The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist, volunteer-based organization founded in India. Established in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS aims to promote the ideals of Hindu culture and strengthen the Hindu community. It emphasizes the values of discipline, self-reliance, and service to the nation.
Key Aspects of RSS
- Mission: The RSS’s primary mission is to unite the Hindu community and foster a sense of pride and identity among Hindus. It advocates for the revival and preservation of Hindu traditions and culture.
- Structure: The RSS operates through a network of shakhas (branches), where members, called swayamsevaks, engage in physical training, intellectual discussions, and community service.
- Activities: The RSS organizes a variety of activities, including educational programs, relief efforts during natural disasters, and initiatives aimed at social welfare and community development.
Who is Mohan Bhagwat?
Mohan Bhagwat is a prominent Indian leader and the current Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the RSS. Born on September 11, 1950, in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, he has been associated with the RSS from a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also an active member of the organization.
Background and Career
- Early Life: Mohan Bhagwat joined the RSS as a swayamsevak during his childhood. He later pursued a degree in Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry.
- RSS Career: Over the years, Bhagwat rose through the ranks of the RSS, holding various positions of responsibility. He was appointed Sarsanghchalak in 2009, succeeding K.S. Sudarshan.
- Leadership: As the leader of the RSS, Bhagwat has focused on expanding the organization’s reach and influence, promoting its core values, and addressing contemporary social and cultural issues.
The Relationship Between RSS and BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the RSS share a close and historically significant relationship. The BJP is a political party in India that espouses a right-wing ideology, and many of its leaders and members have roots in the RSS.
Historical Ties
- Formation of BJP: The BJP was founded in 1980, but its roots can be traced back to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), established in 1951 by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee with the support of the RSS. The BJS merged with several other parties in 1977 to form the Janata Party, which later split, leading to the creation of the BJP.
- Ideological Influence: The RSS’s ideology has significantly influenced the BJP’s policies and political stance. Both organizations share a common vision of promoting Hindu cultural values and nationalism.
Operational Dynamics
- Shared Membership: Many BJP leaders and workers have been associated with the RSS, which serves as a feeder organization for the party. This shared membership fosters strong ideological alignment and coordination.
- Support and Mobilization: The RSS often provides grassroots support and mobilization for the BJP during elections and political campaigns. The swayamsevaks work actively to promote the BJP’s agenda and help in voter outreach.
- Policy Influence: While the RSS does not directly engage in politics, it exerts considerable influence over the BJP’s policy decisions and direction. Regular interactions and consultations between RSS leaders and BJP policymakers ensure that the party’s actions align with the broader goals of the Sangh Parivar (the family of organizations affiliated with the RSS).
In summary, the RSS is a cultural and ideological organization dedicated to promoting Hindu values and unity, led by figures like Mohan Bhagwat. The BJP, as a political entity, shares a deep-rooted connection with the RSS, benefiting from its support and influence while pursuing a parallel vision in the political arena.