'Swayamsevak is Sangh's Identity': RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Ideology
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat shares a surprising story from the 1930s about the Sangh's early struggles and the true meaning of being a swayamsevak.
In a poignant reflection on the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has emphasized that the essence of the organization lies in its volunteers. Speaking at the inauguration of a new auditorium at the renovated headquarters of the Nagpur Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited, Bhagwat highlighted how the identity of the RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's organization has been inextricably linked to the 'swayamsevak' for a century.
A Surprising Defender from the 1930s
During his address, Bhagwat shared a little-known anecdote from the 1930s, a time when the Sangh was in its infancy and largely unknown to the masses. He recalled a period when the Central Province Assembly attempted to impose the first-ever ban on the organization.
According to Bhagwat, at that critical juncture, there were no swayamsevaks present to defend the organization, nor was there any widespread support for the Sangh's ideology. However, an unexpected voice rose in their defense: a man named Ibrahim.
Bhagwat recounted how Ibrahim argued against the shutdown of the Sangh, asserting that the organization was not communal. In a striking piece of rhetoric from that era, Ibrahim reportedly stated:
"I believe that those who say Hindustan is 'Hindu rashtra' should be sent to a mental hospital. I know Dr Hedgewar; he is not mental; he is a good person. So, Sangh cannot be communal."
The RSS chief noted that while the organization was not well-known at the time, the personal reputation of its founder, Dr Hedgewar, served as a shield against the allegations of communalism.
The Essence of a Swayamsevak
Transitioning from the history of the organization to its present identity, Mohan Bhagwat asserted that the 'swayamsevak' remains the core of the RSS even after 100 years. He described the life of a volunteer as one of "swimming against the tide," characterized by a principled existence devoid of ego, selfishness, or personal expectations.
He explained that the primary driving force for a swayamsevak is a singular question: "How much good can I do for society?" While acknowledging that not every volunteer perfectly embodies this ideal, he maintained that the general direction and intent of all members remain consistent.
The Unsung Life of Pracharaks
The RSS chief also touched upon the lives of 'pracharaks' (full-time workers), mentioning that books are being written about them not for material gain, but out of genuine affection and gratitude.
Bhagwat emphasized that pracharaks do not seek recognition or rewards, as their entire existence is dedicated to the organization. He stated that for a pracharak, the Sangh is everything, and nothing else exists in their world.
He further added that the true depth of a pracharak's devotion and dedication is something that cannot be fully captured in writing; rather, it is something that can only be felt by those who have had direct contact with them.