The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which was founded on a Vijayadashami day with the aim of selfless and dedicated service to the nation, has now completed 100 years. During his Independence Day address at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the RSS, saying that it has grown into the world’s largest NGO dedicated to serving India. What began as a small initiative has now spread across the country like a vast banyan tree. Thousands of disciplined members, who stayed away from power and luxury, devoted themselves to reviving India’s rich cultural heritage and rebuilding the nation. This commitment is what helped the RSS grow into what it is today.

Along with social change, the RSS has always given priority to the upliftment of Hindus. The organisation believes that no other political party in a democracy can protect India’s spiritual and moral values as effectively as disciplined volunteers working with a military-style organisation and staying away from power. According to this belief, only such selfless workers can safeguard and nurture the nation during critical times. Like any organisation, the RSS has had both successes and setbacks over its journey. It has also faced criticism, including over the assassination of Gandhi. The organisation was banned several times- by the British government in India, after Gandhi’s assassination in independent India, during the Emergency, and even after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

The RSS has also been active in relief work, reaching disaster-hit areas across India and serving with compassion and determination- something many Indians still recall with respect. Though RSS is not a political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged from it, is now ruling the country. While RSS itself has never sought power, it has become the backbone of the BJP-led government. Even critics of the RSS should study how the organisation grew to its current position. While it preaches tolerance and coexistence like the Earth, the RSS also responds firmly when challenged. This is why many still view the organisation with caution. By responding steadily in necessary situations and circumstances, the RSS has been able to cultivate a sense of Hindu consciousness across India. At the same time, RSS does not allow its framework to be misused for lawlessness. This discipline remains one of its strongest features.

Under the BJP’s rule, India is said to be on a faster track of development compared to past decades. Yet, RSS has not allowed its workers to adopt a lifestyle that compromises personal integrity. As an organisation, if this banyan tree continues to grow stronger and expand in the coming years, no one should be surprised. Founded in Nagpur in 1925 by Dr KB Hedgewar, the RSS had only a handful of members in the beginning. Though it does not maintain an official record of its cadre, today it is estimated to have more than 10 crore members. People may agree or disagree with its ideology, but one thing is certain- the RSS cannot be ignored.