In a significant address aimed at dispelling widespread misconceptions, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the distinct identity and mission of the organization, separating it from affiliated groups like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to a select intellectual audience at Bhopal's Ravindra Bhavan auditorium, Bhagwat provided a detailed look into the Sangh's core functionality, its century-long journey, and its unique culture of volunteerism and funding.
Clarifying Identity: RSS is Not BJP or VHP
Mohan Bhagwat directly addressed what he called a major source of misunderstanding. He stated that trying to understand the RSS through the activities of the BJP would lead to difficulty, as their work and procedures are fundamentally different. He extended this clarification to other organizations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Vidya Bharti, asserting that the RSS cannot be comprehended by merely observing them.
Elaborating on the Sangh's primary objective, Bhagwat said its core work is to organize the entire Hindu society, raise dedicated volunteers, and channel their energies towards serving the nation and shaping its future. A key focus, he highlighted, is to keep "India as Bharat" and elevate the country to greater heights.
A Century of Resilience and Sacrifice
Marking the organization's completion of 100 years since its inception, Bhagwat reflected on a journey he described as far from easy. He claimed that no other voluntary organization in the country has faced the level of oppression, opposition, and protest encountered by the RSS.
"Our volunteers have been attacked, harassed, and even murdered," the Sarsanghchalak revealed. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the volunteers did not retreat into silence or inactivity. Instead, they persisted in what the Sangh regards as divine work, often receiving nothing in return and sometimes losing everything they had.
The Culture of 'Guru Dakshina' and Financial Discipline
Bhagwat provided rare insights into the Sangh's financial model, which is based entirely on 'guru-dakshina' or voluntary contributions from its members. He clarified that funds are not raised through charity or external donations but are saved by volunteers from their personal expenses.
"They never ask for funds but cut back from their day-to-day expenses to save money. Some of our swayamsevaks do not even sip tea throughout the year, as they deposit the cost they would have incurred as funds for the organisation," Bhagwat shared. He recounted the early days when functionaries travelled on bicycles and went hungry, contrasting it with the present growth which has institutionalized this culture of personal sacrifice. He also noted that the organization still experiences a shortage of funds from March to July each year.
Addressing common perceptions, Bhagwat countered narratives that label the RSS a paramilitary force due to its drills and uniforms. He stated that the Sangh runs 1.25 lakh social service projects and cautioned that not everything written about it, even on platforms like Wikipedia, is accurate.
Concluding his address, the RSS chief affirmed that even in its centenary year, the Sangh must continue its work to reach every household, underscoring a commitment to its foundational mission of societal organization and national service.
