One of the most sensational, hot and trendy topics in news headlines is often Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). Let it be Mohan Bhagwat’s controversial statements or Sangh’s contentious ideology, RSS has always been a topic of discussion. Especially in the season of elections, where every word counts, manipulation is no big deal and allegations are frequent, theology of RSS is often misinterpreted.
- Selfless Service to India: The time, when organization was started, Hindu Muslim riots were on peak and opportunists were seeking this as a key for separation. Indians were still captive of British colonialism and instead of raising voice for freedom; they were giving birth to internal conflicts. Thus, the prime motive was to unite people, and the only way to win the trust was selfless service. Hedgewar believed that serving the people selflessly is the only way to connect with them and gain the faith.
- Character Training through Hindu Discipline: Another motive was to train the youth in developing his personality and character. Hedgewar saw deep moral and ethical values in Hindu culture and wanted the nation inculcate them. The belief that morally and ethically strong nation will not divert towards internal conflicts, rather seek for independence with passion made Hedgewar the founder of RSS.
- Suppress Muslim Separatism: Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan and other leaders of Muslim league became quite stringent and rigid on separatism while congress started supporting them in the name of Hindu Muslim unity. Also, there were rumors for cow slaughtering and when Sri Bade tried to move a resolution for cow protection in AICC meeting (26 Dec 1920), Gandhiji opposed him and forced him to leave the meeting. At this point of time, Hedgewar imagined the consequences and thought of founding an organization which could suppress Muslim separatism and promote Hindu culture.
- Organize Hindu Community: Muslims were united in the form of Muslim League while there was no such organization for Hindus. In contrast to Muslims, Hindus were disconnected and divided. Hedgewar saw this as critical issue which can lead to destruction and thus, took steps to organize Hindu community. He planned for daily meetings in the form of Shakha, where focus was not only on physical education, but on unification too.
- Upholding Indian Culture: Hedgewar was from the middle class family of Nagpur who served as a doctor for several years in Nagpur. He had Indian culture in his roots and felt that separatist movements and British colonialism are demolishing it. He felt a need of an organization which could put efforts to uphold Indian culture. This is the reason that activities of Shakha have an essence of Indian Culture.
- Alternative of politics for Anti-Colonial Struggle: RSS turned as an alternative to politics for anti-colonial struggle. Before the foundation of organization, politics was the only way for showering the anger over British. RSS opened the doors for common man, to be a part of freedom struggle, without being indulged in politics (as RSS was a not political organization). Hedgewar initiated several activities through RSS for anti-colonial struggle.
- Strength comes only through Organization: “Sangathan Me Hi Shakti Hai” i.e. Strength comes only through organization was one of the reasons for foundation of RSS. An organization is much stronger than individual was the belief of Hedgewar. Thus he compiled the emotions, pain and grief of common man in the form of RSS and made an individual feel stronger than ever before. He strengthened the youth, developed confidence and made them believe that unity and consolidation will set them free.
- Counter British Colonialism: Hedgewar was once rusticated from school for singing Vande Matram and hence violating the circular issued by British government. He was also charged with sedition in 1921 by British administration and was sent behind the bars for one year. There are several such other incidence which turned Hedgewar into a patriot and like other freedom fighters, he too decided for countering British colonialism. Unlike others, he founded an organization (Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh) for implementing his ideas. After foundation in 1925, RSS worked in full swing for countering British colonialism.
- Eradicate Caste based Division: Caste based division was one of the major problem in front of leaders who dreamed of British free India. Caste played a role of obstacle in uniting people and resolving this issue was one of the prior tasks. RSS came forward for it and got success on a rich extent. In Shakha, people from all castes and communities were gathered and made to do jobs by helping each other. Once people started to come together, the ultimate goal was to set India free. Countless efforts were put by different leaders of several organization to eradicate caste based division out of which, RSS played a vital role.
- Right Wing Organization: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh played a role of Right Wing charitable, educational, Hindu nationalist, nongovernmental organization. It focused on removing social inequalities like caste based division, separatism, religious riots and gave the people a feeling of nationalism and patriotism. It tried to connect people for freedom struggle and uphold Indian culture. It focused on Hindu Rashtra, and defined it as an ideal nation, which has vision. It does not mean the country only for Hindus, it does mean the nation like Ram Rajya.
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