Samajik Samrasta: The RSS approach
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Binanda Khundrakpam
Contd from previous issue
He highlighted the importance of sitting together and sharing meals as an effective way to break social barriers.
According to Sudarshanji, such inclusive practices are essential for dismantling caste-based discrimination and for strengthening social harmony in the country. He further underlined that meaningful social change must begin at the family level, stating that the process of inclusion should start “from our own families.”
On the occasion of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) in 2015, at Nagpur, the RSS’s sastham and present Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, called for equality and inclusion in society, stating that public resources such as water sources, temples, and cremation grounds must be equally accessible to all sections of society.
Reiterating this sentiment in Vijayadashami address in 2024, Mohanji urged leaders of various caste groups to rise above narrow interests and:
1. Deliberate collectively on issues related to the broader interests of the nation, society, and workplaces; and
2. Assume shared responsibility for the empowerment of weaker and marginalized sections of society. This message serves as guiding inspiration for strengthening social harmony, equality, and collective responsibility.
Practical Expression of Social Harmony
The RSS regards character-building and social participation as the primary means of nurturing social harmony, and thousands of Swayamsevaks have consistently worked toward this goal at the grassroots level. Through shakhas, physical training, intellectual discussions, cultural programs, and various festivals, the organization brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual trust, goodwill, and fraternity. Through this process, Samajik Samrasta develops naturally and sustainably. Seva (Service) forms a vital foundation of social cohesion. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster relief, tribal welfare, and rural development, the RSS continuously serves the most marginalized sections of society without discrimination. In Bharatiya philosophy, human duty has always been placed above narrow personal interests.
Equal respect for every individual—across caste, religion, community, and profession—is essential. Farmers, teachers, doctors, artisans, and labourers—every form of work contri- butes to national prosperity. When every individual and every form of labour is respected, equality and harmony emerge organically within society.
Befriending everyone in society, visiting their homes, and inviting them to our own events or festivals - these are great ways to build good relationships and foster Samarasta.
From the beginning, the RSS has never acted against any individual, religion, or caste, nor has it practiced discrimination of any kind.
The ethos of the RSS can be summarized in the following verse:
Sarva-Dharma Sama Vrttih, Sarva-Jati Sama Matih I
Sarva-Seva Para Natih, Ritih Sanghasya Paddhatih II
Meaning: Equal regard for all Dharma, equal respect for all castes, and service to all—this is the tradition and method of the RSS.
This principle encapsulates the essence of the RSS’s thought and practice. It is not merely an ideological declaration but a lived way of life adopted by swayamsevaks.
The RSS’s perspective is inspired by Bharat’s civilizational tradition that embraces unity in diversity. Equal regard for all religions does not imply comparison or opposition among faiths, but mutual respect and harmony. Similarly, equal respect for all castes represents a clear rejection of social discri- mination and untou-chability, upholding human dignity as paramount.
Service lies at the heart of the RSS’s methodology. Its work in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and social welfare puts into practice the belief that every member of society belongs to one collective family. Service is not an act of charity, but a social responsibility.
Through equality of outlook, respect, and service, the RSS continues to work toward uniting society and building a harmonious and strong nation.
At a recent event titled “Pramukh Nagrik Gosthi” held on 20 November 2025 in Imphal, Manipur, Pujya Mohan Bhagwat explained the foundational philosophy of the RSS. Mohanji clarified that the organization was not created to oppose or harm anyone, but to focus on Vyakti-Nirman (individual character development) and to contribute to making Bharat a Vishwaguru (a global leader).
The journey of Samajik Samrasta begins with self-reflection, extends to the family, and then to society at large. Friendships beyond caste and community boundaries, affectionate treatment of domestic workers and service personnel, participation in festivals, and inclusive leadership across diverse backgrounds—all form the foundation of a harmonious society.
The RSS’s commitment to Samajik Samrasta is a long-term, value-based endeavor. Through the integration of spiritual awareness, social equality, and selfless service, the organization aspires to build a society where differences do not become causes of division, but sources of collective enrichment. In this vision, Samajik Samrasta is not a destination, but an ongoing process of living together with dignity, responsibility, and mutual respect.
samani va akutih samana hrdayani vah I
samanamastu vo mano yatha vah susahasati II
“May our intentions be united, may our hearts be in harmony, may our thoughts be aligned, so that complete harmony prevails among us all.”
The writer is Sah Prant Pracharak, Manipur Prant.
Contd from previous issue
He highlighted the importance of sitting together and sharing meals as an effective way to break social barriers.
According to Sudarshanji, such inclusive practices are essential for dismantling caste-based discrimination and for strengthening social harmony in the country. He further underlined that meaningful social change must begin at the family level, stating that the process of inclusion should start “from our own families.”
On the occasion of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) in 2015, at Nagpur, the RSS’s sastham and present Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, called for equality and inclusion in society, stating that public resources such as water sources, temples, and cremation grounds must be equally accessible to all sections of society.
Reiterating this sentiment in Vijayadashami address in 2024, Mohanji urged leaders of various caste groups to rise above narrow interests and:
1. Deliberate collectively on issues related to the broader interests of the nation, society, and workplaces; and
2. Assume shared responsibility for the empowerment of weaker and marginalized sections of society. This message serves as guiding inspiration for strengthening social harmony, equality, and collective responsibility.
Practical Expression of Social Harmony
The RSS regards character-building and social participation as the primary means of nurturing social harmony, and thousands of Swayamsevaks have consistently worked toward this goal at the grassroots level. Through shakhas, physical training, intellectual discussions, cultural programs, and various festivals, the organization brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual trust, goodwill, and fraternity. Through this process, Samajik Samrasta develops naturally and sustainably. Seva (Service) forms a vital foundation of social cohesion. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster relief, tribal welfare, and rural development, the RSS continuously serves the most marginalized sections of society without discrimination. In Bharatiya philosophy, human duty has always been placed above narrow personal interests.
Equal respect for every individual—across caste, religion, community, and profession—is essential. Farmers, teachers, doctors, artisans, and labourers—every form of work contri- butes to national prosperity. When every individual and every form of labour is respected, equality and harmony emerge organically within society.
Befriending everyone in society, visiting their homes, and inviting them to our own events or festivals - these are great ways to build good relationships and foster Samarasta.
From the beginning, the RSS has never acted against any individual, religion, or caste, nor has it practiced discrimination of any kind.
The ethos of the RSS can be summarized in the following verse:
Sarva-Dharma Sama Vrttih, Sarva-Jati Sama Matih I
Sarva-Seva Para Natih, Ritih Sanghasya Paddhatih II
Meaning: Equal regard for all Dharma, equal respect for all castes, and service to all—this is the tradition and method of the RSS.
This principle encapsulates the essence of the RSS’s thought and practice. It is not merely an ideological declaration but a lived way of life adopted by swayamsevaks.
The RSS’s perspective is inspired by Bharat’s civilizational tradition that embraces unity in diversity. Equal regard for all religions does not imply comparison or opposition among faiths, but mutual respect and harmony. Similarly, equal respect for all castes represents a clear rejection of social discri- mination and untou-chability, upholding human dignity as paramount.
Service lies at the heart of the RSS’s methodology. Its work in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and social welfare puts into practice the belief that every member of society belongs to one collective family. Service is not an act of charity, but a social responsibility.
Through equality of outlook, respect, and service, the RSS continues to work toward uniting society and building a harmonious and strong nation.
At a recent event titled “Pramukh Nagrik Gosthi” held on 20 November 2025 in Imphal, Manipur, Pujya Mohan Bhagwat explained the foundational philosophy of the RSS. Mohanji clarified that the organization was not created to oppose or harm anyone, but to focus on Vyakti-Nirman (individual character development) and to contribute to making Bharat a Vishwaguru (a global leader).
The journey of Samajik Samrasta begins with self-reflection, extends to the family, and then to society at large. Friendships beyond caste and community boundaries, affectionate treatment of domestic workers and service personnel, participation in festivals, and inclusive leadership across diverse backgrounds—all form the foundation of a harmonious society.
The RSS’s commitment to Samajik Samrasta is a long-term, value-based endeavor. Through the integration of spiritual awareness, social equality, and selfless service, the organization aspires to build a society where differences do not become causes of division, but sources of collective enrichment. In this vision, Samajik Samrasta is not a destination, but an ongoing process of living together with dignity, responsibility, and mutual respect.
samani va akutih samana hrdayani vah I
samanamastu vo mano yatha vah susahasati II
“May our intentions be united, may our hearts be in harmony, may our thoughts be aligned, so that complete harmony prevails among us all.”
The writer is Sah Prant Pracharak, Manipur Prant.