Ahmedabad: In a special address at the four-day symposium organized by the Bharatiya Vichar Manch to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Gujarat University Convention Centre, Sah-sarkaryawah of RSS, Krishna Gopal, outlined the foundational philosophy, historical journey, and societal contributions of the organization.

This four-day lecture series and exhibition, titled “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Centenary Journey: Direction and Role of Leadership”, features major attractions such as a replica of founder Dr. Hedgewar’s Nagpur house, the site where the first RSS shakha was held, a replica of the Samadhi of Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji, as well as a replica of the Ram Mandir. Visitors can also be seen taking selfies with the Bharat Mata statue. Full-sized cutouts of all past Sarsanghchalaks and the incumbent RSS Chief, Mohan Rao Bhagwat, have also been placed in the exhibition. The RBI has set up a stall offering the silver coin issued for the 100th anniversary of the RSS, priced at slightly over ₹9,000.

The exhibition began on November 11 and will continue until November 14. The first lecture, on Dr. Hedgewar’s doctrine, was delivered by Sah-sarkaryawah Krishna Gopal. Gujarat Chief Minister, Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad of the erstwhile royal family of Baroda, along with Cabinet Minister Rushikesh Patel and Darshana Vaghela, attended the lecture. Additionally, City Mayor Pratibha Jain and Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta were also present.

Krishna Gopal began by emphasizing that the RSS, which today is widely discussed across India and even internationally, initially received little attention when it was small. Over time, despite facing opposition, the organization continued to grow, prompting curiosity among the public about its working style, motivation, and sustained commitment. People wondered why volunteers dedicated decades of their lives, without government support, to the service of society, and how such impactful initiatives were undertaken across various social domains.

He explained that the symposium aimed to answer these questions and provide insight into the organizational methods, principles, and objectives of the RSS, with a special focus on its founder, Dr. K. B. Hedgewar.

Understanding the Founder: Dr. Hedgewar’s Vision and Resolve

Krishna Gopal elaborated on the formative years of Dr. Hedgewar, noting that even as a young student, he was deeply concerned about India’s colonial subjugation. His life was marked by repeated reflection on why the country had lost its freedom and what steps could be taken to restore it. Dr. Hedgewar pursued medical studies in Kolkata, engaging with revolutionary circles while completing his education. Upon returning to Nagpur, he chose not to practice medicine, instead joining Congress activities and enduring imprisonment twice, driven by the desire to revive India’s socio-cultural vitality.

Krishna Gopal highlighted Dr. Hedgewar’s distinctive analysis of India’s plight: the country’s challenges were not solely due to foreign invasions or colonization but largely stemmed from the disunity and lack of organization within Hindu society itself. Recognizing this, Dr. Hedgewar resolved to awaken self-respect, social cohesion, and the spirit of collective responsibility within the Hindu community. He aimed to restore pride in India’s rich heritage, scientific achievements, and centuries-old contributions to global knowledge.

Founding of the RSS: Methodology and Daily Discipline

To address this societal fragmentation, Dr. Hedgewar developed a unique organizational model. He established small local branches (shakhas), emphasizing daily physical training, prayer, and discussions on the motherland and Hindu society. The RSS’s daily routines included patriotic exercises, cultural education, and moral guidance, all under the revered banner of the saffron flag. Krishna Gopal stressed that these routines were not mere formalities; they were designed to cultivate disciplined, motivated, and socially conscious citizens capable of transformative action.

Through these small branches, Dr. Hedgewar instilled in young volunteers a sense of duty, responsibility, and devotion to the nation. Krishna Gopal noted that children, some as young as ten, imbibed these values, forming the foundation for future leaders and workers who would later expand the organization across India.

Growth and Expansion: Branches and Volunteers

From a single branch in Nagpur, the RSS has grown into a network of nearly 87,000 branches nationwide, with millions of active volunteers participating in various social initiatives. Krishna Gopal highlighted the replication strategy: each branch serves as a seed, generating new branches and nurturing volunteers who extend the organization’s reach, influence, and impact. This organic growth model allowed the RSS to permeate villages, towns, and urban areas systematically.

He described numerous examples of volunteers who, inspired by Dr. Hedgewar’s vision, established new branches and initiatives across the country, from Kolkata and Kerala to Assam and Punjab. The RSS encouraged a principle of localized action, ensuring that communities themselves became the primary agents of social change, whether in education, healthcare, or environmental initiatives.

Societal Initiatives and Problem-Solving

Krishna Gopal cited several examples of the RSS’s community-oriented work. In Saurashtra, volunteers organized large camps where local families contributed food for participants, creating a sense of shared ownership and engagement. In Meghalaya, volunteers resolved marriage-related social challenges, conducting mass weddings for eligible families in the absence of local arrangements. In Bengal, volunteers established 150 schools to address the educational needs of Hindu children along the border.

He also highlighted the RSS’s environmental initiatives, including campaigns to reduce plastic use, conserve water, and plant trees, emphasizing the long-term impact on climate change and sustainability. These programs demonstrate the organization’s adaptive approach to contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in core values.

Core Principles: Inspiration, Commitment, and Self-Reliance

Krishna Gopal repeatedly emphasized the guiding principles of the RSS:

• Volunteers are instilled with a sense of individual and collective responsibility for the welfare of Hindu society and India as a whole.

• Positive thinking and self-reliance guide problem-solving; blaming others for societal shortcomings is discouraged.

• The organization seeks to create a sustainable impact, with volunteers dedicating their lives to social service, education, and national development.

He highlighted the symbolic and practical significance of the daily prayers recited by volunteers, expressing their commitment to the nation and pledging to contribute to India’s prosperity and cultural revival. The ethos “Param Vaibhavane Tumhe Tat Swarashttram” – striving to make the nation supremely glorious – encapsulates this lifelong commitment.

Legacy and Continuing Mission

Krishna Gopal concluded by reflecting on the RSS’s journey from a small Nagpur branch to a nationwide network, noting that the organization has consistently nurtured disciplined, principled, and socially engaged volunteers. He emphasized that the RSS is not just about organizational growth but also about fostering self-respecting, empowered communities capable of addressing societal issues and promoting India’s prosperity.

The four-day symposium continues to explore these themes, providing insights into the organization’s philosophy, historical milestones, and ongoing efforts to contribute to social welfare, national unity, and cultural revival. DeshGujarat