RSS’ contribution to India is matchless
An erstwhile pracharak of the RSS delivered a ‘never-before’ address at the first international Sufi conference as Prime Minister of India, marking a new era in our march towards an inclusive society. The speech found echoes in the Arab world and was deeply praised by renowned Islamic scholars. That sums up how the RSS has prepared young minds who work for a pluralistic allinclusive India.
In this light, the RSS announcements on the change in its uniform, supporting women’s entry into temples and standing with those demanding decriminalising gay relations — though not glorifying it— do not surprise its followers.
We have always been ambassadors of change. If we don’t change with time, we can’t be following the Sanatan Dharma. Critics believed the RSS will make Narendra Modi wage war with Pakistan; he instead went to Lahore for an extraordinary meeting. They spread lies that minorities would be under attack, the record shows they were never so secure.
KB Hedgewar was the revolutionary reformist who created a new paradigm to work in society, with an innovative uniform, a unique methodology of Shakha networks, and life-time workers, thousands of whom joined the freedom struggle to fight the British.
No two Hindus may be alike but they converge on certain points. Having the greatest freedom of thought and speech this planet has experienced is a Hindu characteristic. That’s the reason even after having faced savage attacks, the Hindu civilisational ethos is producing the best of scientists, engineers, doctors etc who find a respectable place in the world which salutes them as people who not bomb the country they adopt. That’s the Hindu-ness which makes the fabric of the RSS.
Hate can never drive a movement to spread its wings. It’s a journey of 90 years of people who left their homes, lived a life of monks and gave their best to society building an edifice of nationalism and dedication to the people. It has given India two prime ministers.
The RSS stands guard to defend the rights of all minorities and is the biggest guarantor of pluralism in India and owes full and unstinted allegiance to the Indian Constitution. RSS swayamsewaks are running more than 1.75 lakh social welfare projects; RSS-inspired workers have created the world’s largest educational network with more than two million students and 100,000 teachers. In science it has Vigyan Bharati, India’s top labour organisation is Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and the ABVP has agenda setters in many areas. Compare the RSS with any other organisation making false allegations against it. What have they done practically to help Indians except dividing society and spreading hatred?