RSS evolving with time, taking new forms: Mohan Bhagwat

The statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is evolving and taking new forms, delivered at an event for the upcoming film 'Shatak' which chronicles its 100-year journey, offers a crucial insight into the organization's self-perception and strategic direction. As the RSS approaches its centennial in 2025, this message of evolution is not merely a rhetorical flourish but reflects a deliberate effort to adapt its image and influence in contemporary India.

The RSS was founded on September 27, 1925, in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, with the primary objective of uniting Hindus and instilling a sense of cultural nationalism, or Hindutva. Its initial focus was on character building and physical training for young Hindu males, aiming to create a disciplined cadre committed to the nation's cultural ethos. From its inception, the RSS positioned itself as a cultural organization, ostensibly apolitical, yet its underlying ideology of Hindu nationalism has profoundly influenced India's political landscape, particularly through its various offshoots, collectively known as the Sangh Parivar.

Mohan Bhagwat's statement about the RSS evolving signifies a recognition of changing socio-political realities and an attempt to broaden its appeal. The upcoming film 'Shatak' and the centennial celebrations in 2025 provide a powerful platform to narrate its history, highlight its contributions, and project a modern, adaptable image. This is particularly significant given the RSS's historical controversies, including its bans (e.g., after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948, during the Emergency in 1975, and post-Babri Masjid demolition in 1992) and its often-criticized stance on secularism and minority rights.

Key stakeholders in this narrative include the **RSS itself**, as the ideological fount and organizational backbone; **Mohan Bhagwat**, its current Sarsanghchalak, whose pronouncements guide the organization's direction; the **Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)**, the political arm of the Sangh Parivar, which derives significant ideological and cadre support from the RSS; and the broader **Sangh Parivar**, comprising dozens of organizations working in diverse fields like education (Vidya Bharati), labor (BMS), tribal welfare (Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram), and student affairs (ABVP). Beyond this, the **Indian populace**, particularly the Hindu majority, is a critical stakeholder, as the RSS seeks to shape their cultural and national identity. Finally, **other political parties and civil society groups** are also stakeholders, often critically engaging with or opposing the RSS's agenda.

This evolution matters profoundly for India. Politically, the RSS's continued adaptation ensures its sustained influence on governance through the BJP. Socially, its efforts to 'evolve' may involve refining its approach to sensitive issues like minority relations, caste, and gender, potentially leading to a more inclusive yet still culturally nationalist discourse. Economically, while not directly involved in policy-making, its focus on 'Swadeshi' (self-reliance) and indigenous development can subtly influence economic thought and policy directions within the government. The RSS's centenary will likely be used to consolidate its narrative as a constructive force in nation-building, further embedding its cultural nationalism into the national consciousness.

Historically, the RSS has demonstrated a capacity for adaptation. While its core ideology of Hindutva has remained consistent, its methods and public messaging have shifted. Post-independence, it focused on social service and cultural work, even while building its political influence. During the Emergency, it played a significant role in opposing authoritarianism, gaining credibility. In recent decades, it has broadened its outreach, engaging with environmental issues, rural development, and even interfaith dialogues, while subtly reinforcing its core tenets. Bhagwat's emphasis on 'evolving' can be seen as a continuation of this strategic pragmatism.

From a constitutional perspective, the RSS operates under the fundamental right to **form associations (Article 19(1)(c))**, albeit with reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, or the sovereignty and integrity of India. Its ideology often sparks debates around the **Preamble's** ideals of secularism, democracy, and fraternity. While the RSS asserts its commitment to India's constitutional framework, its vision of a 'Hindu Rashtra' is sometimes seen as being in tension with the secular fabric enshrined in the Constitution. The organization's activities are also implicitly linked to **Article 51A (Fundamental Duties)**, particularly those promoting harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities.

Looking ahead, the RSS's centennial in 2025 will be a landmark event, likely accompanied by a major public relations push to showcase its journey and future vision. This 'evolution' could mean a more nuanced approach to contentious issues, a greater emphasis on social service and less on direct political confrontation, or a strategic shift to engage with a younger, more globalized Indian demographic. However, the core ideological commitment to Hindu nationalism is unlikely to waver. The challenge for the RSS will be to reconcile its foundational ideology with the demands of a diverse, modern India, ensuring its continued relevance while navigating the complexities of its past. Its ability to truly evolve, rather than merely adapt its messaging, will determine its long-term impact on India's social and political future.