The Century of the Shakha: Unmasking the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS)

 

 

Perception on Vandemataram

All events of Prime Point Foundation and PreSense used to start with the invocation song "Vande Mataram". At one such event organised by us in a reputed educational institution, during the tea break, a student approached the author of this article and organiser of the event and asked in a low voice, "Are you a Sanghi?" Confused by his question, I responded, "Why are you asking?" He promptly replied, "Sir, you started the event with the Vande Mataram song. Generally, only Sanghis sing that song. That is why I asked you." I received the shock of my life and explained to him that Vande Mataram was a National Song with equal status to "Jana Gana Mana". I also explained that every session of Parliament ends with the Vande Mataram song.

A few years ago, in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the Government removed the words "Jai Hind" from the draft version of the Governor's speech, and when the Governor ended his speech with "Jai Hind", he was branded as a "Sanghi".

Even in Parliament, some members do not sing Vande Mataram or use slogans like Jai Hind or Bharat Mata ki Jai. Consequently, some political parties claiming themselves as "secular" are hesitant to use these slogans for vote bank politics. Interestingly, these three slogans are used as "war cries" in the Indian Army. This is creating an impression amongst young minds that these slogans are 'anti-secular' and used only by RSS and other connected organisations. Though these slogans were used effectively by Congress leaders during the freedom movement, today, even Congress seems reluctant to use them visibly. Since RSS uses these slogans effectively, persons talking about the nation are being branded as 'Sanghis'. Strangely, many of the so-called secular parties have politically given up these national slogans.

RSS celebrates Centenary

In October 2025, on Vijayadashami day, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh celebrated its 100th anniversary, and Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative 100-rupee coin and a postal cover to mark this occasion. Braving all challenges and criticisms, RSS has grown to become the largest voluntary cultural organisation in the world with activities across the globe. For the first time in India, a coin carries the image of ‘Bharat Mata’.

The RSS has been perhaps the most influential, yet consistently misunderstood, socio-cultural phenomenon of modern India. Its cadres occupy the highest offices in the land—including the President of India, the Vice President of India, and the Prime Minister. Yet, for every story of disciplined, selfless service during a disaster, there exists an enduring narrative of controversy and political rivalry.

The recent release of a special stamp and coin by the Prime Minister celebrating this centenary highlights the organisation's undeniable national significance. For our cover story, we move beyond partisan praise and ingrained scepticism. Acting as veteran editors and writers, we have carefully reviewed the foundational documents and historical records. We also held candid discussions with RSS workers and senior leadership.

The PreSense editorial team visited a Shakha in an open ground to understand their way of practice. This two-part feature seeks to measure the RSS against the yardstick of history and contemporary reality, presenting a clear, verifiable picture for our Indian audience, especially to those critics who view the Sangh with deep suspicion.

Source: This is the Cover Story Part I published in October 2025 edition of PreSense