In a remarkable display of unity and strength, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu ultranationalist organization, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand parade in Nagpur, India. Thousands of uniformed volunteers participated, showcasing their commitment to the group that serves as the ideological backbone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power since 2014.
During the event, RSS members donned white shirts, brown trousers, and black hats as they marched in unison, performing calisthenics to the beat of whistles and commands. The atmosphere was charged with patriotic fervor as participants sang hymns, such as “Forever I bow to thee, loving Motherland! Motherland of us Hindus!” This celebration, steeped in tradition, echoed the paramilitary drills of the past, reinforcing the group’s identity.
Founded in 1925, the RSS claims to be “the world’s largest organization,” although it does not disclose its membership figures. Central to its ideology is the concept of “Hindutva,” which posits that Hindus are not merely a religious group but the true embodiment of India’s national identity. According to historian Mridula Mukherjee, the organization’s willingness to confront those who oppose its vision extends to minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and even Hindus who do not align with its beliefs.
While RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat promotes a message of inclusion, stating that minorities are accepted as long as they do not cause division, critics argue that the group’s history is marked by exclusionary practices. Mukherjee highlighted connections between the RSS and European fascist movements, noting that archival evidence suggests parallels in ideology.
The RSS’s history is intertwined with significant events in India, including the tumultuous partition of 1947 that led to the creation of Pakistan. The organization initially operated as an armed militia during this period, and its members were implicated in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Following the assassination, the RSS faced a ban for nearly two years but rebuilt itself through local units, known as “shakhas.”
Today, the RSS claims to operate approximately 83,000 shakhas across the nation, alongside over 50,000 educational institutions and 120,000 social welfare projects. These units aim to foster community and instill values among participants. At one shakha in Nagpur, volunteer Alhad Sadachar emphasized the importance of “togetherness” and providing support to those in need.
The RSS’s political influence has been particularly pronounced since the late 1980s, when it spearheaded a movement leading to the demolition of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya—an event that solidified its position within Indian politics. This incident marked a turning point, enabling the RSS to mobilize support around religious issues, often framed as anti-Muslim.
The RSS played a crucial role in the BJP’s electoral success in 2014, contributing to a significant victory that allowed Modi to implement policies viewed by many as marginalizing India’s estimated 220 million Muslims. Raqib Hameed Naik, director of the US-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate, noted a rise in violence and hate speech since Modi’s administration began. In response to allegations of involvement in violence, Bhagwat denied any such claims, insisting that the RSS does not condone atrocities.
Under Modi’s leadership, the RSS has expanded its reach and influence, steering Indian society towards a more nationalistic ethos that some argue diverges from liberal ideals. Former nationalist parliamentarian Swapan Dasgupta remarked that the RSS has been effective in cultivating a sense of nationalism within the country.
While some members, like volunteer Vyankatesh Somalwar, assert that the organization promotes “good values,” the debate surrounding the RSS’s role in contemporary India continues to evoke strong opinions. The group’s centenary celebration not only underscores its historical significance but also highlights the ongoing complexities of its influence in shaping the nation’s identity.
