Reaching out to the unreached is the main objective of the centenary year of RSS: Sunil Ambekar

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has completed one hundred years. The Sangh, whose journey began at Mohite Wada (Mohite’s courtyard) in Nagpur, is today no longer confined to Bharat, but has become a topic of discussion worldwide for its work and various dimensions. On the milestones of this historic journey, its activities and different dimensions, Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh and a prominent functionary of RSS spoke to Organiser Editor Prafulla Ketkar in an exclusive conversation, ranging from the experience of Sangh activities in the centenary year to the way the largest voluntary organisation sees itself in contemporary scenario. Excerpts :

RSS has completed the journey of hundred years. Various initiatives and programmes are undertaken to commemorate the occasion. How has the experience been so far?

As Sangh had articulated in the resolve taken at the last Pratinidhi Sabha (All India Representative), it is an occasion to revisit its journey of dedication to the service of the nation for self-introspection and self-correction. So Sangh did not plan any celebration. It was a resolve to rededicate ourselves to the ultimate cause of taking Bharat to the pinnacle of glory, what we call Param Vaibhav, organising the entire society on the virtuous civilisational edifice of this ancient Rashtra. The dialogue with various sections of society or household contact programme and initiatives for inculcating Panch Parivartan – the five fold transformation are all part of this larger objective. There is a tremendous response across Bharat. It seems that society has decided to celebrate the Sangh centenary. The participation of people and their expectations of the Sangh is so heartening. It is nothing but recognition of the efforts of Swayamsevaks of four generations in selfless work for national awakening.
If we see in numbers, the RSS centenary year (2025–26) programmes began with the Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur on October 2, 2025. Since then, Vijayadashami Utsav, organised across Bharat during the centenary year, has exceeded our expectations and reflects the widespread expansion of the Sangh work. In a total of 62,555 Vijayadashami Utsav across Bharat, 32,45,141 Swayamsevaks participated in ganavesh (uniform), along with equal number of common sympathisers. These included all regions from Ladakh to the tribal, coastal, and hilly areas and saw participation from people of all sections of society. Most participants in the Path Sanchalan were under 40, indicating that the younger generation is increasingly connecting with the RSS. No community was left out of participating in these events. At more than 1 Lakh places, Sangh activities are going on, which is an increase of 9,626 new locations in the last year. We are expecting a total of 80,000 Hindu Sammelans. All these numbers are unprecedented. But these numbers also underscore society’s expectations of the Sangh.

Besides the old allegations that the Sangh is anti-Constitution and anti-Ambedkar, there is now a growing clamour about the Sangh’s takeover of institutions. How would you respond to this?

There is nothing new in these allegations either. Sangh has faced many phases in the last hundred years – from mockery and neglect to unsubstantiated allegations to growing acceptance. And in every phase, Sangh has remained steadfast to the original commitment.

“The philosophy of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar with values of equality and fraternity has been practised and promoted by Sangh in every section of society”

During the partition, the Sangh was viewed from a political perspective, but in reality, it was engaged in protecting and rehabilitating Hindu society. The Sangh was receiving the affection of the people, and therefore, the disagreement of some political forces was natural. On Swadeshi, the removal of untouchability, cow-protection, rural development, cleanliness and other social reforms, both the Sangh and Gandhi ji had similar views; yet the Sangh was portrayed as anti-Gandhi. The same is true with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Dr Hedgewar respected everyone. In the early years of the Sangh, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar also visited a Shakha in Karad, Maharashtra. He, too, never made any negative comment about the Sangh. Even in his final speech in the Constituent Assembly, when he spoke about threats to the Constitution, he named socialists and communists, not the Sangh. The philosophy of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar with values of equality and fraternity has been practised and promoted by Sangh in every section of society. The Sangh was often deliberately misrepresented, but it has consistently earned society’s trust through its deeds and dedication. Today, what is essential is to see how the Sangh is active in serving society and the nation—this is the core of its work. I believe that most of the allegations against the Sangh have been politically motivated, and this new rant of institutional takeover will also be responded to by the society.

The Constituent Assembly completed the drafting work of the Constitution on November 26, 1949. When it was completely enacted on January 26, 1950, on the eve of this first Republic Day, Shri Guruji, the then Sarsanghchalak addressed Swayamsevaks in Delhi and stated, “Today, a constitution made by ourselves has been adopted, and even the last link with the British Commonwealth—the Crown, a symbol of British rule—has been replaced by the Ashoka Chakra. We are now no longer bound to the British, morally or politically, and are free to do what our conscience tells us to do.” (The complete statement of Shri Guruji was published in the February 6, 1950 edition of Organiser Weekly). During the emergency it was the Sangh Swayamsevaks, under the banner of Lok Sangharsh Samiti, that stood with the people and fought against the draconian emergency between 1975-1977, to save democracy and Constitution in Bharat. Sangh firmly believes that the spirit of Constitution is Bharatiya and it is the duty of each and every citizen to abide by and protect the same. Sangh works only through society, and Swayamsevaks are expected to take up roles in national interests in all fields. Even if some Swayamsevaks are in some position, is that a crime? If a known communist or socialist can hold an academic, legal or any other position, why can’t a Swayamsevak? Are we still governed by the psyche that had banned Government employees from participating in the Sangh activities? Courts have given a clear ruling on the same.

Sangh has no plan to take over anything. We want every person in Bharat to think for Bharat and work for Bharat, irrespective of caste, community, political affiliation or position in the Government. Whether they are appointed in accordance with the proper procedure and possess the proper qualifications and integrity is important. Unfortunately, people who believe and practice political untouchability and cancel culture in public life are making false accusations. All allegations have become irrelevant as society has come to understand that the Sangh is a patriotic, service-oriented, and democratic organisation engaged in nation-building.

Even Vande Mataram has become a point of controversy. What is Sangh’s position on this?

It is really unfortunate that Vande Mataram, which was the ‘mantra of Bharat’s freedom struggle’, has been turned into a controversy, not now but immediately after, since the 1920s. Vande Mataram was initially conceived as a revolutionary chant of defiance, for both Hindus and Muslims, people across all regions, against the partition of Bengal on religious lines. It was not a ceremonial or legislative artefact. Vande Mataram transcends mere patriotism; its essence lay in inspiring sacrifice and devotion as freedom fighters and ordinary citizens alike sang it while risking imprisonment and, in many cases, their lives.

As far as Sangh is concerned, since his early life, the RSS founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, was very closely associated with the Vande Mataram movement. During the Bengal Partition agitation and the nationalist upsurge between 1906 and 1911, the song was banned in schools across Bharat. Hedgewar, then a student in Nagpur, participated in one of the most celebrated acts of defiance against this ban. Since its inception, the Sangh has worked with the spirit of Vande Mataram. Sangh Prarthana also reflects the same spirit, as do many patriotic songs sung in Sangh Shakhas. Bharat Mata ki Jai is the only slogan Sangh has celebrated. Many Sangh-inspired organisations invariably sing Vande Mataram in their functions and conferences. As the nation celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram, RSS through Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha gave a nationwide celebration to reflect on its history and genuine spirit to inculcate unconditional patriotism among all.

The situation in West Bengal is concerning. There are many developments in Bharat’s neighbourhood as well. How does the Sangh see the situation in countries like Bangladesh? Is there any plan to intervene to protect the Hindus across the border?

Though the situation in Pashchim Bengal and Bangladesh is correlated, we have to deal with it differently. The situation in Bengal is quite grave and has worsened due to the violent politics being played there. Since the last elections (2021), the situation has further deteriorated. West Bengal, as a border state, also faces challenges of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, which aggravates the situation. Bengal has always been a guiding light for the nation, and its present pathetic state is an injustice to Bharat. The people of Bengal are ready for change, and Sangh Swayamsevaks are working for confidence building and social harmony there. However, it is unfortunate that miscreants continue to receive support from the Government. As Pujya Sarsanghchalak ji explained in his recent interaction in Kolkata, awakening and unity among national people are the only solutions to address this issue. Sangh will continue to work with people to maintain social harmony and ensure national security.

As far as the situation in Bangladesh is concerned, it is a natural outcome of the unnatural partition done by the colonial power. When people forget our shared cultural heritage and history, they can be naturally manipulated into fighting each other. People in Bangladesh need to reflect on their linguistic and cultural heritage. Why were they separated from Pakistan, rejecting the religious basis of the state? Are some global powers instigating and using fundamentalist elements to keep the situation boiling? Even people of Bharat have to remember that, though our neighbours are sovereign states, we, as people and culture, have been one since time immemorial. Sangh cannot work or intervene across the border, but nation should work to rekindle the spirit of our civilisational unity. The Government of Bharat, along with international actors, should ensure that the human rights of all sections of society in Bangladesh, including the rights to worship and to use their language, are protected. All diplomatic and political channels should be used for his purpose.

What about the challenges of Naxalism, radicalism and terrorism, and problems like drug menace?

In recent times, states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, which earlier witnessed Naxal activities, are now witnessing positive change. Most of the armed Maoists are either liquidated or have surrendered. They are returning to the national life. This transition is the result of the Government’s comprehensive approach, the coordinated efforts of the security forces, and society’s positive response. Common Scheduled Tribe communities never had anything to do with foreign ideologies like communism or Maoism. Those who are returning to the constitutional path should be welcomed. We hope that collectively, we can get rid of this national menace soon. We should also keep in mind that the ideological roots of Maoism persist in academic institutions and urban spaces, and we need to remain vigilant in future also. In the last decade or so, we have controlled cross-border terrorism. Our intelligence and security agencies have played an excellent role in curbing the threat. Again, the ideology of radicalism, with internet penetration, has become a potent force. The recent Red Fort blast and the events around it are alarming, as many students came from a medical background. The community, religious leaders, and families have an essential role in addressing this issue.

While our youth are patriotic, technologically skilled, and globally competitive, they are also falling prey to drugs even in premier institutions like Medical colleges, university hostels, and Border States in particular. Society must protect the new generation from this menace. Sangh is taking initiative, along with organisations such as Sewa Bharati, VHP and ABVP, actively working in this direction. In the coming days, more efforts will be made to protect people from drug addiction.

Despite the expansion of Sangh work and its growing acceptance, there are still many misconceptions about Shakha. How can those who do not know understand what the Shakha actually is? What is its purpose and nature?

There is a song: “shuddha satvik prem apne karya ka adhar hai” (Pure love is the foundation of our work). That is why whoever connects with the Sangh remains connected for life. Just as love for one’s family and mother is natural, so too is going to the Shakha, which teaches intimate love for the motherland and society. The Shakha is a place of resolve and self-upliftment, where, in a simple atmosphere, people meet, play, practice discipline, sing songs, and listen to stories of great personalities. It is a centre of relationships based on pure love, which, once formed, lasts a lifetime. This bond happens naturally; without realising it, a person becomes a part of it. Millions of people have experienced this directly or indirectly.

On joining the Shakha, two changes are certain: first, one’s outlook becomes Bharatiya and broad; second, considering society and the nation as one’s own, one does not engage in destructive but in constructive work. Whether one has undergone formal training or not, a person connected with the Shakha adopts these two qualities in their conduct, thoughts, and actions.

In 1940, Doctorji said that the entire Hindu society outside the Shakha is our field of work. Therefore, Swayamsevaks form organisations in every field, including politics, and develop a concern for the last person, a nation-first attitude, and a collective approach to work. Sangh’s main work is Vyakti Nirman.

The basic objective of the Sangh is cultural awakening. Its vision is that the entire society should itself take responsibility for the nation—every family, every individual should play their role. Society should not depend on the Government or on any great person, but should become self-reliant. In ancient Bharat, a society-based system weakened over the centuries of colonial rule. Today, the Sangh wants to revive that tradition, where the state is supportive, but society itself is the foundation.

“The situation in Bengal is quite grave and has worsened due to the violent politics being played there. Since the last elections (2021), the situation has further deteriorated. West Bengal, as a border state, also faces challenges of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, which aggravates the situation”

Bharat remained stable for centuries because its system was society-based rather than state-based. The Sangh’s focus is on strengthening this system again—awakening self-confidence in society, spreading awareness, and developing new systems based on ethos and values of Bharat suited to the needs of the present time, grounded in old values. This process is not possible through books, but only through the active participation of society and dialogue.

The Sangh believes in this very process. Therefore, it reaches every home, neighbourhood and village, so that common thinking and consensus are built across the nation, and every citizen becomes a participant in nation-building. Reaching out to the unreached is one of the main objectives of the centenary year.

Is outreach happening at the global level also a part of the centenary year?

The Sangh works only in Bharat, but it is no longer a Bharat-centric phenomenon. Many leaders from other countries – from social, educational, cultural, and strategic fields – have a curiosity to understand the Sangh. Many foreign delegations are visiting Sangh Shakhas and programmes, as all have seen during the Vijayadashami Utsav at Nagpur. For the last many years, academicians, administrators including diplomats etc from other countries have been visiting the Sangh Headquarters in Nagpur or interacting with the Sangh functionaries to get direct insights into the organisation’s activities. Rich heritage of Bharat and its role in the contemporary global scenario is also a point of discussion. Hence, this process of mutual interaction is natural and in future too, these efforts will continue.

Then, what are the facts behind some media reports that RSS hired a lobbying firm in the US?

Recent media reports alleging that the RSS has engaged an organisation to lobby on our behalf in the United States are factually incorrect. The RSS is a Bharat-based cultural organisation and has not hired or retained any firm in the United States to act as a lobbyist to influence laws, regulations or Bharat-US relations.

In 2024, American Hindu community leaders, who are independent of and separate from the RSS, launched a campaign to share accurate information about Bharat and Hindu society – including the role of the RSS. As part of this effort, the American Hindu community leaders have requested and the RSS has shared publicly available information about the RSS’s services promoting education, health, and social harmony across Bharat. Acting on their own initiative, these community leaders engaged the public relations firm One+ Strategies, which subsequently contracted Squire Patton Boggs (SPB), an international law firm, to further advance their efforts.

“The basic objective of the Sangh is cultural awakening. Its vision is that the entire society should itself take responsibility for the nation—every family, every individual should play their role”

Pursuant to US law, SPB determined the campaign, which involves educating US policymakers, required formal registration under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA). Because one of the community leaders’ primary objectives is clarifying misconceptions in the United States about the RSS, the LDA disclosure that SPB filed notes on “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh” as the subject of engagement. Still, this filing reflects the position of the US-based entities undertaking the outreach – not any contract, financial relationship, or instruction from RSS in Bharat. To be clear:

• RSS in Bharat has not paid any fees to One+ Strategies, SPB, or any other US lobbying or advocacy firm.
• RSS’s involvement has been limited to providing publicly available information, factual material, and background documentation, meeting prominent persons to give first hand informations — support that mirrors similar community-led outreach efforts in other countries.

Available information clearly indicates that US-based individuals conducting outreach related to RSS are doing so voluntarily, in good faith, and in full compliance with US law.

What is the Sangh’s future vision beyond this centenary year? What is the Sangh going to do in the coming time?

In the journey of a hundred years, the Sangh’s Shakhas and support in society have increased, and people from every field of life have joined. Now, more and more people and institutions are ready for good work. The critical work ahead is that Swayamsevaks connect with them, share their experiences, and engage themselves in all necessary works related to national reconstruction.The awakening of people and the consequent transformation will create a basis for prosperous, harmonious, and strong nation, where every person has the opportunity to progress, no one can attack, and which is so prosperous that it can remove the sorrow and injustice of the world. The Sangh pledge and prayer also inculcate the same spirit, individually and collectively.

Our goal is for indigenous modernity, where individuals strive to free themselves from the limits of colonial, adopt our eternal values, and pursue family happiness and social h