was a very revolutionary and radical thought considering the social condition of his time. He did not give much importance to criticism against RSS, avoided debates and discussions and insisted on established cordial relations even with his opponents.

He followed the Sanskrit dictum that said ‘avoid debate’ and ‘sans opposition from all’. He remained firm in praise and criticism. Nothing could dislodge or dissociate him from his chosen path. He would accept the praise as inspiration to speed up Sangh work and criticism as ignorance of the critics.

In 1936, Shankaracharya Vidyashankar Bharati honoured him with the title of “Rashtra Senapati”. This news got wide publicity and letters started pouring in. But he directed all the swayamsevaks to refrain from using this honorary title as this would be in contrast with our nature. He even discouraged those who wanted to write his biography. “The nation first” attitude he created thus in the RSS.

He would teach not with words but with actions. He used to say that people would judge and like the RSS as they experience the RSS and not by publicity. We have sown the seed, now without discussing or publicising it we should work for nurturing it. The fruits would make the identity of the person who had sown the seeds known.

Therefore, even after his death, in spite of the difficulties, upheavals in national life, the RSS is marching on its chartered course undisturbed, unfazed encompassing the entire society. This success story of RSS is in fact the success story of Doctor Hedgewar’s dedicated, epoch-making, and meaningful life as an organiser par excellence.

Dr Manmohan Vaidya (The writer is Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS)

Justice K.T Thomas – “RSS Not Responsible for Gandhiji’s assasination”

1 Reply

 

 

Also read short Report in Indian Express

August 2nd, 2011 : Former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas praised the RSS for its discipline and said the propaganda that the organisation is anti-minority is “baseless”.

Speaking at a function here,attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat,he also said the “smear campaign” against the RSS that it was responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi must end.

“There is a smear campaign that RSS was responsible for Gandhi’s assassination just because the assassin was once an RSS worker,” he said,adding that the organisation had been “completely exonerated” by the court. “This smear campaign must end against RSS,” he said.

“Can the entire Sikh community be responsible for Indira Gandhi’’s assassination,” Thomas asked.

“I am a Christian. I was born as a Christian and practise that religion. I am a church-going Christian. But I have also learnt many things about RSS,” he said.

He said he became an admirer of the RSS in 1979 when he was posted as district judge of Kozhikode,adding that simple living and high thinking was its hallmark.

During the Emergency,RSS was the only non-political organisation which fought against it,he said. “We owe very much to RSS for sacrificing many lives for regaining our fundamental rights,” said Thomas.

“The propaganda that RSS is anti-minority is also baseless,” he said,adding that he is a great admirer of the organisation as it gives importance to discipline.