RSSFACTS is a column that demystifies the functioning, organisational structure and ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
One of the distinct features of the RSS has been the uniform of Swayamsevaks. It should be made clear here, before we proceed further to discuss this subject, that the Swayamsevaks are not expected to wear this uniform every day.
Only on some special occasions such as the RSS festivals or the annual address by the RSS Chief or when a get together of many shakhas is held, the full uniform is to be donned by swayamsevaks attending it.
When the RSS started its journey in 1925 the official uniform of the RSS comprised Khaki baggy shorts, Khaki shirt, long boots, Khaki cap shaped like a rhombus. Since then several changes have been made in the uniform which is known as “Ganvesh” within the organisation.
Ganvesh is a word which is commonly used in Hindi as well as Sanskrit language. Ganvesh is a combination of two words: ‘Gan’ (which means a structured set of people ) and ‘vesh’ ( which means) ‘attire’. Hence the term ‘Ganvesh’ is used for the official dress or uniform of the RSS swayamsevaks.
Over the past 90 years the following changes have been brought in the RSS uniform:
– Khaki shirt was changed to white shirt
– Khaki cap was replaced by black cap.
– Long boots were replaced by simple black canvas shoes with laces
– Leather belt was replaced by the non-leather belt.
– Last but not the least, the most visible and well known symbol of the RSS-Khaki shorts was replaced in 2016 by brown pants.
The last decision has been a monumental one and also indicated the RSS will to bring change within the organisation to meet the new challenges. The Khaki baggy shorts have been understood to be a deterrent to attract younger people to the RSS shakhas. The issue had been flagged several times over the last several years and the discussion went on.
After threadbare discussion, the RSS finally went ahead with the decision to replace Khaki shorts with brown pants. Making the announcement in March 2016, the RSS General Secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said, "We have decided to replace khaki shorts with brown-coloured full pants (RSS uniform) ...."Trousers are more common in normal life. We are the people who move with the times. So we had no hesitation to change the dress code.”
The decision was officially taken at the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha meeting, the highest decision making body of the RSS, held at Nagaur in Rajasthan. "Any mass organisation cannot grow without a change. The RSS has always brought changes to stay in sync with the times," RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya told reporters in Nagaur after the decision was announced.
The RSS uniform is generally not available in the open market. It is sold in the RSS offices at a nominal prize which just covers the cost. These uniforms are available in all sizes and are sold on the “No Profit, No loss” principle. Anyone can go to their nearest RSS office where these uniforms are available and can buy them.
Earlier RSSFACTS columns can be read here.
Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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