(RSSFACTS is a column that demystifies the functioning, organisational structure and ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.)
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is turning 100 this year and is arguably the largest voluntary organisation in the world, offers a lesson for organisations that often struggle with leadership succession. The RSS has had six Sarsanghchalaks so far, and leadership transitions have always been smooth. The organisation follows the tradition where the outgoing Sarsanghchalak nominates his successor.
Succession Mechanism
The letter and spirit of this succession mechanism were most explicitly displayed in a documented form by the second Sarsanghchalak, M.S. Golwalkar, popularly known as ‘Guruji’. He was the longest-serving Sarsanghchalak, from 1940 to 1973. After his death on 5 June 1973, three sealed letters written by him were opened and read in the presence of senior RSS functionaries.
In one of the letters, he entrusted the responsibility of Sarsanghchalak to Balasaheb Deoras. In another, he directed that no memorial be erected in his name.
In the third letter, he quoted the final humble prayer of Saint Tukaram:
“Oh Saints and Holy men, convey this my final prayer to God.
Oh God, do not forget me. What more can I say? You, my Lord, know everything. I bow to you… Take me into the shelter of your grace.”
Case Study
Golwalkar’s tenure as Sarsanghchalak is worth studying closely for multiple reasons. First, under his leadership, the RSS became a nationwide organisation. Second, RSS volunteers founded several organisations that are today leaders in their respective domains. Among the most prominent are the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Vidya Bharati, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Third, Guruji sharpened the organisation’s focus by promoting an ‘all-inclusive’ approach, working to eliminate caste discrimination among Hindus. A key step in this direction was the founding of the VHP and the convening of the first World Hindu Conference during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in 1966. This marked the first occasion in recent history when religious and spiritual leaders from all Hindu sects gathered on a single platform and vowed to end caste discrimination among Hindus.
Six Keys
Guruji’s speech at the first World Hindu Conference also laid the foundation for the RSS’s global ideological framework. This speech remains key to understanding the RSS’s worldview, especially its leadership’s growing focus on Samajik Samrasta (social harmony) under the overarching umbrella of Hinduness or Hindutva. Guruji made six core points in his speech, which leave little room for ideological ambiguity:
1. Due to prolonged slavery, lack of self-confidence, imitation of others, and a deep-rooted inferiority complex, the Hindu diaspora had been reduced to a state of being “neither Hindu nor non-Hindu” (Na Hindur, na Yavanah). They must be reacquainted with the unique greatness of Hinduism, its all-encompassing philosophy, and its noble code of conduct, thereby re-establishing the essence of Dharma.
2. Hindus settled abroad earnestly wish to retain their identity. However, proper arrangements for imparting the values and sanskaras of Dharma and Sanskriti (culture) are lacking. There is a real danger of their assimilation into Western modes of life. Therefore, urgent measures are needed to preserve and transmit these traditions to their families.
3. In India, many hesitate to identify openly as Hindus, falling prey to an inferiority complex. It is crucial to rekindle pride in being Hindu and promote Bharatiya traditions globally. Hindus abroad should feel proud and supported by their brethren in Bharat. This requires fostering a congenial atmosphere at home so that all Hindus, in India or abroad, can walk with heads held high.
4. The RSS does not oppose any faith. Its work must be rooted in honesty, love, purity of character, and affection for all humanity. Any form of narrow-mindedness or selfishness, in the name of sect or religion, is to be avoided. Hindutva is inclusive in its spiritual breadth.
5. Sanatana Dharma is the eternal and sublime code of principled human conduct, applicable to all humanity across times and places. It encompasses various traditions like Buddhism and Sikhism, which originate from the same Dharmic Our different sects share the same sacred traditions and values, and it is our duty to foster harmony among them and elevate society spiritually.
6. Our Vanavasi (tribal) brothers and sisters, living in remote hills and forests, continue to suffer from historical injustices caused by so-called upper castes. They are an inseparable part of our society. We must support them in every possible way and thereby atone for past wrongs.
Conclusion
Golwalkar not only expanded the RSS but also set a high benchmark for its leadership, infusing the organisation with dynamism and purpose. He mentored hundreds of functionaries who went on to establish influential organisations, vastly extending the RSS’s outreach. Guruji demonstrated exceptional crisis management during the first ban on the RSS, guiding its revival with skill and resilience. He fine-tuned the organisational framework and, most importantly, laid out a broad roadmap centred on serving the marginalised and integrating them into the mainstream—an enduring vision of Hindu unity that the RSS continues to uphold more than five decades after his passing.
Earlier RSSFACTS columns can be read here.
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