RSS Completes Century: Strategic Leadership and Evolving Narrative
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marked a significant milestone in September 2025, completing one hundred years of existence since its foundation in 1925. What began as a small gathering of young men in Nagpur has transformed into one of the world's most influential non-governmental organizations with a presence across India and beyond.
On September 27, 1925, during Vijayadashami/Dussehra celebrations, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a recently graduated medical doctor from a Telugu Brahmin family, established the RSS in the ethnically diverse city of Nagpur. The organization started with daily training sessions in neighborhood meeting grounds called shakhas, focusing on creating brotherhood and unifying the diverse Hindu community.
The Leadership Legacy: Six Sarsanghchalaks
Much of the RSS's enduring success over the past century can be attributed to its careful leadership selection process. The organization has been guided by only six sarsanghchalaks (heads) since its inception, each chosen through extensive consultation and possessing proven managerial experience.
Dr. Hedgewar established a unique tradition by selecting the RSS flag (bhagwa dhwaj) as the organization's "guru" instead of promoting personality-based worship. This symbolic move emphasized the teacher-student relationship and kept the focus on ideological principles rather than individual leaders.
In 1940, Hedgewar chose Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, a religiously inclined academic, to lead during growing international and national tensions. Golwalkar's tenure saw the organization navigate the complexities of World War II, the partition of India, and the resulting communal violence that caused massive population displacements.
Surviving Challenges and Bans
The RSS faced significant challenges throughout its history, including multiple bans that tested its resilience. Following Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948, the organization was banned on February 4, 1948, for allegedly fostering violence. The ban was lifted on July 11, 1949, after the RSS prepared a formal constitution rejecting political activities.
Despite membership declines during bans, the core pracharak (volunteer) cadre remained intact, enabling rapid rebuilding. The organization faced another significant challenge during the 1975-77 Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, when many RSS members, including then-sarsanghchalak Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras, were arrested.
Deoras, who succeeded Golwalkar in 1973, initiated significant outreach to non-Hindus, including Muslims and Christians, while focusing on social issues like untouchability, which he famously declared a "moral sin."
Controlling the Narrative: Modern Evolution
The RSS is now actively taking control of its own narrative under current sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, who has been addressing tough questions at open forums. This more transparent approach addresses ideological questions from academia, civil society, and media, particularly regarding the organization's current inclusiveness.
Critics argue the organization is presenting a "gentler version" of itself while maintaining its core structure. However, the RSS maintains it has always had open membership and remains committed to its foundational principles while adapting to contemporary challenges.
The organization's philosophical foundations were significantly influenced by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's "Hindutva" manuscript, which argued that Hindus constitute a nation despite cultural differences. Importantly, the RSS has consistently emphasized that it doesn't espouse metaphysical aspects of Hinduism, with current leadership stating that any person loyal to India qualifies as Hindu regardless of religious affiliation.
As the RSS completes its centenary, its ability to maintain internal dialogue, carefully select leaders, and adapt while preserving core principles explains its continued relevance in Indian society a century after its modest beginnings in Nagpur.
