RSS : Thought, principles and social role
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Binanda Khundrakpam
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded not in opposition to anyone, but as a socio-cultural and nationalist organisation. Its objective is to guide society toward nation-building by fostering discipline, organisation, and values. The foundation of the RSS was laid by Param Pujaniya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925. The RSS is neither opposed to any political party nor driven by power-centric ambitions; its sole aim is the holistic upliftment of the Bharat.
Although its ideology and functioning have often been subjects of debate, the RSS has remained steadfast in its core principles and, through a journey of service, dedication, and dis- cipline, has successfully completed a significant milestone of 100 years.
The sentiment embedded in the RSS’s prarthana—
“Param Vaibhavam Netumetat Svarashtram Samartha Bhavatvasisa Te Bhrisam”— expresses the aspiration to lead the nation toward supreme glory. It signifies the resolve that the nation should become fully capable and advance toward the highest level of progress. This prarthana is not merely a collection of words, but a profound expression of duty, commitment, and self-dedication toward the Nation.
The Sangh’s Dhawaja mantra “Om Namostute Dhvajaya Sakala Bhuvana Janahitaya…” regards the Dhawaja not merely as a symbol, but as an embodiment of purity of character, prosperity, and public welfare. For the RSS, the Dhawaja represents sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual consciousness, guiding society toward a constructive and positive direction.
One of the RSS’s fundamental aphorisms states: “The RSS is devoted not to individuals, but to principles.” This means that swayamsevaks do not pledge loyalty to any particular person, but to the foundational ideals of the RSS—nation, dharma, culture, and society. Indivi- duals may come and go, but the RSS’s principles and objectives remain eternal. This principle-centric commitment is what sustains the RSS's continuity and strength.
Similarly, the thought “The RSS does not seek to organise society within itself, but to organise the entire society” clarifies its vision of building an integrated and resilient social order through individual development. The RSS’s aim is not to mobilise a limited group, but to cultivate every individual, thereby shaping a harmonious, self-reliant, and nation-oriented society.
The statement defining the RSS’s working methodology
“The RSS does nothing; the swayamsevaks leave nothing undone”— highlights that the RSS functions as a source of inspiration, while real social transformation is carried out by trained and committed Swayam-sevak. Swayamsevaks ac- tively contribute in their respective spheres through service, education, social harmony, and nation-building efforts.
A reflection by the present Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Mohan Bhagwat ji—“We accept a person as they are… but we also possess the art of nurturing them with affection into what they ought to become”— illustrates the RSS’s balanced and humane outlook. This perspective emphasises character-building through acceptance, dialogue, affection, and cultural values.
The RSS works not for any individual or authority, but for the nation and society—this was affirmed by Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale ji during a distinguished citizens’ conference organised on the occasion of the centenary year at DMCH Auditorium, Dar-bhanga, Bihar.
While reflecting on the RSS’s hundred-year journey of dedication, service, and nation-building, the Sarkaryavah highlighted that the RSS has played a significant role in strengthening social harmony, patriotism, and cultural resurgence. Dattatreyaji further emphasised that any form of discrimination within society is detrimental to national unity. The RSS envisions a harmonious society that rises above caste, class, and sect, committed to the ideals of national cohesion and collective progress.
"Virath Rashtra Purush ke, Sangh Charan Chal Rahe
Virath Hindu Rashtra ke, Sangh Charan Badh Rahe"
Steps of the giant national soul, the RSS's steps are moving forward. Steps of the great Hindu nation, the RSS's steps are advancing. The writer is a Sah Prant Pracharak, RSS, Manipur Prant
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded not in opposition to anyone, but as a socio-cultural and nationalist organisation. Its objective is to guide society toward nation-building by fostering discipline, organisation, and values. The foundation of the RSS was laid by Param Pujaniya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925. The RSS is neither opposed to any political party nor driven by power-centric ambitions; its sole aim is the holistic upliftment of the Bharat.
Although its ideology and functioning have often been subjects of debate, the RSS has remained steadfast in its core principles and, through a journey of service, dedication, and dis- cipline, has successfully completed a significant milestone of 100 years.
The sentiment embedded in the RSS’s prarthana—
“Param Vaibhavam Netumetat Svarashtram Samartha Bhavatvasisa Te Bhrisam”— expresses the aspiration to lead the nation toward supreme glory. It signifies the resolve that the nation should become fully capable and advance toward the highest level of progress. This prarthana is not merely a collection of words, but a profound expression of duty, commitment, and self-dedication toward the Nation.
The Sangh’s Dhawaja mantra “Om Namostute Dhvajaya Sakala Bhuvana Janahitaya…” regards the Dhawaja not merely as a symbol, but as an embodiment of purity of character, prosperity, and public welfare. For the RSS, the Dhawaja represents sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual consciousness, guiding society toward a constructive and positive direction.
One of the RSS’s fundamental aphorisms states: “The RSS is devoted not to individuals, but to principles.” This means that swayamsevaks do not pledge loyalty to any particular person, but to the foundational ideals of the RSS—nation, dharma, culture, and society. Indivi- duals may come and go, but the RSS’s principles and objectives remain eternal. This principle-centric commitment is what sustains the RSS's continuity and strength.
Similarly, the thought “The RSS does not seek to organise society within itself, but to organise the entire society” clarifies its vision of building an integrated and resilient social order through individual development. The RSS’s aim is not to mobilise a limited group, but to cultivate every individual, thereby shaping a harmonious, self-reliant, and nation-oriented society.
The statement defining the RSS’s working methodology
“The RSS does nothing; the swayamsevaks leave nothing undone”— highlights that the RSS functions as a source of inspiration, while real social transformation is carried out by trained and committed Swayam-sevak. Swayamsevaks ac- tively contribute in their respective spheres through service, education, social harmony, and nation-building efforts.
A reflection by the present Sarsanghchalak, Pujya Mohan Bhagwat ji—“We accept a person as they are… but we also possess the art of nurturing them with affection into what they ought to become”— illustrates the RSS’s balanced and humane outlook. This perspective emphasises character-building through acceptance, dialogue, affection, and cultural values.
The RSS works not for any individual or authority, but for the nation and society—this was affirmed by Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale ji during a distinguished citizens’ conference organised on the occasion of the centenary year at DMCH Auditorium, Dar-bhanga, Bihar.
While reflecting on the RSS’s hundred-year journey of dedication, service, and nation-building, the Sarkaryavah highlighted that the RSS has played a significant role in strengthening social harmony, patriotism, and cultural resurgence. Dattatreyaji further emphasised that any form of discrimination within society is detrimental to national unity. The RSS envisions a harmonious society that rises above caste, class, and sect, committed to the ideals of national cohesion and collective progress.
"Virath Rashtra Purush ke, Sangh Charan Chal Rahe
Virath Hindu Rashtra ke, Sangh Charan Badh Rahe"
Steps of the giant national soul, the RSS's steps are moving forward. Steps of the great Hindu nation, the RSS's steps are advancing. The writer is a Sah Prant Pracharak, RSS, Manipur Prant