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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
RSS to hold 1L meets to bridge caste discords in Hindu society
Lucknow: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will organise more than one lakh Hindu Sammelans across the country to hold discussions on "internal misconceptions" within the Hindu society and ways to bridge them through "mutual respect" and dialogue. These sammelans will be part of RSS centenary celebrations and will begin from Dussehra on Oct 2. A senior RSS functionary who attended the Akhil Bhartiya Prant Pracharak meeting of Sangh in Delhi said Hindu sammelans will address issues like caste differences which are deep rooted within the Hindu social order. "The Sangh will initiate a direct dialogue with the people to address the caste difference for a wider and robust Hindu unity," the RSS functionary said. The discussions could help the BJP counter opposition's caste narrative—like the Picchda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak (PDA)—ahead of upcoming electoral battles, including the Bihar assembly polls this year and even UP elections in 2027. "The biggest challenge before the Hindu society is that of caste differences and socio-economic backwardness of lower castes," the RSS functionary said, adding that the change in social perception needs to be reflected in overall public behaviour. He said pracharaks and karyakartas from 46 prants (as per RSS organisational structure) attended the three-day Delhi meeting between July 4 and 6 and shared detailed reports on Sangh's work and expansion of its outreach. RSS plans to organise Hindu Sammelans in 1,03,009 locations — 58,964 mandals (urban centres) and 44,055 bastis (rural centres). A'Ghar-Ghar Sampark Abhiyan' is also being planned to reach out to maximum households. RSS national prachar pramukh Sunil Ambedkar said on Monday that during the Delhi meeting Sangh primarily held discussions on engaging society more effectively and encouraged broader public participation in constructive work. He said that while the country was moving forward, it is not enough to progress solely in terms of economy and technology. "It is equally important to have unique characteristics of our society, such as individual welfare, living together harmoniously, and being mindful of the environment," he said, adding that the main goal for the centenary year was inclusive outreach across professions, geographies, and communities to foster holistic social integration. For decades, a political analyst said, RSS has advocated Hindu unity through the lens of cultural nationalism rather than through direct engagement with entrenched caste inequalities. The new emphasis on "internal misconceptions" and caste disparities indicates a clear pivot—one that acknowledges the deep-rooted fault lines within Hindu society. "This could mark the Sangh's most structured outreach to Dalits, OBCs, and marginalised castes, moving beyond symbolism to active social discourse," the analyst said. The initiative comes in the backdrop of opposition parties, especially the Samajwadi Party and Congress' aggressive push for "social justice" and the PDA narrative. Analysts said RSS's attempt to dilute caste divisions under the banner of Hindu unity could blunt the emerging 'Mandal 2.0 wave'. Experts also believe that RSS plans, however, will face the test of lower castes genuinely feeling included instead of taking it just as top-down tokenism.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Normalcy is returning in Manipur, says Sunil Ambekar
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said on Monday (July 7, 2025) that normalcy was returning to Manipur as the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have begun communicating. Addressing the media in Delhi, the RSS's national publicity in-charge Mr. Ambekar said it took a lot of time for the situation to become normal when such disturbances erupt in any region. 'But compared with last year, normalcy has definitely started returning to the State. This happens due to the dialogue between the two communities,' said Mr Ambekar. Emphasising how RSS workers tirelessly worked in riot-hit areas of Manipur, Mr. Ambekar said the Sangh had also attempted to speak with both groups and owing to this, positive changes can be seen on the ground. Speaking on the issues discussed over the three days of the 'Prant Pracharak' (regional heads) meeting that concluded in Delhi on July 6, Mr. Ambekar said senior organisation members shared recent developments in their areas and burning issues of the country were discussed. 'Our volunteers from bordering States shared their experience and the present condition of their region. The Pracharaks also shared the public's opinion on Operation Sindoor and other recent events of national importance,' he said. Sharing the Sangh's plan to mark its centenary, Mr. Ambekar said that the organisation was looking to reach out to every village and every house. 'As part of our centenary year, we will be organising Hindu Sammelans [meetings] in 58,964 mandals and 44,055 bastis across the country. There will be discussion on social festivals, social unity and harmony, and Panch Parivartan (five transformations). Similarly, Samajik Sadbhav Baithaks [Social harmony meetings] will be organised in 11,360 blocks and towns to promote social harmony in the society,' Mr Ambekar informed. He also shared the RSS's plans for door-to-door outreach and said efforts will be made to reach maximum number of houses in every village. The main goal in the RSS's centenary year is inclusive outreach across professions, geographies, and communities to foster holistic social integration, Mr. Ambekar remarked.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
RSS concludes three-day meet in Delhi; local events to be held as part of centenary year celebrations
NEW DELHI: Over the course of its three-day Prant Pracharak Baithak in Delhi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) discussed matters ranging from centenary year celebrations, organisational issues, and other contemporary topics including language row, Operation Sindoor and the ongoing Manipur conflict. In the Baithak, all Karyakartas received the guidance of Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak Ji and Mananiya Sarkaryavah Ji. Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh Sunil Ambekar addressed the press at Keshav Kunj following the conslusion of the Baithak. He informed that planning for centenary year celebrations was also discussed during the meet. During the centenary year, Hindu Sammelans will be organised at Mandal level in rural areas and at Basti level in urban areas with the participation of all sections of the society. The Sammelans will discuss festivals, social unity and harmony, and Panch Parivartan (five transformation). Similarly, Samajik Sadbhav Baithaks (social harmony meetings) will be organised in 11,360 blocks/towns to promote social harmony. At present, there are 58,964 Mandals and 44,055 Bastis. According to the Sangh structure, there are 924 districts in total. In these districts, Pramukh Nagrik seminars will be organised, where topics such as the idea of Bharat, pride of Bharat, Bharat's Swa will be discussed. Sunil Ambekar further said that outreach program will be conducted through Grih Sampark. Efforts will be made to reach maximum houses in every village and every Basti. The main goal for the centenary year is inclusive outreach across professions, geographies, and communities to foster holistic social integration. The Sangh centenary year will start from Vijayadashami Utsav.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Manipur unrest: RSS reports progress, pushes for harmony between communities
NEW DELHI: Stating that it would take some more time for return of peace and stability in Manipur, RSS reported positive progress in Manipur and said that efforts are on to restore harmony in Manipur. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Concerns over forced conversions, review of events of national interest like , and plans for Hindu Sammelans at every mandal/basti level during the Sangh's centenary year were among the issues discussed at the RSS' three-day Prant Pracharak Baithak that concluded in Delhi on Sunday. RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said all karyakartas had received the guidance of Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale. He informed that during the centenary year, Hindu Sammelans will be organised at mandal level in rural areas and basti level in urban areas with the participation of all sections of society. At present, there are 58,964 mandals and 44,055 bastis. 'Though it may take more time for complete stability to return,' Ambekar said, adding that swayamsevaks in Manipur are actively reaching out to all sections of society to build peace and mutual trust. 'Swayamsevaks in Manipur are making sustained efforts to restore harmony and normalcy at the earliest. They are engaging with all communities, particularly Meitei and Kuki communities impacted by the unrest, to encourage dialogue and reconciliation. These initiatives have shown some encouraging results.' As part of the centenary preparations, Ambekar said social harmony meetings will be organised in 11,360 blocks and towns to promote unity, while pramukh nagrik seminars in 924 districts will deliberate on topics such as the ideas of Bharat, pride of Bharat, and Bharat's swa (selfhood). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He said that a large-scale outreach programme, Ghar Ghar Sampark, will also be conducted to reach maximum households in every village and basti. 'The nation is progressing economically across all sectors, especially in technology and various facets of life. But while the country is moving forward, it is equally important to uphold our core societal values like individual welfare, harmony and environmental consciousness,' Ambekar stressed. He added that these are at the heart of Panch Parivartan (Five Transformations), a key theme of the centenary year. On religious conversions, Ambekar reiterated that while individuals are free to practice any faith, attempts to convert people through inducements, coercion, or conspiracies are 'wrong and unacceptable in any society.' He also reaffirmed that all Indian languages are national languages and that primary education in the mother tongue should be encouraged. On secularism and socialism, Ambekar said these concepts need to be understood in the right perspective. '…the Emergency saw not only atrocities against people but also a violation of the Constitution itself. It is important for society to reflect on these realities,' he noted, adding, 'The Sangh's stand on these issues has remained consistent and rooted in its foundational thinking.' Ambekar further informed that a total of 100 prashikshan vargs (training camps) were conducted across the country from April to June this year, training 17,609 swayamsevaks below the age of 40 and 4,270 participants in the 40–60 age group. Karyakartas from 8,812 locations attended the Sangh Shiksha Vargs.
News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
'Volunteers Bridging Divides': RSS Reports 'Positive Progress' In Manipur Conflict Zones
Last Updated: Although notable positive developments have been observed in Manipur, the RSS, at a press conference today, noted that achieving complete normalcy will require more time. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders Sunil Ambekar and Anil Agarwal held a joint press conference on Monday, touching upon various significant issues. The RSS said that with their workers on ground in Manipur, positive developments were taking place in the state. 'RSS volunteers are actively working to restore peace and foster dialogue among the Meitei and other communities affected by the conflict," said Ambekar, RSS's Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh. Although notable positive developments have been observed, the leaders noted that achieving complete normalcy will require more time. The RSS is implementing inclusive outreach initiatives aimed at engaging diverse sections of society. People from border areas have actively participated in these programmes, reflecting growing trust and a widening social connection, the two RSS pracharaks said. On the topic of the socialist and secular words in the Constitution, the RSS recalled the Emergency period as a time of severe political repression and constitutional violations. 'Democratic values were suspended, and amendments were made without a genuine public mandate," Ambekar said. The leaders urged future generations to study this dark chapter to understand the fragility of democracy when 'power is unchecked". Language Row And Attacks By Congress Regarding the language row, Sunil Ambekar stated that the RSS has always considered all Indian languages as national languages. He asserted that people should speak the language prevalent in their region, and primary education should be imparted in that language. Discussing attacks from the Congress, the leaders mentioned that attempts to impose a ban on the RSS were met with public outrage or legal pressure, which led to the rollback, as the ban lacked legitimacy from the outset. Under the Panch Parivartan framework, the RSS aims for comprehensive national transformation focusing on five key areas: advancing economic self-reliance, promoting individual well-being, nurturing values-based living, strengthening social welfare, and ensuring inclusive economic growth. The core focus of the RSS Centenary Year is to expand its outreach on a massive scale, ensuring a connection with every stratum of society and fostering inclusivity and national integration. On intellectual engagement at the district level, the RSS plans to hold meetings in all 924 Sangh-structured districts involving intellectuals and esteemed personalities. These interactions aim to deepen ideological dialogue and strengthen the organisation's connection with thought leaders across the country. As part of its mass outreach, the RSS will organise Hindu Sammelans in every mandal and basti, covering 58,000 mandals and 44,000 bastis. In total, over one lakh Hindu Sammelans will be held nationwide to strengthen grassroots connections. Last year, during May and June, the RSS conducted over 100 Sangh Prashikshan Vargs (training camps), with 75 of them specifically for participants below 40 years of age. A total of 17,609 volunteers, including those at the Nagpur headquarters, participated in these camps. Additionally, 8,813 students took part in Sangh Shiksha Vargs, showcasing strong youth engagement. For the 40–60 age group, 4,270 volunteers were trained, highlighting inter-generational involvement in the organisation's ideological and practical training.
