(RSSFACTS is a column that demystifies the functioning, organisational structure and ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.)
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has two top decision-making bodies that meet once a year. The first is the Akhil Bharatiya Pratindhi Sabha (ABPS), and the other is the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM). The ABPS generally meets around March-April each year, while the ABKM meets around October-November.
The ABKM primarily focuses on the mid-term review of the annual organisational plan of the Sangh, which generally starts at the ABPS meeting. This year, the ABKM was held in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) on October 25-26, 2024. This meeting is significant as it was the first major organisational meeting after the RSS entered its 100th year on Vijaydashami, October 12.
While Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has broadly indicated the direction the Sangh will take over the next couple of years, discussions at the ABKM clarified the priorities of the Sangh as it moves forward, facing growing attacks from the Opposition. Most political parties targeting the RSS believe it provides core support on the ground to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has become a formidable challenge for the combined opposition.
However, the RSS doesn’t flinch at such attacks. There hasn’t been even a single reaction from the RSS as far as the political parties’ attacks on it are concerned. Why? Because the RSS is completely focused on expanding its organisational network. The latest ABKM meet discussed the organisational strategy at length and gave some more indications about the future targets of the Sangh.
Organisational Expansion
The ABKM decided that RSS volunteers will undertake a massive outreach programme with Panch Parivartan—five transformative ideas—during the centenary year of the RSS. The current Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, has repeatedly mentioned these five transformative ideas: social harmony, family enlightenment, environment, selfhood-based lifestyle, and a civic sense of duty towards society.
Regarding Sangh’s expansion, the ABKM noted that 72,354 shakhas are being held in 45,411 locations. In the last year, 6,645 new shakhas have been added, covering 3,626 new places. This expansion drive was part of the preparations for the RSS centenary, according to an official RSS communique.
There are 29,369 locations where weekly shakhas (weekly gatherings of RSS volunteers for an hour) are being held, with 3,147 new locations added. In some areas, the RSS is attempting to make outreach but has yet to start its daily or weekly shakha. In such places, monthly group meetings are organised by RSS volunteers, referred to as ‘Sangh Mandali’. These monthly meetings are being held at 11,382 locations, with 750 new locations added in the past year.
Overall, the RSS has now expanded its daily, weekly and monthly shakhas covering 1,13,105 locations. The ABKM has resolved to expand it further before the ABPS meeting is held in Bengaluru next year.
Sangh for Seva
Another mantra for the RSS turning 100, emerging from the ABKM, is ‘Sangh for Seva’ especially in context of natural calamities. The RSS is known for its relief work during such circumstances. It would further strengthen its efforts in this regard. The ABKM discussed some of the work carried out during the past one year. During flood in Tarakeswari river in West Bengal, the RSS volunteers served 25,000 people at relief camps. In Odisha floods, 4000 people were provided healthcare, food and water. July this year, atleast 1000 RSS volunteers were engaged in relief work after landslides in Wayanad. During floods in Vadodara, Jamnagar, Dwarka also relief work was undertaken. Last rites of 600 people who died in different disasters were performed by the RSS volunteers. The deceased whose last rites were performed included people from all communities. They were cremated as per their custom and traditions.
The top leadership of the RSS indicated to senior functionaries that ‘service to the society’ forms the core of RSS functioning going ahead and the prime aim of the organisation as it would carry out its expansion as a part of centenary celebrations is to ‘serve the society’ in all spheres of life.
On Bangladesh Hindus
In context of the recent incidents of violence against Hindus and attacks on Hindu religious places in Bangladesh, the RSS has taken a strong stand. Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale categorically said that the RSS strongly feels that Hindus should not migrate from there. They should stay there, it is their land, and Shakti peeths are there in Bangladesh. Hindus live all over the world. Wherever there is a crisis, Hindus look towards India which is but natural.
Earlier RSSFACTS columns can be read here.
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