Samajik Samrasta: The RSS approach
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Binanda Khundrakpam
Samajik Samrasta (Social Harmony) is a fundamental principle of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Deeply rooted in the values of Bharatiya civili- zation, it envisions a society free from discrimination and division— where every individual lives with dignity, mutual respect, and a shared sense of belonging. For the RSS, Samajik Samrasta is not merely a reformist agenda or an ideological proclamation; it is a way of life, nurtured through daily conduct, selfless service, and collective responsibility.
Samajik Samrasta is one of the key dimensions of the Pancha Parivartan (Five Transformations), aimed at establishing equality across society without discrimination, thereby building a strong and unified social order.
Despite numerous attempts to dismantle Bharat, the RSS has been working towards social harmony for since 100 years and is committed to taking the entire country towards social cohesion, taking everyone along. The concept of Samajik Samrasta arises from the eternal Bharatiya worldview of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam—the belief that the entire world is one family. Bharatiya civilization has never viewed diversity as a cause for conflict; instead, it has regarded diversity as a source of strength. From its very inception, the RSS has firmly and unequivocally opposed untou- chability and all forms of social discrimination. In the daily life of the organization—especially within its shakhas, Shivir (Camps)—equality is practiced in action through collective meals, physical training, games, activities, and shared participation, without any distinction based on social background. This lived experience of equality has quietly yet powerfully contributed to social transfor- mation.
The discriminatory practices and social segregation prevalent at the time (before 1925) were deeply observed and personally experienced by the RSS’s Adhya Sar-sanghchalak, Pujaniya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (Doctorji). Recognizing their impact on social unity, he founded the RSS with the objective of reviving a holistic vision of society—transcending divisions of caste, class, region, language, and economic status—and reinforcing social cohesion.
In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by re- nowned industrialist and freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj, visited an RSS training camp in Wardha, Maharashtra. Gandhiji closely observed the daily routine and organizational discipline of the camp and was deeply impressed by the Swayamsevak’s discipline, unity, and sense of equality. Gandhiji particularly noted the complete absence of untouchability, as all participants lived, ate, exercise and worked together without any discri- mination. This experience left a profound impression on Gandhiji.
The entire life of the RSS’s Dwitiya Sarsangh-chalak, Pujaniya Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar (Shri Guruji), was devoted to the organization and awakening of Hindu society and to eliminating social and caste-based inequalities in order to build a harmonious and unified social order.
One of the most significant and historic achieve- ments resulting from Guruji’s efforts to eradicate caste discrimination and untouchability occurred during the Dharma Sansad held in Udupi, Karnataka, on 13–14 December 1969. At Guruji urging, leading saints and spiritual leaders from across the country unanimously passed a resolution on Samajik Samrasta and collectively proclaimed the Samarasta Mantra: “Hindavah Sodorah Sarve, Na Hindu Patito Bhavet. Mama Deeksha Hindu Raksha, Mama Mantrah Samanta.”
Meaning: All Hindus are brothers and sisters, as children of the same mother; no Hindu can be inferior or fallen. The protection of Hindu society is my vow, and equality is my guiding mantra. Guruji firmly believed that if respected religious leaders openly declared that untouchability has no place in society and that equality must prevail, society would naturally accept this message, leading to widespread and lasting social transformation.
This Samarasta Mantra continues to be recited in RSS shakhas even today, with the aim of strengthening unity, harmony, and equality within whole society.
A childhood incident from the life of the RSS’s Tritiya Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Balasaheb Deoras, is also noteworthy. He once requested his mother to ensure equal treatment in food, seating, and behavior for himself and his friend, who belonged to the weaker section of society. This incident clearly reflects the deep-rooted values of Samajik Samrasta that shaped his life. Balasaheb Deorasji expressed his unwavering commitment to social equality in clear and firm words during the Vasant Vyakhyanmala lecture series in Pune on 8 May 1974: “If un-touchability is not wrong, then nothing in this world is wrong. It must be uproo-ted and eliminated completely.”
This statement unequivocally reflects the RSS’s resolute commitment to the complete eradication of untouchability and caste-based discrimination.
Furthermore, in 1978, Balasaheb Deoras clarified that followers of Islam and Christianity in Bharat are not outsiders; in a broader sense, they too are integral parts of National life. He emphasized that religious minorities must be included within the national mainstream.
The life of the RSS’s chathurtha Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya), also offers a powerful example of social harmony. At a time when tuberculosis (TB) was considered highly contagious and incurable, and patients faced social ostracism, Rajju Bhaiya demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion by bringing his ill friend into his own home and personally caring for him. This was not merely an act of sympathy, but a bold and humane challenge to social fear and entrenched prejudices.
The RSS’s Pancham Sarsanghchalak, K.S. Sudarshan, called for social harmony beyond caste and strongly emphasized the need to respect all individuals irrespective of caste distinctions. He appealed to society to actively include people from socially weaker sections in religious and social celebrations. Sudar-shanji urged people to invite safai karamcharis and those engaged in domestic work, such as washing utensils, to festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Raksha Ban-dhan. (To be contd)
Samajik Samrasta (Social Harmony) is a fundamental principle of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Deeply rooted in the values of Bharatiya civili- zation, it envisions a society free from discrimination and division— where every individual lives with dignity, mutual respect, and a shared sense of belonging. For the RSS, Samajik Samrasta is not merely a reformist agenda or an ideological proclamation; it is a way of life, nurtured through daily conduct, selfless service, and collective responsibility.
Samajik Samrasta is one of the key dimensions of the Pancha Parivartan (Five Transformations), aimed at establishing equality across society without discrimination, thereby building a strong and unified social order.
Despite numerous attempts to dismantle Bharat, the RSS has been working towards social harmony for since 100 years and is committed to taking the entire country towards social cohesion, taking everyone along. The concept of Samajik Samrasta arises from the eternal Bharatiya worldview of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam—the belief that the entire world is one family. Bharatiya civilization has never viewed diversity as a cause for conflict; instead, it has regarded diversity as a source of strength. From its very inception, the RSS has firmly and unequivocally opposed untou- chability and all forms of social discrimination. In the daily life of the organization—especially within its shakhas, Shivir (Camps)—equality is practiced in action through collective meals, physical training, games, activities, and shared participation, without any distinction based on social background. This lived experience of equality has quietly yet powerfully contributed to social transfor- mation.
The discriminatory practices and social segregation prevalent at the time (before 1925) were deeply observed and personally experienced by the RSS’s Adhya Sar-sanghchalak, Pujaniya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (Doctorji). Recognizing their impact on social unity, he founded the RSS with the objective of reviving a holistic vision of society—transcending divisions of caste, class, region, language, and economic status—and reinforcing social cohesion.
In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by re- nowned industrialist and freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj, visited an RSS training camp in Wardha, Maharashtra. Gandhiji closely observed the daily routine and organizational discipline of the camp and was deeply impressed by the Swayamsevak’s discipline, unity, and sense of equality. Gandhiji particularly noted the complete absence of untouchability, as all participants lived, ate, exercise and worked together without any discri- mination. This experience left a profound impression on Gandhiji.
The entire life of the RSS’s Dwitiya Sarsangh-chalak, Pujaniya Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar (Shri Guruji), was devoted to the organization and awakening of Hindu society and to eliminating social and caste-based inequalities in order to build a harmonious and unified social order.
One of the most significant and historic achieve- ments resulting from Guruji’s efforts to eradicate caste discrimination and untouchability occurred during the Dharma Sansad held in Udupi, Karnataka, on 13–14 December 1969. At Guruji urging, leading saints and spiritual leaders from across the country unanimously passed a resolution on Samajik Samrasta and collectively proclaimed the Samarasta Mantra: “Hindavah Sodorah Sarve, Na Hindu Patito Bhavet. Mama Deeksha Hindu Raksha, Mama Mantrah Samanta.”
Meaning: All Hindus are brothers and sisters, as children of the same mother; no Hindu can be inferior or fallen. The protection of Hindu society is my vow, and equality is my guiding mantra. Guruji firmly believed that if respected religious leaders openly declared that untouchability has no place in society and that equality must prevail, society would naturally accept this message, leading to widespread and lasting social transformation.
This Samarasta Mantra continues to be recited in RSS shakhas even today, with the aim of strengthening unity, harmony, and equality within whole society.
A childhood incident from the life of the RSS’s Tritiya Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Balasaheb Deoras, is also noteworthy. He once requested his mother to ensure equal treatment in food, seating, and behavior for himself and his friend, who belonged to the weaker section of society. This incident clearly reflects the deep-rooted values of Samajik Samrasta that shaped his life. Balasaheb Deorasji expressed his unwavering commitment to social equality in clear and firm words during the Vasant Vyakhyanmala lecture series in Pune on 8 May 1974: “If un-touchability is not wrong, then nothing in this world is wrong. It must be uproo-ted and eliminated completely.”
This statement unequivocally reflects the RSS’s resolute commitment to the complete eradication of untouchability and caste-based discrimination.
Furthermore, in 1978, Balasaheb Deoras clarified that followers of Islam and Christianity in Bharat are not outsiders; in a broader sense, they too are integral parts of National life. He emphasized that religious minorities must be included within the national mainstream.
The life of the RSS’s chathurtha Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya), also offers a powerful example of social harmony. At a time when tuberculosis (TB) was considered highly contagious and incurable, and patients faced social ostracism, Rajju Bhaiya demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion by bringing his ill friend into his own home and personally caring for him. This was not merely an act of sympathy, but a bold and humane challenge to social fear and entrenched prejudices.
The RSS’s Pancham Sarsanghchalak, K.S. Sudarshan, called for social harmony beyond caste and strongly emphasized the need to respect all individuals irrespective of caste distinctions. He appealed to society to actively include people from socially weaker sections in religious and social celebrations. Sudar-shanji urged people to invite safai karamcharis and those engaged in domestic work, such as washing utensils, to festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, and Raksha Ban-dhan. (To be contd)