Understanding RSS, The Right Way

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending an engaging and insightful interaction with some of Bengaluru’s top journalists and the RSS Sarkaryawah, Dattatreya Hosabale ji. The air was charged with anticipation as we gathered, knowing we were about to dive into topics that have often been subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.

The session was a whirlwind of questions, ranging from the aftermath of the recent Lok Sabha election results to the harrowing issue of the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh. We also touched upon the upcoming, much-anticipated three-day shibir in Palakkad, where the RSS and BJP leaders are expected to convene.

What struck me most about this interaction was the clear intent behind it—to address and dismantle some of the deep-rooted misconceptions that the media, and perhaps the public at large, hold about the RSS. The organization is often shrouded in mystery, portrayed as secretive, or even extremist, with accusations of pushing a hidden political agenda through its close ties with the BJP. There’s also a common belief that the RSS promotes a rigid, exclusionary brand of Hinduism, which many fear marginalizes other communities.

But as the conversation unfolded, a different picture began to emerge. Datta ji was candid in his responses, painting the RSS not as a political machine, but as a cultural and social organization dedicated to nation-building. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to unity and service, with a mission to foster social harmony and national pride. He pointed out that the RSS’s efforts go beyond just the Hindu community, extending to all Indians with the aim of building a strong and inclusive Bharat. The RSS, he explained, is deeply rooted in transparency and is actively engaged with communities across the country, working on issues of education, cultural preservation, and social service.

When it came time for me to pose my question about the Lok Sabha election results, Datta ji’s response was measured and thoughtful. He made it clear that the RSS wasn’t unhappy with the outcome but voiced a significant concern—the alarming trend of educated individuals in urban areas failing to exercise their right to vote. This, he suggested, was a worrying sign of disengagement from the democratic process.

On the topic of the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Datta ji shared some of the efforts the RSS has been making to protect them. He spoke of the organization’s work with international human rights bodies and their grassroots initiatives aimed at providing aid and raising global awareness of the challenges faced by Hindus in the region. His words were a reminder of the far-reaching impact the RSS strives to have, not just within India, but on a global scale.

As I left the interaction, I couldn’t help but reflect on the layers of complexity that surround the RSS and the perceptions people hold of it. While it’s easy to see the organization through the lens of politics and controversy, interactions like this one reveal a more nuanced reality—one where the RSS is actively working to shape a stronger, more united Bharat.