Ram Rattan Sharma
internetzonejammu@gmail.com
The Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) completed its 100th anniversary on 27th September, 2025.Founded on Vijaydashmi in 1925 by Dr.Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS is a Hindu Nationalist volunteer organization that has grown to become one of the world’s largest .The organization operates through a network of local branches, known as Shakhas, focusing on Physical, Intellectual, and cultural training for its makers.
Role in Nation Building and Social Work;-The RSS’s contribution to nation building is a complex and debated topic. While the organization did not participated directly in the Indian Independence Movement, it has been involved in socio-political awakening and relief activities. The RSS has been banned four times in its history including after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 and during the Emergency in 1975.The RSS has an extensive network of social work initiatives, primarily through its affiliate organizations like Sewa Bharti.These initiatives cover various sectors:
Disaster Relief:-RSS volunteers are often among the first responders during natural disasters like earthquakes, floods providing aid and support.
Education:-Through its educational wing, the organization runs a vast network of schools, including Saraswati Shiksha Mandirs, which serve a diverse student body.
Health Care and Social Welfare:-Sewa Bharti manages numerous projects related to health care, vocationaltraining, and social welfare, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
Rural development:-The organization is involved in grass roots projectsaimed at empowering rural communities and promoting self reliance.
A key aspect of the RSS ideology is Hindutva, which emphasizes Hindu cultural and national identity. The organizations motto is to building a strong nation through strong individuals who are physically, mentally, and morally sound. In its centenary year, The RSS has announced plans to expand its outreach with the goal of reaching every block in every state across the country.
As India grapples with the challenge of the 21st century including economic development, social line equality, and National security threats. Organizations like the RSS are needed now with its emphasis on self discipline, patriotism, and social responsibility, the RSS provides a moral compass for individuals and communities alike. By instilling a sense of pride in Indian Culture and heritage, the RSS empowers citizens to contribute positively to the nation’s progress and prosperity.
Furthermore, in a world increasingly plagued by extremism and radicalism, the RSS’s message of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for all religions is relevant. By promoting inter faith dialogue and mutual respect, the RSS acts as a bulwark against the forces of hatred and division. InIndia, where cultural and religious differences often intersect, the RSS’s efforts to promote harmony and understanding are indispensable.
Over the past century, the RSS has played a significant role in shaping Indian society and contributing to the idea of national unity. The RSS emphasizes discipline, patriotism, culture pride and selfless service. It works at the grassroots level with the vision of building a strong, selfreliant and culturally consciousnation. The RSS has played a multifaceted role in India’s nation building journey through its focus on education, socialservice, and political awakening; it has created a network of committed citizens who work towards strengthening the nation. While its ideology often attracts debates and criticism, its contributions to social work, disaster relief, and community mobilization are widely acknowledged. The Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh has emerged as one of the most influential organizations in India. From its humble beginning in 1925 to becoming a nationwideforce, the RSS has consistently emphasized discipline, patriotism, service, andcultural identity as pillars of nation building. Through educational initiatives like Vidya Bharti and Ekal Vidyalyas, social service efforts like Seva Bhartri and rural development programs and its political influence through the Jan Sangh and BJP, the RSS has shaped India’s socio-political landscape in a profound way.
While debates about its ideology will continue, it is undeniable that the RSS has played a major role in strengthening India’s unity, promoting social service, and influencing governance. In the larger canvas of nation building, the RSS remains akey force that has mobilized millions of Indians towards the idea of strong, self reliant and culturally conscious nation.
(The author is Former Dy.Libraraian, University of Jammu)
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