The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist organization based in India. It was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a physician from Nagpur, with the aim of promoting a Hindu cultural revival in India. The organization has a hierarchical structure, with local units called shakhas (branches) and a central leadership council.

The RSS has been a controversial organization in Indian politics, with some critics accusing it of promoting communalism and Hindu supremacism. However, the organization has also been credited with promoting community service and social welfare activities, such as disaster relief and blood donation drives.

The RSS has been involved in various political and social movements in India over the years. It played an important role in the Indian independence movement, with many of its members participating in non-violent resistance campaigns led by Mahatma Gandhi. However, the organization also had some differences with Gandhi’s approach and was not officially part of the Indian National Congress.

After India gained independence in 1947, the RSS focused on promoting its vision of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation) and strengthening Hindu identity and culture. It has been involved in various campaigns and movements, such as the Ram Janmabhoomi movement for the construction of a temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, which was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992.

The RSS has also been accused of promoting extremist and violent ideologies, and some of its members have been implicated in acts of terrorism and communal violence. However, the organization denies any involvement in such activities and maintains that it is committed to peaceful and democratic means of achieving its goals.

Over the years, the RSS has also been involved in the formation of several other organizations and political parties, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently the ruling party in India. Many of the top leaders of the BJP have had connections to the RSS, and the organization is widely considered to be the ideological parent of the party.

RSS in other countries

While the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is primarily based in India, it has also established branches and affiliated organizations in other countries.

One of the most prominent international affiliates of the RSS is the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), which is active in several countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several other countries in Europe and Asia. The HSS is primarily focused on promoting Hindu culture and values in the diaspora communities, and it also works closely with other organizations affiliated with the RSS.

In addition to the HSS, the RSS has also established other organizations in different parts of the world, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which is active in several countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The VHP is primarily focused on promoting Hindu religious and cultural practices, and it also advocates for issues such as cow protection and the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The RSS has also been accused of promoting extremist and violent ideologies in some of these countries, particularly in the United States where some of its affiliates have been linked to white supremacist groups. However, the organization denies any involvement in such activities and maintains that it is committed to peaceful and democratic means of achieving its goals.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) vision and mission

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has a vision and mission that is focused on the promotion of Hindu culture and nationalism in India, as well as the welfare of the Indian society as a whole. Some of the key elements of the RSS’s vision and mission are:

1. Cultural revival: The RSS aims to promote and revive Hindu culture and values in India, which it sees as the foundation of Indian civilization. The organization emphasizes the importance of Hindu rituals, traditions, and practices, and seeks to promote them in various ways.
2. Nationalism: The RSS is committed to the idea of a strong, united, and sovereign India, which is proud of its cultural heritage and traditions. The organization advocates for the protection and promotion of Indian culture, and seeks to instill a sense of patriotism and national pride in the Indian people.
3. Social welfare: The RSS is also involved in various social welfare activities, such as disaster relief, blood donation drives, and community service. The organization believes in the importance of selfless service to the community, and seeks to inspire its members and the wider Indian society to engage in such activities.
4. Character building: The RSS believes in the importance of character building and personal development, and seeks to instill a sense of discipline, self-control, and moral values in its members. The organization emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, mental alertness, and spiritual growth as part of its mission.

Overall, the RSS’s vision and mission are focused on promoting a strong, united, and culturally vibrant India, which is rooted in the values and traditions of Hinduism. While the organization has been a controversial presence in Indian politics, it remains a significant force in Indian society, with millions of members and supporters across the country.