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The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Maturity shown by political parties amid Indo-Pak tension should continue to ensure nation's security, growth: RSS chief
The maturity and mutual understanding displayed by political parties during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack should continue to ensure the security and growth of the nation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Thursday (June 5, 2025). Speaking at the culmination of an RSS volunteer training camp in Nagpur, Mr. Bhagwat added that the Sangh considers religious conversion as an act of 'violence', and is working to ensure that people are not lured or forced to change their religion. 'Our training camp is happending at a very special time as RSS will complete 100 years. There is another important circumstance which is being witnessed, and that is the Pahalgam terror attack in which our countrymen were killed in our own land. This has created a furore among the masses, who believed that the culprits must be punished. Some actions were taken in this regard as well and the culprits were punished. But in this situation, the courage and efficiency of our Army has once again outshone itself,' Mr. Bhagwat said. United Indian society He added that the terror attack had united Indian society, and even political parties, who kept their differences aside to support the nation. 'The political class also showed maturity as well as mutual understanding. Instead of fighting against each other, they have decided to fight together for the nation. The society also showed unity like never before. This picture has been formed for the world to see.... Also, this should continue to be a permanent feature for the safety and growth of the nation,' Mr. Bhagwat said. Pakistan's proxy wars Without naming Pakistan, the RSS chief said that because the neighbouring country could not directly win against, it took the help of terrorism and had started waging proxy wars. 'We got separated so that we could live peacefully but they started creating discord soon after the separation. The hypocrisy born out of the ghost of the two-nation theory must be checked, and till then, the threat to our national security will continue,' he added. Appealing to Indians from all classes and communities to live peacefully and help each other, Mr. Bhagwat said that people should not fight among themselves over 'pity issues'. Reconversion must be respected Accepting the request of Chhattisgarh tribal leader Arvind Netam, a former Minister in Indira Gandhi's Cabinet, to work in tribal areas to check 'rampant conversions', Mr. Bhagwat said that the RSS considers conversion as 'violence'. 'We don't have any differences with different religions and communities. Jesus, Mohammed, all are revered and we also have respect for them. But everyone will follow his or her own religions. Those who changed religions out of greed or by force, and now they want to come back, this must be respected as its correction,' he said. 'Implement PESA' In his speech, Mr. Netam had urged the RSS chief to pressurise the Union government to come out with an action plan after Naxalism ends, to ensure that the menace is not revived. He added that no government so far has implemented the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, which aims to ensure self-governance in tribal areas through Gram Sabhas, empowering them to manage resources and make decisions related to their communities. 'The Central government is mum and even helping the industrialists,' Mr. Netam added.
The Print
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Maharaja Hari Singh didn't sign Kashmir's accession until he met RSS' MS Golwalkar
Even before the Partition was formalised, Golwalkar started focusing on keeping the morale of the masses high and creating awareness about various threats. Thus, to preserve peace nationwide, Golwalkar and the Sangh leaders began travelling across the country to interact with the masses. Such efforts also helped the Sangh to mobilise several new volunteers. From leading on-ground initiatives to providing timely insights, Golwalkar's actions, mostly behind the scenes, elicit devotion toward protecting Bharat's integration. This is evident in his crucial interventions for ensuring peace during the Partition, integrating various states and strengthening the national resolve during times of war. National integration has been the foremost objective for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. While numerous leaders and organisations are credited for nation building in contemporary times, the key role played by the RSS and its second Sarsangchalak, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, also known as Guruji, have not been acknowledged. During the Partition, Golwalkar was asked about picking up arms against Muslims in Montgomery, a Punjab province in undivided India. He cited the Gita, saying that the 'atman' is immortal and there is nothing to be afraid of. He quoted a proverb, saying that the world fears someone who neither intimidates others nor fears for himself. He added that 'fearlessness is the strongest weapon'. Golwalkar worked tirelessly to safeguard citizens in this tumultuous period. In July 1948, he was in Sangrur for the Sangh Shiksha Varg. Members of the Mastuana Sahib Gurudwara committee invited him. In the reception programme in his honour, the Gurudwara chief said, 'It is our immense fortune that we have today amongst us a great soul who has tied the sacred thread of protection (akin to Sikh arm gear, kadaa) for defending dharma. He is raising a strong force with the power of his meditation that will surely defend dharma.' Moreover, Golwalkar's efforts were not limited to any particular region. On learning about persecuted Hindus arriving from East Pakistan, he rushed to Bengal and met senior leaders. He also led the creation of the Vasthuhara Sahayata Samiti, along with initiatives like the Punjab Relief Committee and Hindu Sahaayta Samiti. Golwalkar deeply cared for those displaced by Partition and strongly opposed calling them 'refugees'. When someone used the term during a discussion, he firmly said, 'This nation belongs to everyone,' and asked how anyone could be a refugee in their 'own ho me'. Also read: How former RSS head M.S. Golwalkar saw India and wanted to treat minorities Integration of states: J&K and Goa One of the most important yet less discussed contributions of Golwalkar toward national integration remains his efforts for integrating Kashmir. In early October 1947, multiple attempts for Kashmir's accession failed as former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Maharaja Hari Singh failed to reach an agreement. Realising the sensitivity of the situation, Golwalkar intervened in the matter. On 18 October, he visited Srinagar to meet the Maharaja, who deeply respected him. The royal couple welcomed him at the palace gates, and the Maharaja even touched his feet. After a private meeting, Golwalkar returned and informed Sardar Patel of the Maharaja's favourable stand. Soon after, Maharaja Hari Singh agreed to the accession. Numerous individuals confirmed this meeting. In a foreword written for Sandeep Bamzai's book Gilded Cage: Years that Made and Unmade Kashmir, Dr. Karan Singh, son of Maharaja Hari Singh, confirmed that Golwalkar had visited Kashmir to meet his father. Similarly, retired IAS officer and former Secretary of the National Advisory Council, Arun Bhatnagar, in his book India: Shedding the Past, Embracing the Future, discussed how Golwalkar went to Kashmir to meet the Maharaja on Patel's request. Golwalkar made similarly crucial interventions for Goa's liberation by repeatedly emphasising the need for decisive action, in contrast to PM Nehru's efforts for a diplomatic solution due to Portugal's NATO membership. Golwalkar vehemently opposed Congress' disinterest in Goa's freedom movement and gave blessings and some instructions to Vasantrao Oke, one of the primary leaders of the Sangh's participation in Goa's liberation. Golwalkar on China, Nepal Seeing China's actions in Tibet, Golwalkar believed that they would soon act aggressively toward India too. On multiple occasions, his observations on Chinese actions turned out to be prescient. In hindsight, the serious impact could have been averted if action had been initiated based on his warnings. For instance, the government formally accepted the Chinese attack on 20 October 1962. However, on 16 October and then on 18 October, Golwalkar had forewarned that he had definite information that China was going to attack India. Despite not being in active politics, Golwalkar worked toward strengthening India's bilateral ties. For instance, in 1963, he managed to prevent a severe deterioration in Bharat's ties with Nepal. In February 1963, he visited Nepal and met Prime Minister Dr. Tulsi Giri and King Shri Mahendravir Vikramshah. During these meetings, the Nepali leaders shared their concerns about Bharat's evolving bias against Nepal. Rather than criticising the Indian government abroad, Golwalkar reassured the Nepali leaders that it may be that their concerns were not reaching PM Nehru and promised to discuss the matter with top leaders. Upon his return to India, he wrote to PM Nehru and Home Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri about his interactions and observations. Upholding national unity Golwalkar consistently put national interest above ideology and worked for unity despite differences with the incumbent government. During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, he was asked by then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to attend an all-party meeting and provide cooperation. In the meeting, Golwalkar urged all leaders to focus on victory with honour. Later, he stayed in Delhi to support planning, and then visited Gujarat to give a speech on All India Radio. ' Ruling and other leaders have the ability to fight this righteous war with firm resolve and also to search for the path of peace… All the knowledgeable brothers should keep up the moral fortitude of society… It is my request to all the countrymen that we should wish for victory, pray for victory, work ceaselessly and make sacrifice of the highest order,' he said. In another message to citizens during the war, he emphasised the importance of cooperating with the government during sensitive times. 'I appeal to all the countrymen and especially the swayamsevak brothers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to fully cooperate with the government in solving the problems that arise. Help the displaced, the injured and the sick, maintain peace and order, civil security…' This was not the first occasion when Golwalkar had specifically called for prioritising national interest. In a statement on 29 October 1962, during the China War, he requested all citizens, especially Swayamsevaks, to extend unquestioned support to the government and warned about anti-nationals attempting sabotage. On 30 October 1962, he sent a letter to the Prime Minister: 'All of us brothers, will spare no effort to carry out our natural duty to free the nation from this danger with all our strength. I feel highly fulfilled in giving this unconditional assurance to you as the person heading the government.' Moreover, in an interview, when asked if he would support the government against China, Golwalkar confirmed that the Sangh would fully cooperate and had already announced this. The tough socio-political milieu alongside global uncertainty posed serious challenges for Bharat during Golwalkar's tenure as the Sarsanghchalak. On every possible occasion, he stepped up as a quiet force who prioritised national interest and pursued national integration as a lifelong mission. Dr. Devi Dayal Gautam is Assistant Professor, Delhi School of Economics and Convenor, Academics4Nation. He tweets @ddgautam. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Remembering an organizer par excellence: Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar
Among various leaders who have spearheaded mass organisations in India, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, also known as Guruji Golwalkar, is distinctly remembered for his organisational prowess and credited for his exemplary leadership. During his tenure as the Sarsanghchalak, the RSS managed to overcome multiple existential challenges, achieved unprecedented expansion in Shakhas and the grassroots network, and successfully established multiple new organisations. Dr Hedgewar Spotted Guruji's Organisational Prowess. Guruji's organisational prowess was spotted by Dr Hedgewar himself. Both met each other in 1932, and later that year itself, Dr Hedgewar invited Guruji as one of the Chief Guests for the Vijayadashmi celebrations in Nagpur. Guruji was merely 26 years old at that time. It is obvious that something about him must have stood out for Dr Hedgewar that he decided to invite him as the Chief Guest in Nagpur. A few years later, in February 1939, Dr Hedgewar conducted a ten-day-long Chintan at Sindi, near Nagpur, to discuss the organisational structure and procedures of the RSS. Apart from his colleagues, Appaji Joshi ji and Nanasaheb Talatule ji, the meeting was attended by a select group of young Karyakartas, including Guruji. An article in Appaji Joshi ji's memoirs mentions an informal conversation between him and Dr Hedgewar. The latter had asked what if they were to nominate Madhavrao Golwalkar as the next Sarsanghchalak. To this, Appaji had replied, 'Excellent'. Guruji and Sangh's Organisational Culture The Sangh's steady expansion and success in mobilising and training Karyakartas have been attributed to its robust organisational structure. Various practices in the Sangh's organisational culture were either initiated or strengthened by Guruji. Over the years, these practices were actively adopted by innumerable Pracharaks and Karyakartas. The Sangh practice of staying with Karyakarta families during Pravaas started with Guruji, who embedded it as a systematic arrangement. Guruji travelled across the country for organisational expansion and spent considerable time with Karyakartas. He once said, 'The train is my home', as he used to travel so regularly. During visits to various states for Sangh activities, he would never stay in a hotel or a Dharamshala. He would only stay with workers or office bearers. Over the decades, this practice has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation as it enabled Pracharaks to directly engage with Swayamsevaks and their families, understand their concerns, and motivate them to actively undertake organisational work. Moreover, during his visits, Guruji used to actively interact with Karyakartas and their families across the country. Usually, he would meet parents and well-wishers of Karyakartas together, followed by one-to-one meetings. Apart from official work, he would utilise these interactions for understanding local traditions, cultures and languages. Encouraging full-timers Guruji used to consistently advise that the success of organisational work was contingent on own resources and efforts rather than others. In 1941-1942, there was an acute need for young Karyakartas to expand organisational activities and fulfil the growing demand for Sangh activities. Guruji urged young Swayamsevaks: 'We need Pracharaks…we need Pracharaks'. He emphasised that, 'Karyakartas don't fall from heaven. For this, we will have to make efforts ourselves and create Karyakartas from amongst ourselves. We will have to walk the path of duty with firm resolve and austerity by giving up all thoughts about our personal lives…the mission before us is enormous with very little time in hand…..Let us close all the doors of our personal lives and take a pledge to put in concerted effort. Let us become Sanyasis for one year.' Efforts led by him bore fruit, and innumerable young Karyakartas beyond Nagpur volunteered to dedicate themselves full-time to the organisational work of the RSS. Leadership in tumultuous times A hallmark of Guruji's organisational leadership was leadership by example. During the ban on the RSS, he was arrested and initially kept in the Sivni jail in Maharashtra. Subsequently, he was moved to the Baitul jail, which was considered to be similar to Cellular jail in Andaman and usually meant for dangerous prisoners rather than political prisoners. Despite the horrible conditions of the Baitul jail, Guruji maintained his policy under arrest: 'no demands, no complaints'. His consistency had a positive effect on the cadre and motivated them in testing times. The ban on the RSS was lifted at midnight on July 11, 1949, and Guruji was released from the Baitul prison on July 13. He immediately started Pravaas for organisational work. In addresses to Swayamsevaks across the country over the next couple of months, Guruji encouraged them to focus on organisational activities rather than ruing over government actions. On July 24, Guruji addressed Swayamsevaks at the Parshuram Mahavidyalaya. He clearly stated, 'What had to happen has happened, but there is no need to swell with pride'. He appreciated Swayamsevaks for maintaining due conduct during the Satyagraha, not breaking any rules, and avoiding confrontation with the government. Guruji's qualities as a leader focused on the growth of the organisation is evident in the fact that he did not demonstrate any kind of vengeance against the government. He said, 'This is our government, why should we oppose it? Why should we have animosity towards it?' He added, 'It is true that there are differences between the government and us, but is there any place where there are no differences? There are differences even within families.' In August 1949, Guruji received a rousing welcome from Swayamsevaks when he visited Delhi. In his speech, Guruji thanked supporters, re-emphasised the Sangh's objectives and encouraged them to continue their work. He said, 'Obstacles come up on the path of renaissance of Bharatiyataa, and that too from our own people. But, against whom should we show our anger? People who desire to destroy this national life force may express anger any number of times, but one who has envisioned this grand national personality, he cannot be angry.' His words of encouragement for Swayamsevaks were: 'We shall move ahead in this job of human-building and move ahead towards progress of Bharatvarsh, looking at various problems from cultural perspectives in accordance with their wishes and feelings, and build a well-organised power-house for the nation.' Growth of the Sangh Parivar Guruji played an instrumental role in the founding of various Sangh Parivar organisations. It is helpful to recall some initial interactions between Guruji and Pracharak Dattopant Thengadi ji that culminated in the formation of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. In 1950, Thengadi ji received an invitation from the President of INTUC, the Congress-affiliated trade union, PY Deshpande, to work for their organisation. Guruji asked him to join the organisation and advised, 'Follow the discipline of the organisation you are going to work.' Thengadi ji's rich experience led to the founding of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh in 1955. A unique aspect of the BMS has been the commemoration of Vishwakarma Jayanti as Bharatiya Shramik Divas. This was based on Guruji's advice, as Thengadi ji had once asked him whether there is an honoured day for labour in Bharatiya tradition. Guruji had mentioned Vishwakarma Jayanti in response to this query. Similarly, Guruji played a crucial role in the entire process that culminated in the formation of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, from initial conversations to formal foundation. Apart from mentoring the establishment of new Sangh organisations, Guruji also motivated them to remain independent and self-sufficient. This is evident in his conversation with Balasaheb Deshpande, who played a key role in founding the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. In 1958, the Madhya Pradesh government denied a grant to Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram after initial approval. Deshpande was clearly told that it was due to their association with the Jana Sangh. When Guruji heard about this matter, he clearly advised that such organisations should be self-reliant and conduct all activities with people's cooperation instead of dependence on government funds. Conclusion In this light, Guruji was more than a person leading an organisation. He was a builder of movements, individuals, and institutions. Through discipline, vision, and quiet determination, he inspired Karyakartas to devote themselves to national awakening. His legacy as an organiser par excellence lives on in every dedicated Karyakarta and every institution that he helped create. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Print
a day ago
- Business
- The Print
Ex-Congress minister who worked with Indira, Narasimha Rao, heads to RSS HQ to ‘bridge Sangh-tribals gap'
Speaking to ThePrint, the 83-year-old criticised the Chhattisgarh unit of the Congress, which expressed surprise over the tribal leader's acceptance of the RSS invite. Netam, an influential tribal voice in Chhattisgarh politics who served in the cabinets of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and P.V. Narasimha Rao, had quit the Congress ahead of the 2023 Chhattisgarh assembly elections, accusing the party of sidelining tribal leaders and ignoring tribal issues. He later launched the Hamar Raj Party, which has so far performed poorly in polls. New Delhi: On his way to Nagpur to attend a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh event, former Congress leader and Union minister Arvind Netam Tuesday said that initiating dialogue with the Sangh, 'which works for the national cause', is essential to bridging the gap between the organisation and indigenous communities. 'On what grounds are they commenting on my decision? The state Congress unit is neck deep in corruption. Are they working for the upliftment of the nation? Had they been doing so, I would have gone with them, too. I will naturally engage with those who are involved in ideological discussions and debates,' Netam said. 'Take the issue of conversion. Where does the Congress stand? Why did the Congress not properly implement the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act? Then, there is the issue of displacement.' Netam is slated to speak at the Sangh's 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg-Dwithiya Samapan Samaroh'—essentially the closing ceremony of the organisation's second-level training camp—on 5 June as the chief guest. Former president Pranab Mukherjee's decision to attend the same event in 2018 had upset the Congress high command. The leader said that he had first met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat around four months ago. He added that he has distanced himself from politics over the last few years. 'I am not going to join the Sangh. I work for society. And we know the situation our society finds itself in ever since the liberalisation process took place. I felt it was necessary to establish a dialogue with the Sangh, keeping that concern in mind,' he told ThePrint. 'Only dialogue and exchange of ideas may help bridge the gap that exists between RSS and indigenous communities. And it will be beneficial for the society at large, too. After all, the Sangh works for nation and social development.' Netam further said that during his visit, he plans to raise the demand for a separate code for tribals in the next population census—an issue on which the Sangh has a different view. 'I know they have reservations, but how does one make efforts to resolve the differences of opinion unless there is a dialogue?' It has been a long standing demand of various tribal communities, which do not consider themselves as members of organised religion like Hinduism, Islam or Christianity, to have a provision for enlisting themselves as 'Others' in the decennial census. However, the RSS, whose affiliate Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram works among tribals, considers indigenous communities as part of the larger fold of the Sanatan Dharma. Netam's Hamar Raj party may have failed so far to make any electoral splash, but its candidate polled more votes than the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory margin over the Congress in the Kanker parliamentary seat, which Netam represented in the past, in the 2024 general elections. 'Look, I have retired from politics, and am no longer heading the party. But setting up a regional party is also one way to raise societal consciousness and awareness. National parties cannot do that. Only regional outfits can. It's an experiment that has happened across the country. The Congress should realise that it lost due to its sins,' he remarked. The Congress had swept to power in the 2018 assembly elections, based on a strong showing in the state's seats reserved for tribals. The party had won 25 of the 29 seats for Scheduled Tribes in the 2018 elections, only to register a steep drop in its tally in the 2023 polls, winning only 11 reserved seats. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Even as INDIA bloc pushes for Parliament session on Pahalgam & Op Sindoor, fault lines evident
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
As Chhattisgarh tribal leader Arvind Netam heads for RSS event, why it isn't good news for Congress
In Chhattisgarh's political terrain, where tribal votes are a decisive factor, an RSS invitation to senior tribal leader Arvind Netam to an annual event at its Nagpur headquarters has sparked intense speculation. The former Union Minister in Indira Gandhi's Cabinet, who is from the Bastar region, will be the chief guest at the Sangh's 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg-Dwithiya Samapan Samaroh' on June 5. It marks the end of the three-year training period for swayamsevaks, or the Sangh cadre. It is the same event that former President Pranab Mukherjee attended in 2018, leading to criticism from some sections of the Congress. With the invitation leading to questions about political motives, the 83-year-old tribal leader said he planned to attend to maintain good ties with the Sangh and further the cause of tribal rights in Bastar. 'I am going to the RSS event as I want strong communication with the RSS to make them understand tribal issues. The biggest issue right now in Bastar is conversion. I believe if the RSS supports us, then the BJP government will pay heed to our demands. We are the ones who first invited RSS leaders to our tribal event in December last year. Also, months ago, I met Mohan Bhagwat in Raipur and discussed tribal issues,' Netam told The Indian Express. Netam said he would also discuss the need for a separate code for tribals in the Census. 'We have our own culture and religious practices. We do not want to be defined under any religion; we want our code. Due to talks, gradual changes are taking place. They (the RSS) are gradually calling us Adivasi and not Vanvasi,' he said. An influential tribal leader in Bastar, Netam still retains a lot of political heft. Months before the Assembly elections in 2023, he had quit the Congress. This came after he floated his political party, Hamar Raj, which he carved out of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj (SAS), an umbrella group of tribal organisations. At the time, Netam had said the formation of Hamar Raj was similar to that of the Sangh that has '50-odd independent groups under it, including the BJP'. In the elections, the Hamar Raj appeared to have hurt the Congress in at least two Assembly constituencies and is also estimated to have damaged the Congress's chances in the Kanker parliamentary seat in the Lok Sabha elections. Netam's apparent move towards the Sangh comes when the Congress is already struggling to regain tribal votes. When the party had stormed to power in 2018, it had swept the Scheduled Tribe (ST)-reserved constituencies, winning 25 of the 29 seats while the BJP had got three. However, failure to effectively address tribal issues led to it losing ground among Adivasis and in 2023, the Congress saw its tally of ST seats drop to 11 while the BJP bagged 17. The Congress, however, argues that even if Netam moves to the BJP, it won't have any adverse effect on its political fortunes. 'He (Netam) took a different political route and left the party. He is a big tribal leader, but we know the RSS's view of tribals. The RSS terms tribals as vanvasi (forest dwellers) and not Adivasi (the oldest inhabitants). So, does Netam agree with this? Politically, it will make no difference in elections … Bastar's public does not support him,' said the party's state communications chief Sushil Anand Shukla. RSS's state media cell in-charge Sanjay Tiwari said Netam was doing 'good work' for tribals and opposed conversions. 'We invite even those who are our critics,' he added. 'Thousands will be attending the event. Many who want to understand the Sangh will also be there.' BJP spokesperson Kedar Gupta said the RSS invitation should not be seen through the political lens. 'There is no political discrimination in the RSS. Before this, Pranab Mukherjee ji was invited and he graced the event. It is a nationalistic organisation that believes in working together with every section of society.'
