Thousands of uniformed men gathered in Nagpur, India, this month to celebrate the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu ultranationalist group. The event marked a significant display of the group’s influence, which is often seen as the ideological backbone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Participants demonstrated their commitment to the organization through coordinated displays of physical fitness, patriotic hymns, and a unified sense of identity.
The RSS, founded in 1925, describes itself as “the world’s largest organisation,” though it does not provide specific membership figures. With Hindus constituting approximately 80 percent of India’s 1.4 billion population, the group’s vision is rooted in the concept of “Hindutva,” which emphasizes that Hindus are not just a religious community but the true national identity of India. This ideology has drawn both support and criticism, particularly regarding its stance toward minorities.
Historical Context and Modern Implications
Historian Mridula Mukherjee noted that the RSS diverged sharply from the independence movement led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru described the RSS as “fascist by nature,” and Mukherjee’s research indicates historical links between the RSS and European fascist movements. She pointed out troubling rhetoric from some members, suggesting that the treatment of minorities should mirror that of Jews during the Nazi era.
The RSS was also involved in the tumultuous events surrounding the partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of Pakistan as a Muslim-majority state. Following the assassination of Gandhi by a former RSS member, the organization faced a ban for nearly two years. It quietly rebuilt during this period, focusing on local units, known as “shakhas,” to attract new members. Today, the RSS boasts around 83,000 shakhas across India, along with over 50,000 schools and 120,000 social welfare projects.
During the recent centenary event, participants engaged in physical training and sang songs under a saffron flag, a symbol of Hindu identity. For many, such gatherings foster a sense of community and shared values, as expressed by Alhad Sadachar, a member who emphasized the importance of togetherness and service to others.
Political Influence and Controversies
The RSS has played a crucial role in shaping Indian politics, particularly since the late 1980s, when it spearheaded a movement that culminated in the demolition of a historic mosque in Ayodhya. This event marked a pivotal moment for the organization, as it successfully mobilized mass support around religious issues, leading to a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment.
The group’s influence contributed to Modi’s BJP winning a decisive electoral victory in 2014. Critics argue that since then, policies under Modi have marginalized India’s Muslim population, estimated to be around 220 million, or 15 percent of the population. Raqib Hameed Naik, director of the US-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate, noted a concerning increase in violence and hate speech during Modi’s tenure.
Despite allegations of involvement in communal violence, RSS leaders, including chief Mohan Bhagwat, have refuted such claims, labeling them as baseless. Bhagwat maintains that the RSS advocates for unity and does not condone acts of violence.
The current political landscape reflects a shift towards a more nationalistic ethos, according to former parliamentarian Swapan Dasgupta. He remarked that the RSS has influenced Indian society to embrace a less liberal, more cohesive identity. Yet, volunteers like Vyankatesh Somalwar insist that the organization promotes positive values focused on national pride and contribution.
As the RSS continues to assert its presence on the national stage, its role in India’s socio-political fabric remains a subject of intense discussion and scrutiny. The centenary celebrations serve as a reminder of the group’s long history and its ongoing influence in shaping the future of Indian society.
