Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

The Saffron Empire

Bound by Hindutva, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s network of organisations, unions, think-tanks, institutions, and lobbies are working to realise its dream of making India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’

By The Hindu Visual Storytelling Team

‘‘The Sangh has no politics and is devoted purely to cultural work’’

...proclaims the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) constitution - a document drafted in 1949 after Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948.

However, since its inception in 1925, RSS has been redefining India’s politics, communalism, religion, education, business, and arts via its ‘Sangh Parivar’.

The idea of the RSS emerged as a ‘Hindu’ alternative to the Congress, in the 1920s. Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar started the organisation as a group of men meeting weekly to perform drills and exchange ideas in Mohitewada, Nagpur.

RSS has grown from from one shakha (branch) to 1,27,367 shakhas spread across 51,570 places.

Despite its avowed apolitical character, the RSS is the ideological mentor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the past 25 years, the RSS, overtly or otherwise, is known to be part of the BJP’s decision-making process, on policy and governance matters, and has provided foot soldiers for election campaigns. Thus, when the BJP has ‘strayed’ away ideologically, the RSS has not shied away from publicly criticising it. The RSS is known to be involved in the appointment of key leadership positions in the party. RSS pracharaks – full-time workers (mostly bachelors) – have often been seconded to the BJP in key positions.

Touting itself as the world’s largest ‘volunteer’ group, RSS is not officially registered as a charitable organisation, society, or a trust. Via its network of affiliated bodies, it is involved in volunteer work, temple trusts, religious groups, politics, lobbying for Hindu interests abroad, educational institutions, publishing, sports and nurturing professional groups of traders, farmers, labourers, lawyers, doctors, students, scientists, teachers, commerce, and MSMEs (Medium, Small and Micro enterprises). It also seeks to draw in communities like tribals, Dalits, as well as minorities to its fold.

Since 1936, a total of 36 such organisations, encompassing major sectors, have been established on a national scale and have played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Saffron empire.

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Click on any organisation logo to know more.

While these organisations are recognised ‘officially’ by the RSS as its affiliates, many other bodies such as Hindu Janajagriti Samiti, Overseas friends of BJP, Friends of Tribal society work closely with these affiliates. Apart from these national-level groups, the RSS has also used its vast network to build groups at state and district levels, increasing the Sangh Parivar’s strength to hundreds.

The organisations shown in the graphic above can broadly be classified into the groups as shown below. Click on each of these groups to navigate to any one of the organisations listed.

POLITICS & RELIGION

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

Founder: Jagdish Sharda (Shastri) and Manikbhai Gugani

Registered as: Voluntary, non-profit, social, educational, and cultural organisation

In 1946, Professor Jagdish Shastri and trader Manikbhai Rughani, two RSS members, conducted the first ‘shakha’ session outside India on a boat deck, while travelling via sea to Mombasa (Kenya). On reaching Nairobi, Mr. Shastri and Mr. Rughani set up the first overseas RSS centre called Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. After Kenya, HSS centres were set up in Myanmar, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Zambia, UK and later Canada.

Currently, the HSS has its largest presence in the US, with over 200 centres. It claims not to indulge in any ‘political activism or support any political ideology’. However, organisations like the ‘Overseas friends of BJP’ (OFBJP) and ‘Hindu American Foundation’ – registered foreign outfits of the BJP and RSS-backed non-profit Sewa International, have donors with a previous association with the HSS. Despite claiming ‘no legal or financial relationship with any other organisation’, HSS leaders have been involved in lobbying for Hindu political candidates in the US, and advancing and promoting the BJP’s interests abroad. Like VHP’s overseas centres, HSS conducts Balagokulams, family camps, community outreach projects to ‘advance Hindu values and traditions’ and provide a platform against ‘Hinduphobia’ across the world.

Bharatiya Jana Sangh (1951)

Founder: Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyay

Registered as: Political party

With the blessings of RSS chief M.S. Golwalkar, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee – former Hindu Mahasabha president, established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS). While the RSS was bound to not partake in politics, senior RSS leaders with political ambitions such as V.R. Oak, B. Madhok, and Bhai Mahavir, joined BJS. In its Lok Sabha debut in 1952, BJS won 3 of the 49 seats it contested. Relationship with the RSS became strained as Jan Sangh leaders accused it of exercising undue influence within the party. The BJS won as many as 35 Lok Sabha seats in 1967 only to fal to 22 seats in 1971.

During Emergency, the BJS merged with socialists and anti-Indira Congress leaders to form the Janata Party. However, the coalition fell apart as the socialists insisted BJS members relinquish their RSS membership. The Janata Party broke apart and the Bharatiya Janata Party was born in 1980.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (1964)

Founder: S.S. Apte, Swami Chinmayananda and M.S. Golwalkar

Registered as: Society under the Society Registration Act, 1860

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad ostensibly works against the forced conversion of Hindus, help Hindus living abroad to stay rooted in their culture, and fights against communism. It was inaugurated at Swami Chinmayananda’s Mumbai ashram – ‘Sandipani Sadhanalaya’.

It has centres across 30 nations These centres have also been instrumental in collecting funds for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

In India, it has spearheaded the cow protection movement. The VHP also organises conferences at Mahakumbh melas via its vast network of seers, retired judges, lawyers, businessmen, and religious institutions. It has also been responsible for coordinating with state governments for holding the Kanwar Yatra.

Bajrang Dal (1984)

Founded in 1984, the Bajrang Dal is an offshoot of the VHP. It was formed to ‘provide protection’ to Ram Janki yatras taken out by seers. It has been at the forefront of campaigns such as the Babri Masjid demolition, cow protection, protests against ‘vulgar/obscene’ content in media, events, protests against alleged ‘forced conversion’ and events ‘hurting Hindu sentiments’, protecting devotees undertaking ‘Kanwar Yatra’, holding rallies in Muslim neighbourhoods, and targeting Muslim vendors around Hindu shrines.

Current leaders: Alok Kumar (President), Champat Rai (Vice President)

Through the years, VHP has held protests against cow slaughter, campaigned for Ram Mandir, organised Kumbh melas and been involved in hate speech, as well as bomb attacks.

VHP protest on Parliament Street, Delhi, November 7, 1966

1966 Held the biggest protest in Independent India on November 7, 1966 on Parliament street in Delhi, seeking ban on cow slaughtering.

World Hindu Conference organised by VHP, 1967–1980

1967 - 1980 Involved in conducting World Hindu Conferences to ‘unite Hindus worldwide’, expanding centres to the U.S., Canada, Africa and South America, and organising religious meetings at Maha Kumbh melas.

VHP Ram Janmabhoomi movement and Bajrang Dal formation, 1980–1988

1980 - 1988 As the RSS began involving itself in politics, the VHP began building the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. In 1984, a resolution was passed to build a ‘grand temple’ at the site where the Babri Masjid stood. Also, its youth wing – Bajrang Dal – is formed.

VHP bhoomi poojan at Ayodhya next to Babri Masjid, 1989

1989 The VHP performed the first ‘bhoomi poojan’ in the site next to the mosque in Ayodhya, vowing to build a Ram Mandir there soon.

Karsevaks at Babri Masjid, Ayodhya, October 30, 1990

1990 On October 30, 1990, around 40,000 karsevaks gathered at the bridge leading to Ayodhya to hold a 14-kosi parikrama (procession) and then sevaks scaled the domes of the Babri Masjid in an attempt to tear it down. In retaliation, then-UP Chief Minister Mr. Mulayam Yadav ordered his police to fire at the crowd, killing 15.

Demolition of Babri Masjid by kar sevaks, December 6, 1992

1992 On December 6, the VHP and other organisations, including the BJP, organised a katha kunj (storytelling) event at the site adjoining the mosque, with over 1,50,000 kar sevaks in attendance. After rousing speeches by several VHP leaders, kar sevaks stormed the Babri Masjid and demolished the entire structure with the three domes within a few hours.

VHP rural welfare expansion through schools and cow shelters, 1993–2001

1993 - 2001 In the aftermath of the demolition, the Centre clamped down on Hindu outfits, banning both the RSS and the VHP. The bans on the two organisations were lifted in 1993 and 1995 respectively. Keeping a lower profile, the VHP turned its gaze inwards. The organisation expanded its presence in rural India by establishing cow shelters, schools, health centres, etc.

Godhra train burning and Gujarat communal riots, 2002

2002 The VHP sought to offer prayers at the disputed Ayodhya site but was not allowed to do so. On November 27, more than 50 karsevaks were killed while travelling from Ayodhya to Godhra when the Sabarmati express was set ablaze by a mob. Communal riots broke across Gujarat, killing almost a 1,000 people, most of them Muslims. Several VHP members were named as accused in the Godhra riots, but many were acquitted or their convictions were overturned by the High Court.

Bomb blast investigations and communal riots, 2004–2008

2004 - 2008 Bomb blasts and communal riots occurred in Mumbai, Nagpur, West Bengal and Udupi, raising the risk of ‘saffron terror’ i.e. attacks masterminded by Hindu extremists with alleged involvement of RSS and VHP members. Several members have been accused in ongoing cases.

Liberhan Commission report findings on Babri Masjid demolition, 2009

2009 The Liberhan Commission concluded that the Babri demolition was ‘neither spontaneous nor voluntary and was carried out with painstaking preparation and preplanning’, naming then-Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan and local leaders like Vinay Katiyar and Ashok Singhal as among those in the know.

Allahabad High Court judgment on Ayodhya disputed site, 2010–2012

2010 - 2012 The Allahabad High Court held that both Hindus and Muslims were joint title holders of the disputed area, dividing the 2.77 acre-property into three parts. The VHP challenged this verdict in the Supreme Court and the order was stayed in 2011.

VHP backs Narendra Modi as BJP PM candidate at Maha Kumbh, 2013–2014

2013 - 2014 In the Maha Kumbh mela held in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), the VHP backed Narendra Modi’s candidacy as the BJP’s Prime Minister pick, pressuring the RSS to make its choice.

VHP campaigns against Muslims near temples and communal rallies, 2015–2019

2015 - 2019 The VHP accuses Muslims of ‘love jihad’ (forced conversion), ‘land jihad’ (illegal purchase of government lands), ‘UPSC jihad’ (infiltrating civil services), ‘Thook jihad’ (spitting in Hindus’ food), often leading to communal clashes. Along with the Bajrang Dal, the VHP has raised fears of forced conversions, cow slaughter, held Hindu rallies in Muslim neighbourhoods and targeted Muslim vendors around Hindu shrines.

VHP Dharm Sabhas with communal hate speeches targeting Muslims, 2020–present

2020 - Present In ‘Dharm Sabhas’ held across India, the VHP has platformed communal hate-speeches targeting Muslims.

Bharatiya Janata Party (1980)

Founder: L.K. Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Registered as: Political Party

Harnessing the Sangh Parivar’s focus on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the BJP began wooing the ‘Hindu vote bank’ by demanding the building of a temple at the disputed site where the Babri Masjid stood. The BJP, along with the VHP, held a ‘bhoomi pujan’ at Ayodhya in 1989, undertook a yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990, and was part of the agitation at the site in Ayodhya when the Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992. Electorally, the party went from two seats in the Lok Sabha in 1984 to 120 in 1991. While it managed to become the single largest party in the lower house in 1996 and 1998, Mr. Vajpayee failed to complete his terms as Prime Minister. The saffron party first tasted coalition success in 1999 when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) managed to complete its first full term. Since 2014, the NDA has been re-elected thrice with Narendra Modi at the helm.

At the state-level, the BJP formed its first government in Himachal Pradesh in 1990. Since then, the party has expanded its power, forming governments (independently or in alliance) in all states except Kerala, Jammu-Kashmir, Telangana, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. Currently, the BJP and its allies rule 21 states and have a majority in both Houses of Parliament. In the 18 years it has been in power at the Centre, the BJP has pushed through several significant (and some controversial) laws like - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (2001), Fiscal Responsibility Act (2003), Demonetisation drive (2016), Goods and Services Tax (2017), Revocation of Triple Talaq (2019), revocation of Article 370 (2019), and the three new criminal codes.

PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) (1949)

Founders: Balraj Madhok and Yashwantrao Kelkar

Registered as: NGO under Registration Act 1860

The ABVP was established as an independent organisation – not as a student wing of any political party. However, their stated aims of ‘National Reconstruction based on Indian civilisation’, ‘integrity of Bharat’, ‘unconditional love for motherland’ are similar to those of the RSS. With presence in college campuses across India, the ABVP has groomed most of today’s top BJP leadership including Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Gajendra Shekhawat, among others.

Through the years, ABVP cadets have clashed with Left-wing students, often violently.

SFI and ABVP students clash at Thiruvananthapuram Government Arts College, 1980

1980 Students Federation of India (SFI) and ABVP students clash in Thiruvananthapuram’s Government Arts College, injuring two.

ABVP-SFI clash in Kolar, Karnataka during bus fare protest, 2010

2010 A protest staged by the SFI against the hike of bus fare turned violent in Kolar, Karnataka when ABVP activists ‘manhandled’ SFI’s district president. The ABVP had also scheduled a protest on the same issue and hence demanded that SFI drop their agitation.

Students protest at University of Hyderabad following the death of Rohith Vemula, January 2016

2016 January Five Dalit students were suspended from hostel premises of the University of Hyderabad after they allegedly confronted an ABVP student for his anti-Dalit social media post. In the face of social boycott and cancellation of stipend, the students camped on campus in tents as the University’s Joint Action Committee probed the incident. On January 17, Rohith Vemula was found dead, hanging from a ceiling fan in the New Research Scholars’ hostel. His suicide note proclaimed, "My birth is my fatal accident", triggering mass protests across India in campuses against caste discrimination.

ABVP members attack JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar at JNU, February 2016

2016 February JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid were attacked by ABVP members for allegedly raising anti-national slogans during a protest meeting held in memory of the parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru, hanged in 2013.

ABVP protests Mahasweta Devi play performance at Central University of Haryana, September 2016

2016 September ABVP protested against a performance of Mahasweta Devi’s play ‘Draupadi’ in Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, with three injured in protests.

Left-wing and ABVP students clash at Jadavpur University, February and May 2016

2016 February, May Left wing and ABVP students in Jadavpur University clashed twice that year over posters supporting ‘Azad Kashmir’ and the airing of a documentary on the Muzaffarnagar riots.

ABVP and AISA students clash at Ramjas College, Delhi, 2017

2017 At Delhi’s Ramjas College ABVP and All India Student’s Association (AISA) students clashed over an invite to JNU scholars Shehla Rashid and Umar Khalid for a seminar ‘Cultures of Protest,’ with English professor Prasanta Chakravarty and several students being injured during protests.

ABVP and SFI students clash at Sree Kerala Varma College, Kochi, 2018

2018 ABVP and SFI students clash at Sree Kerala Varma College, Kochi over Sports Day celebrations, with nine injured in the clash.

ABVP and SFI students clash at Himachal Pradesh University over shared ground, 2019

2019 ABVP and SFI students clashed over sharing a ground where ABVP activists converge for ‘shakha’ and SFI members play cricket, injuring seventeen at Himachal Pradesh University.

Masked ABVP students attack JNUSU members at JNU campus, January 2020

2020 On January 4, an altercation occurred between ABVP and Left-wing students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) over registration for winter semester. With JNUSU students camped at the server room, fifty ‘masked intruders’ (allegedly ABVP students) entered the campus and attacked JNUSU students, injuring 28. Nationwide protests followed against ABVP’s hooliganism.

ABVP and AISA clash during JNUSU elections, 2025

2025 In April, JNUSU elections were suspended after violent ABVP-AISA clashes. The AISA accused ABVP students of allegedly ‘pelting stones, breaking barricades, and chasing committee members to the terrace’, while the ABVP accused the Election Committee of being a ‘Left-wing puppet’. Later, in a general body meeting held on October 16 for the upcoming JNUSU elections, ABVP and Left-wing students traded allegations of ‘hooliganism’ and ‘regional hatred’ respectively. No injuries were reported.

The ABVP gained the national spotlight in 1970 when it demanded that India must produce the ‘atom bomb’. It began actively campaigning against Left student bodies in Kerala and West Bengal and took part in student council/union elections in Uttar Pradesh for the first time. Aiding the RSS and the socialists during the Emergency, over 10,000 ABVP members participated in the struggle. As the Centre’s clampdown began, over 5,000 students were arrested and others went underground.

Recently, the ABVP hit a record membership of 50 lakh members – making it the largest student organisation. While the ABVP began participating in university elections in 1970, its success was limited. Refusing to be integrated as Janata Party’s youth wing after Emergency was lifted, the ABVP stayed away from elections till 1984. Since then, it has won university elections in Delhi, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Patna. In 2025, the ABVP won university elections in Punjab, Delhi and Hyderabad – a first.

ABVP Cabinet Members

Click on each of the photos of the people shown below to know more about them

Kushth Rog Nivaran Samiti (1952)

Founders: V.M. (alias) Appasaheb Vedak and Annasaheb Dastane

Registered as: Non-governmental organisation

To realise Gandhi’s dream to eradicate leprosy, the Kushth Rog Nivaran Samiti (KRNS) was founded in Panvel where prevalence of leprosy was high: 160-170 in every 1000 people. In a bid to remove the stigma of leprosy among people, the NGO spreads awareness, and treats and rehabilitates leprosy patients, free of cost.

Busting myths about leprosy, KRNS has been educating citizens that leprosy is neither hereditary nor a ‘curse’, and that it isn’t easily contagious. It also shares information about how patients can live with their families while undergoing treatment. Receiving government aid under the National Leprosy Prevention Programme, the Samiti also runs naturopathy clinics for the elderly, gaushala (cow shelter), schools for tribal children, and a cooperative credit society in Panvel.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (1955)

Founder: Dattopant Thengadi

Registered as: Central Trade Union Organisation

Inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s ‘Swadeshi’ movement, RSS veteran Dattopant Thengadi founded the Bharat Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) in Bhopal as an ‘apolitical’ trade union, ‘anchored in Nationalism’ on July 23, 1955 – Tilak's birth anniversary. By 1967, the BMS’s pan-India presence had swollen to 541 affiliated unions and 2,46,000 members and Thengadi was elected as its first national president. As of 2022, the BMS is India’s largest trade union with over 5000 affiliated unions and one crore members across the 44 industries classified by Ministry of Labour.

Asserting that it is ‘non-political’, the BMS rejects the ‘class struggle’ - which forms the root of Communism, claiming labour problems are not restricted to the lower classes. Claiming its ‘nationalist’ approach is non-violent, it considers strikes as its ‘last resort’ in case negotiations and arbitrations fail. In its stated principles, the BMS opposes ‘State control’ and seeks restriction to sectors like defence. Its ideological link to the RSS is its aim to ‘remove foreign influence on Indian Society’ and follow ‘Integral Humanism’ - a concept proposed by Jana Sangh founder Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Despite opposing Communist ideologies, BMS has raised the same issues that Left unions have rallied against – mostly by staging a separate protest dharna or march. Even though BMS is prone to deliberation when the BJP is in power at the Centre, it has vehemently opposed of its several policies

BMS and socialist unions rally against rising prices and compulsory deposit scheme, 1963

1963 In separate rallies, the BMS and socialist party unions staged protests against rising prices and the Centre's compulsory deposit scheme.

BMS opposes ban on strikes and rallies consumers against price rise, 1973

1973 Opposed the ban on strikes by Centre citing rising prices and scarcity of essential goods, rallied consumers to 'resist needs' to check the price of commodities.

BMS demands recognition for affiliate unions and bonus for government employees, 1984

1984 Demanded recognition for four affiliate unions and sought payment of bonus to all government employees, along with reimbursement of Dearness allowance.

BMS rally demanding abolition of profession tax and reopening of shuttered industries, 1989

1989 Staged a rally demanding the abolition of profession tax, the reopening of shuttered industries, and the raising of income tax exemption limits.

BMS delegation meets Labour Minister over dearness allowance revision and workers rights bills, 1991

1991 A BMS delegation met with the then Labour minister seeking revision of dearness allowance rates, amendments to the Bonus Act, and the passing of Bills on: labour participation in management, pension schemes, construction and agriculture workers and abolition of contract system.

BMS workers stage one-day fast against economic and industrial policies, 1992

1992 Underwent one-day fast against 'wrong economic and industrial policies' by the Centre.

BMS opposes government decision to allow 74 per cent foreign equity in Indian firms, 1996

1996 Opposed the government's decision to allow 74% equity participation of foreign companies in Indian firms.

BMS calls on PM Vajpayee over transport allowance and workers demands, 1998

1998 Called upon PM Vajpayee to reiterate workers' demands on transport allowance, bonus, paid leaves and promotions.

BMS nationwide rally against Labour Commission recommendations and World Bank policies, 2002

2002 Staged nationwide rallies protesting the second Labour Commission's recommendations hurting 'workers' interests' and protested against the Centre's 'pro-World Bank policies'.

BMS march to Parliament against telecom liberalisation, Patent Act and Seeds Act, 2005

2005 Marched to Parliament against the liberalisation of the telecom sector by the Centre, opposed Patent Act and Seeds Act.

BMS opposes private fund managers for provident fund investments, 2008

2008 Opposed appointment of private fund managers for investing in provident funds.

BMS warns government over FDI norms liberalisation and PSU disinvestment, 2016

2016 Warned government to meet its demands opposing liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms and sale of PSUs.

BMS march to Parliament against unequal pay and public sector disinvestment, 2017

2017 Marched to Parliament opposing unequal pay for workers and disinvestment of public sector units.

BMS nationwide protest against privatisation and fixed-term employment policies, 2019

2019 Nationwide protest against government's policies against privatisation, disinvestment and fixed-term employment.

BMS protests against suspension of labour laws during COVID-19 lockdown and new Labour Codes, 2020

2020 Protested against suspension of labour laws during COVID-19 lockdown and carried out a nationwide week-long protest against the passage of new four Labour Codes.

BMS protests against government's National Monetisation Pipeline, 2021

2021 Held protests against government's proposed 'National Monetisation Pipeline'.

BMS takes neutral stance on Central trade unions protest against new Labour Codes, 2025

2025 BMS neither participated nor opposed the Central trade unions' protest on July 9, against the new Labour Codes.

Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (1969)

Founder: Balasaheb Deoras

Registered as: Central Trade Union Organisation

Seeking to re-establish a ‘Bharatiya Education System’, the Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal (BSM) was founded on August 27, 1969 (Ram Navami) by 25 educators guided by the then RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras. With its broad network of members, the BSM trains teachers, policy makers, and citizens on ‘education based in Indian ethos’. It also collaborates with the State and Central governments to frame educational policies and offers paid Anandshalas (blissinars) sessions to schools, colleges, and other institutions to improve ‘educational quality.’

The BSM’s impact has been profound in shaping educational policy in India, specifically when a BJP-led government was in power.

Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (1975)

Founder: Bindu Madhav Joshi

Registered as: Consumer Organisation under Public Charitable Trust Act

India’s first ‘Consumer rights’ group – Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) - was founded in Pune by RSS veteran Bindu Madhav Joshi. The aim of ABGP was to organise, educate consumers and help battle scarcity, adulteration, and rising prices of goods via protests, boycotts, and legal action. Using the manpower of RSS volunteers, Mr. Joshi expanded the ABGP from Maharashtra to all over India.

Four ‘senior pracharaks’ oversee the organisation in New Delhi, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. However, the management of the AGBP is independent from the RSS, while adhering to its values of ‘self-restraint in consumption’, ‘promoting family life’, ‘awareness among consumers’ and ‘promoting Indianness’.

National Medicos Organisation (1977)

Founder: Dr. Dhanakar Thakur

Registered as: Organisation under Societies Registration Act, 1860

In the post-Emergency era, Dr. Thakur canvassed with like-minded ‘nationalist’ doctors to help poor medical students unable to get admission in colleges due to capitation fees. The effort gained a national platform in 1977, with the National Medicos Organisation (NMO) being launched at the 23rd national conference of the ABVP. With an objective to create ‘service oriented’ doctors who respect Indian system of medicine, NMO works with other RSS affiliates like the ABVP, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) and Sewa Bharathi to provide primary health care services in rural, tribal and border areas.

Stressing on Indianness, one of NMO’s sustained campaigns is to replace the ‘Hippocratic Oath’ with the ‘Charak Shapath’. In 2022, the National Medical Commission (NMC) recommended that a ‘modified’ Maharshi Charak Shapath replace the Hippocratic Oath as the guidelines medical professionals adhere to while graduating as doctors. The recommendation was vetoed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and is yet to be implemented by the Centre or State governments.

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Sahakar Bharati (1978)

Founder: Madhav Godbole

Registered as: Non-governmental organisation

Spearheaded by RSS veterans Madhavrao Godbole (founder of Janata Co-operative Bank in 1935) and Satish Marathe, Sahakar Bharati was founded in 1978 to ‘strengthen the cooperative movement’ by giving it a ‘public welfare character’. With presence across India, Sahakar Bharati engages with 40,000 cooperatives, including women SHGs, dairy, farmers, credit, fishermen and labour, making it the largest NGO in the field.

For the past two decades, Sahakar Bharati has helped the BJP make political inroads into states where Left-wing parties had influence.

Here’s a look at three States where Sahkar Bharati’s push is evident.

Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (1979)

Founder: Dattopant Thengadi

Registered as: Farmers’ organisation

The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), was founded to help ‘farmers creatively achieve their rights without forgetting their duties as Indian citizens’. Terming themselves as ‘non-political', the BKS’ first conference which was attended by 650 farmers, declared that it would be ‘represented by farmers and work for farmers’. Through the years, the BKS has been in the forefront of several farmer protests, often criticising government policies which are against farmer interests.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch (1991)

Founder: Dattopant Thengadi

Registered as: Non-governmental organisation

Inspired by the Gandhian philosophy of ‘Swadeshi’, the economic wing of the RSS – the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) was established by RSS veteran Dattopant Thengadi on November 22, 1991. Staunchly against globalisation, socialism, genetically modified (GM) crops and liberalisation, the SJM has vehemently opposed government policies of both BJP and Congress-led governments which were against its ‘values’. It has also locked horns with other RSS affiliates on welfare schemes for workers and farmers, opposing any type of ‘freebies’.

SJM Swadeshi Sapthah protest against government economic policies and MNCs, 1995

1995• Observed 'Swadeshi Sapthah' (Sept 25–Oct 2) to protest the Union government's economic policies and multinational companies, urging even Left unions to join, and staged protests outside Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Colgate offices.

• Staged a protest outside a BJP meeting chaired by L.K. Advani demanding scrapping of Enron project

SJM criticises Vajpayee government's Exim policy relaxing import restrictions on 380 items, 1998

1998• Flayed Vajpayee govt's Exim policy which relaxed import restrictions on 380 items, warning it would lead to a flood of foreign goods harming domestic production. It also accused Vajpayee govt of not fighting the stranglehold of the developed countries on the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

• Observed 'Quit MNCs week' by protesting outside company offices.

SJM launches public contact programme against WTO patent and insurance bills, 1999

1999 Launched a public contact programme to pressure BJP to defy the WTO's diktat on patents and insurance bills

SJM accuses Vajpayee government of bowing to foreign forces on economic policy, 2000

2000 Accused Vajpayee govt of being 'under pressure from foreign forces', demanding roll back of policy allowing 100 per cent foreign equity in certain sectors and facility for repatriation of profits without a counter export obligation. It also warned Centre of a 'salt satyagraha' if sale of non-iodised salt was not allowed

SJM Swadeshi Prakshobha Yatra against WTO recommendations and government economic policies, 2003

2003 Organised 'Swadeshi Prakshobha Yatra' against WTO recommendations and Centre's economic policies

SJM opposes proposed land acquisition bill under Modi government, 2014

2014 Opposed proposed land acquisition bill

SJM supports formation of NITI Aayog to replace Planning Commission, 2015

2015 Helped in formation of NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission

SJM campaigns for boycott of Chinese products and opposes GM crops and RBI governor Rajan, 2016

2016 • Demanded a boycott of Chinese products as a part of its 'Be Indian- and Buy Indian' campaign

• Opposed introduction of GM crops in Indian market.

• Campaigned against RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, resulting in his resignation soon after.

SJM forces Modi government to retract land acquisition bill from Parliament, 2017

2017 Forced Modi govt to retract land acquisition bill from Parliament

SJM campaigns against RBI governor Urjit Patel's adherence to swadeshi model, 2018

2018 Deemed RBI governor Urjit Patel not adhering to 'Swadeshi model', leading to his resignation

SJM hails India's decision to not join RCEP regional trade agreement, 2019

2019 Hailed India's decision to not join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

SJM launches pan-India swadeshi goods awareness drive citing Operation Sindoor, 2025

2025 Giving credit to Operation Sindoor for “exposing” China and Türkiye as a threat to India’s sovereignty and trade, SJM launched a pan-India drive to create awareness about use of 'swadeshi' goods.

Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (1992)

Founder: Dattopant Thengadi

Registered as: Society under Societies Registration Act, 1860

Mr. Thengadi established the ‘Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad’ (ABAP) to ingrain ‘idealism and resurrect Indian values’ in advocates and improve the efficacy and standards of the Bar and the Judiciary.

With units present in all states and union territories of India, the ABAP claims to be the ‘largest lawyer organisation’ in India. Apart from organising symposia, lectures on the above-mentioned legal issues, the ABAP conducts study circles called ‘Continuous Education Programme’ for young Bar members in court complexes and has free legal aid centres for poor people in villages and urban areas.

Lawyers, judges, former judges with membership in ABAP

Click on each of the photos of the people shown below to know more about them

All retired justices who are/have been ABAP members have joined the group post-retirement

Akhil Bharatiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad (1992)

Currently headed by Lt General (Retd) V K Chaturvedi

Registered as: All-India society under Societies Registration Act, 1860

In 1992, the Akhil Bharatiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad (ABPSSP) was conceptualised to help ex-servicemen (ESM) and their families and to utilise ESM’s discipline as a ‘resource for national integration and its internal security’. With units established across states, the ABPSSP has raised issues such as implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’, financial aid to widows of fallen soldiers and scholarships for ESM’s children.

Laghu Udyog Bharati (1994)

Founder: Vishwamitra Bahl

Registered as: Public unlisted non-governmental company

Spread across 596 districts in India, Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) is a ‘volunteer-driven welfare organisation’ for medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs). With over 60,000 registered members, the LUB is dedicated to “serve the real Bharat - artisans, women entrepreneurs, local manufacturers and digital age dreamers.” It advocates for MSME owners, participates in policy and regulatory making with various governments, organises workshops, trainings, seminars and trade fairs to ensure “global market access without losing Indian identity.”

The organisation also has a homegrown B2B e-commerce platform for global trade called LEAP to showcase its members’ products. While it did not have much of an impact during the Vajpayee era, the LUB has been at the forefront in promoting and influencing MSME policy in the Modi government.

EDUCATION AND ARTS

Vidya Bharati (1952)

Founders: Krishna Chandra Gandhi, Murlidhar Deoras and Nanaji Deshmukh

This is a wing of the RSS focused on running formal schools. According to RSS records, the first attempt to develop "alternative models of education" based on "Bharatiya ethos and culture" was made with Gita Senior Secondary School at Kurukshetra, established in 1946 by then-RSS chief M.S. Golwalkar. The effort was renewed in 1956 with the establishment of a Saraswati Shishu Mandir at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

These schools were founded with the mission to develop a national system of education which would help build a younger generation which is committed to Hindutva and infused with patriotic fervour. The schools have a "core curriculum" which comprises six subjects: physical education, yoga, music, Sanskrit, moral and spiritual education and sanskritigyan (knowledge of culture). Organisers of these schools are usually RSS pracharaks, and teachers also receive training in concepts like the Hindu way of education, Indian culture and tradition.

Vidya Bharati, like other Sangh affiliates, has supported the amendment of Articles 29 and 30, which protect cultural and educational rights of minorities.

With around 1200 schools across 682 districts, the Vidya Bharati network is spread across all states in India.

Across India, Vidya Bharati has set up schools under different names in various states.

Vidya Bharati’s ‘teachings’ have attracted the Centre’s ire. In 1996, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) conducted an evaluation of school textbooks and found many of the Vidya Bharati textbooks "designed to promote bigotry and religious fanaticism in the name of inculcating knowledge of culture in the young generation."

Vidya Bharati’s booklets - Sanskriti Jnan Pareeksha (cultural knowledge examination) and Sanskriti Jnan Pareeksha Prasnottari (cultural knowledge examination questions and answers) have categorically stated the following:

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Ram Janmabhoomi was "invaded" no fewer than 77 times between A.D. 1528 and A.D. 1914, that 3.5 lakh "devotees laid down their lives in defending this holy site in that span of time"

Click to flip page

Homer's Iliad is not an original work but an adaptation of Valmiki's Ramayana

Almost all the civilisations of the world were inspired by and founded on Sanskritic culture.

India was partitioned on account of the "conspiratorial policies of the followers of Christianity" and that Christian missionaries "are even today engaged in fostering anti-national tendencies in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala and other regions of the country."

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Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad (1966)

Founders: Guided by RSS Sarkarvyah Madhavram Mule, Jeetsingh Jeet and Anand Adish organised the Bharatiya Sahityakaar Sangh

The Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad is the literature wing of the RSS. It aims to foster unity in India through literature and help in the advancement of Indian languages and literatures. It does this through organising kavi sammelans (gatherings of poets), meetings, workshops and lecture series pertaining to all of India’s languages. The Parishad promotes translations to and from various Indian languages and promotes research of contemporary and ancient Indian works.

In its objectives, it states a commitment to promoting the Devanagiri script as a script for all Indian languages. It has published about 115 books promoting Indian heritage, including research books, travelogues, and philosophical works. Examples include Bharatiya Natyarang, Rashtriya Aasmita Aur Sahitya, Bharatiya Sahitya Aur Kutumb, and Sahitya Aur Lok Jeevan Mein Himalaya.

Deendayal Shodh Sansthan (1968)

Founders: Nanaji Deshmukh

The Institute engages in socio-economic and applied research, with domains including agriculture, water conservation, livestock development, rural entrepreneurship and skill development, education, health and hygiene, social behaviour, inculcating scientific temperament among children, and identifying and adapting appropriate technology. A key focus is to put into practice the principles enunciated by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, in his philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’. This philosophy and cultural nationalism form BJP's core ideology.

Sanskar Bharati (1981)

Founders: Founded by a group of RSS pracharaks, including Bhaurao Deoras

It is the cultural wing of the RSS, set up to promote Indian culture and heritage. It encourages the development of various Indian art forms. It has 1,200 branches which organise workshops, exhibitions and performances in music, painting, dance, and literature. It also hosts an annual Art Sekhak Sangram for artists across India and conducts seminars and training about India’s cultural traditions. According to its website, the organisation has engaged 10,000 artists, including 3,000 rangoli artists.

The wing has protested when it deems certain events against Indian cultural values.

2000:In 2000, members associated with Sanskar Bharati were among those who allegedly launched attacks on the Varanasi film sets of Deepa Mehta’s “Water”, arguing that it portrayed their city in a bad light.

2025: The Wire reported that Sanskar Bharati, in its annual Akhil Bharatiya Prabhandhan Karini Baithak issued a communique titled ‘हास्य विधाओं में भारतीय मूल्य-बोध की पुनः स्थापना आवश्यक’ – 'The Need to Re-establish Indian Value Consciousness in the Genre of Humour.'

2025: After a complaint by Sanskar Bharati, Jawahar Kala Kendra, a government-run cultural centre in Jaipur cancelled a dance performance on same-sex relations titled “Samaaj”. A representative of the outfit called it an attempt to mislead the young generation, saying that it rejected the “family value system and promotes highly individualistic and disorderly ideas in the name of freedom,” which went against Indian culture and social values.

Ekal Vidyalaya (1986)

Founders: Dr. Rakesh Popli, a professor of nuclear physics at IIT Kanpur, and his wife Rama Popli, a primary education specialist

Moved by conditions in rural Gumla district (in present-day Jharkhand), the Poplis concluded that education was needed to help the region develop and opened the first Ekal school in 1986 with “a holistic syllabus of math, science, language, creative arts.” During a period of widespread economic distress in the Dhanbad region, coal mine owner Madanlal Agarwal funded 60 schools in the area, while social activist and senior RSS member Shyamji Gupta joined in 1989, completing the core team of Ekal. Soon they expanded beyond Jharkhand to West Bengal and Odisha, and by 2000, the number of schools had grown to 5000.

Now this number has swelled to 7,000 one teacher schools, spread across 5,000 villages catering to 10 lakh students, with more than four lakh volunteer teachers. The three-hours-a-day school is designed to deliver reading and numeracy skills, 'general knowledge' similar to material in Vidya Bharati's Sanskrit Gyan workbooks, and 'sanskara', like Sanskrit prayers, touching the feet of parents; exercise and personal health and hygiene. The schools are for children aged 5 to 14 from any religion or caste. The schools also provide vocational classes, and some offer amenities like computer labs. Ekal Vidyalayas are also run in adivasi areas; a theory promoted by some Sangh members is that adivasis (called vanvasis by the Sangh) are lost tribes of Hindus waiting to be awakened.

The Ekal Abhiyan project has other entities which provide aid to these schools.

Click on any icon to know more details.

Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (1988)

Founders: Dr. Rakesh Popli, a professor of nuclear physics at IIT Kanpur, and his wife Rama Popli, a primary education specialist

The Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh is a professional organisation for teachers from pre-primary to university level, claiming to safeguard interests including salary, allowances, and service conditions. The organisation says that it “recognises that such other existing organisations have drawn its inspiration from the west” and that “this methodology is purely alien to our thoughts and thinking.” In its stead, it propagates a model “imbued with Indianness” spreading the “ideology of cultural nationalism in education and society.” Its motto is “Rashtra Ke Hit Mein Shiksha, Shiksha Ke Hit Mein Shikshak, Shikshak Ke Hit Mein Samaj” (Education for the progress of the country, teachers for the progress of education, society for the progress of teachers). As many as 35 state-level organisations and more than 50 university level organisations over 24 states are affiliated to the Mahasangh.

Prajna Pravah (1991)

Founders: Founding team has 9 members listed, all notable names within the RSS ecosystem - Sarsanghachalak K.S Sudarshan, Murli Manohar Joshi, Padma Shri P. Parameshwaran, Shyam Khosla, Devendra Swarup, M.C Jayadev, M.G Vaidya, K.R Malkani, V.S Narasimhan, and Sujit Dhar. At present, the chief and national convener is J Nandakumar.

The RSS started Prajna Pravah (also spelt Pragya Pravah) as a forum to coordinate different types of intellectual movements. Its website calls it a “nation-wide intellectual movement rooted in Indian ethos” which aims to tackle the “challenges posed by globalisation upsetting long-standing traditions and forcing radical change.” This includes threats to biodiversity, cultural diversity and lifestyles “due to spread of consumeristic and materialistic civilisation.”

One of its topics of discussion is the demand for constitutional changes to better orient the nation to the RSS’ objectives. The RSS and its affiliates have pushed for amendments to Article 29 and 30, and before 2019, called for the scrapping of Article 370.

Its mission is “to create a robust and proactive global network of Bharat centric intellectuals, initiatives and think tanks.” It describes itself as a “rational umbrella that stimulates, trains and synthesises individuals to recognise the inherent strength of Bharath with academic vigor directed towards decolonising Indian minds from Eurocentric impact.” It engages in research and studies, and hosts workshops and meet-ups. It publishes books and some research journals as well.

Vigyan Bharati (1991)

Founders: The Swadeshi Science Movement was started at Indian Institute of Science- Bengaluru by a group of scientists headed by Prof IK Vasu. This later became Vigyan Bharati.

The Vigyan Bharati (or Vijnana Bharati) is the science wing of the RSS. It identifies the promotion of ‘swadeshi science’, intertwining traditional and modern sciences, as well as natural and spiritual sciences, as its founding principle, and seeks to achieve progress for India through science and technology in consonance with Indian heritage.

The initial consultative meet in 1990 that led to its establishment was attended by HV Sheshadri, KS Sudarshan, Rajendra Singh, Dattopant Thengadi, Nanaji Deshmukh, Murli Manohar Joshi, Jagmohan Garg, KI Vasu, Sujit Dhar, VB Panicker, and Upendra Shenoy.

Others affiliated with Vijnana Bharati are scientist G. Madhavan Nair, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of the Dept. of Atomic Energy, and Vijay P. Bhatkar, who developed India’s first supercomputer. It is considered an elite wing, with two of the senior-most office-bearers of the RSS leading it – general secretary (Sarkaryavah) Bhaiyyaji Joshi and joint general secretary (Sah Sarkaryavah) Suresh Soni. Vigyan Bharati has units in 22 states, and contacts in 4 more.

Click on any icon to know more details.

Vibha organises the World Congress of Vedic Sciences. It also has an international branch- Vibha international, which has created the SIF- Science India Forum – to co-ordinate with Middle-East and encourage private-public partnership; and the GIST- Global Indian Scientists and Technocrats forum, launched by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on December 26, 2010, to link global Indians with underprivileged masses in the country. Vijana Bharati says it plans to expand in the Gulf countries to acquaint children of Indian families there with the country’s rich scientific and cultural heritage.

Vibha has inherently pushed for research into Hindu texts to promote the Swadeshi science movement.

Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana (1994)

Founder(s): Pracharak Thakur Ram Singh, aided by colleagues such as senior RSS pracharak Moropant Pingle and Satish Chandra Mittal.

The Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana (ABISY) started as a movement to rewrite Indian history and challenge what was perceived as a Marxist and Leftist retelling of history. A predecessor of the ABISY called the Baba Saheb Apte Smarak Samiti had been set up in Nagpur in 1973, named for the first RSS pracharak.

In May 1994, Pracharak Thakur Ram Singh set up ABISY. Debates over Indian history further intensified after the BJP-led NDA came to power in the late 90s. Among the first projects taken up by the organisation was a debate over India not sticking to the BC and AD framework. It has also worked on projects like History in Puranas, ‘Debunking Aryan Invasion Theory’, ‘The science behind Hindu calendar and its global expanse’, ‘History of pilgrimage centres of Bharat’, ‘Evidence-based history of war of independence in 1857, ‘Vedic Saraswati River’, and ‘Documenting tribal history.’

Its biggest project is to bring out a comprehensive history of the country in eight volumes by 2024, starting from the times of the Mahabharata.

ABISY disagrees with historians about existing classifications of history into different time periods, proposing a classification based on the reign of various Indian kings.

James Mill's eras

Ancient Hindu

Pre-historic to 12th century

Muslim

12th century to 18th century

Modern British

18th century onwards

Contemporary Historians' eras

Ancient

~6000BC to 600AD

Medieval

Early: 700 AD- 1200 AD

Medieval: 1200 AD to around colonial era in the 1700s

Modern

18th century onwards

ABISY: The organisation seeks to divide history into four eras based on a classification suggested by Professor Satish Chandra Mittal

ABISY's eras

Era 1

Vedas era till the start of the rule of King Harshvardhan (647 AD)

Era 2

The rule of King Harshvardhan till 1760

Era 3

1760 to 1947

Era 4

From 1947 to present

Since 2014, ABISY’s presence in shaping documenting India’s history has become profound.

SOCIAL WORK & COMMUNITY

Rashtra Sevika Samiti (1936)

Founders: Lakshmibai Kelkar

Involved in Gandhi’s Sevagram Ashram in Wardha, Lakshmibai Kelkar (born as Kamala Datey), began her journey as a social worker by establishing Kesarimal Kanya Vidyalaya – a school for girls in Wardha. After her sons joined the RSS, she met Dr. Hedgewar in 1936 and campaigned for a similar organisation for women. While the Samiti claims to be independent, its organisational structure is similar to the RSS with shakhas, sevikas (volunteers), vistarikas (short-term members) and pracharikas (full-time celibate members devoted to Samiti’s work). Following ideals similar to the RSS – motherhood, leadership and duty, the Samiti also follows its parent organisation’s stance on various issues.

During the Independence struggle, the Samiti disagreed with the feminist movement in India, claiming that they differed in ‘their definition of men and women as binaries’ and did not see a conflict between the sexes. In the 1950s and 60s, Ms. Kelkar focused on attracting volunteers across India with discourses on Ramayan, exhorting women to be like Sita, Draupadi and freedom fighters such as Rani Laxmibai and Ahilyabai Holkar and fight to ‘protect their chastity’. Through the years, the Samiti has expanded across India with over 2700 shakhas and 50,000 volunteers involved in 475 social service projects such as health camps, vocational training classes, cultural classes, hostels.

Like their male counterpart, the Samiti too has expanded internationally to ten countries under the name ‘Hindu Sevika Samiti’, functioning as wings under HSS chapters. In UK, US, Australia, Kenya, Liberia, Nepal, Uganda, Canada and Malaysia, HSS run either a separate women's wing or have women-specific activities/projects under their usual programme.

Since 2003, it has trained women as priests to perform Vedic rites. Amidst accusations of being ‘traditional, orthodox and communal' and not standing for gender concerns, the Samiti, in 2022, held ‘prabuddha’ (intellectual) meetings with female professionals like doctors, teachers, engineers, chartered accountants, and those working in MNCs in a bid to increase involvement and discuss the challenges they face in running their families along with their job.

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati (1979)

Founders: Balasaheb Deoras

Registered as: Organisation under Societies Registration Act,1860 and later a public trust

Beginning from Delhi with a ‘Balwadi’ in Delhi’s Jahangirpur in 1981, Rashtriya Sewa Bharati (RSB) has now grown to become the India’s largest social work organisation. Based on the philosophy ‘Sewa (service), Sanskar (values), Samriddhi (prosperity) and Samrasta (social harmony)’, Sewa Bharati powers the bulk of RSS’s social work in four sectors – education, health, skill training and relief work.

As it functions mainly on donations, Sewa Bharati has courted controversies over its misuse, Hindutva agenda and collaboration with BJP state governments.

Click on any entry below to expand and read more details.

2002

Association with U.S.-based IDRF

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US-based India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) disbursed more than $5 million for development and relief work in India between 1995-2000, of which 83% of its recipients were RSS affiliates across multiple states, including Sewa Bharati. IDRF funds also go to Ekal and other tribal schools in Adivasi areas for shuddhi/reconversion programmes, or Hinduisation efforts.

2004

Selective relief work in Gujarat

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Sewa Bharati (UK) collected £2 million (about Rs. 15 crores) in Britain for relief work in Gujarat following the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, to promote aims of RSS. Even in those relief works, Muslims were widely reported to have been left out.

2015

Solidarity with Godmen

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RSB conducted a conclave to 'acquaint young people with the public service aspect of organisations associated with Hindu sadhus'. This was done to counter muliple media reports of godmen being charged with/committing crimes.

2020

COVID relief work through SDRF

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration with state governments, NGOs and local hospitals, RSB was involved in providing food kits, oxygen cylinders, ventilators, masks, mortuary vans and helped establish isolation centres, and blood and plasma donation centres. For this they were entitled to funds from the State Disaster Relief Fund-- a first for the RSS NGO, which has claimed to not take any financial support from any government for its disaster-relief work.

With its growing presence in India, in 2003, RSB and 45 of its representative organisations registered as a public trust called ‘Sewa Bharati.

As RSB is an umbrella group, its members include – volunteers, its own state-level coordinators (drawn from local RSS shakhas and other Sangh parivar units), local NGOs and its volunteers. Guided by the RSS’s Akhil Bharatiya Saha Seva Pramukh for its service, discipline and mobilisation, Sewa Bharati is also represented in the RSS’s highest decision-making body – the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha. Through the years, Sewa Bharati’s work in disaster relief has attracted plaudits and accusations of furthering the RSS’s Hindutva agenda or funneling foreign donations to the Sangh parivar.

Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (1952)

Founder: Ramakant Keshav Deshpande a.k.a Balasaheb Deshpande

Registered as: Public trust

Fearing the influence of Christian missionaries in ‘converting tribals’ in North East and Central India, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) was founded in Madhya Pradesh’s Jashpur, boldly declaring “Tu Main Ek Rakt” (You, Me, one blood). It kicked off its campaign by enrolling six children belonging to the Oraon tribe in Jashpur in school.

Across India, the VKA has established nurseries, schools for tribal children, ‘chatrawas’ (hostels) for youths, dispensaries, agricultural development centres, spiritual congregation centres for tribal communities a.k.a ‘Vanvasis’ (forest dwellers) or ‘Janjatis’ (scheduled tribes). Rejecting the term ‘Adivasi’ as a ‘colonial construct’, the VKA refers to India’s tribal population as ‘Vanvasis/Janjatis’, insisting that their roots are in ‘Sanatan Dharm’ and not unique from it.

The VKA also runs focused projects to promote sports, rural development, preserve tribal folk art, dance, songs, tales, literature and coordinate between various tribal communities. Through the years, it has often voiced its support/opposition to several Central/State legislations and amendments to existing laws, related to tribal land/community/forest rights. However, since 2014, ithas limited itself to raising concerns on ‘Bangladeshi infiltration’, ‘forced religious conversions of tribals’ and ‘need for NRC’.

Spotlight: Gujarat

1998-2022

Here's a look at how the VKA helped the BJP's seat share during assembly elections in Gujarat.

In spite of being ‘apolitical’, the VKA has been actively involved in the BJP’s electoral campaigns in States with significant tribal population. Spread across 447 districts, it has reached across 55,840 villages and is undertaking 20,243 projects. On its website, the VKA lists 1,103 full-time workers and 766 part-time workers; its cadre strength on-ground is arguably much more – expanding both the RSS and BJP’s influence among tribes.

VKA's push for BJP

Spotlight: Chhattisgarh

2003-2023

Here's a look at how the VKA helped the BJP's seat share during assembly elections in Chhattisgarh.

Samajik Samrasta Manch (1983)

Founder: Dattopant Thengadi

Registered as: Volunteer organisation

In the wake of the release of the Mandal Commission report in 1980, several protests were witnessed in Gujarat and Bihar, with some sections demanding its implementation and others threatening boycott if implemented. Voicing concerns over the ‘anti-reservation’ protests, the RSS’s apex authority, Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, passed a resolution emphasising the need for social harmony. Adding Dr. B.R Ambedkar to the list of leaders invoked in the RSS’ morning prayers, veteran Dattopant Thengadi launched the ‘Samajik Samrasta Manch’ (SSM) in 1983, throwing open the shakha doors to Dalits and OBCs.

Through the years, the SSM has been instrumental in the Sangh and the BJP’s efforts to co-opt social reformers such as Dr. Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, Suhel Dev – spreading stories about their connections to Hinduism and their exploits against Mughal rulers/British Raj.

However, its efforts to ‘unite Hindus’ have been hampered by mob lynching incidents (which have been on the rise since 2016) of Dalits, Muslims and tribals by other Hindutva outfits.

Kreeda Bharati (1992)

Striving to promote ‘Fit India Hit India’, Kreeda Bharati was founded in Pune to promote the country’s traditional sports and to boost youth participation in modern sports. Initially limited to Maharashtra, Kreeda Bharati introduced home-grown games like ‘Vish-Amrit’ (lock and key), Kabbadi, ‘Luka Chuppi’ (Hide and Seek), ‘Kancha Goli’ (marbles) in Vidya Bharati schools to promote agility, stamina and a healthy lifestyle among children. In 2009, the organisation expanded under late cricketer-turned-BJP MP Chetan Chauhan to all states.

Clockwise: Surya Namaskar being performed at Kreeda Bharati event
Kreeda Bharati members participating in bike rally under 'Maa Bharati Abhinav Archana'
Sports event organised by Kreeda Bharati for school children
Credit: Kreeda Bharati

To expand its base in rural areas, Kreeda Bharati began organising ‘mini Olympics’ at a local level in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh with games like Power Lifting, Kudo, Yungmudo, Silambam, Floor Ball, Mini Golf, Tikock Ball, Langdi, Tug of war. It was aimed at discouraging increased use of mobile phones among teenagers, youth, and even senior citizens. By establishing ‘Kreeda kendras’ in all districts, the organisation has expanded its activities to mountain-trekking, sports literature conferences, and encouraging athletes who are mothers by conferring them the ‘Jijamata Award’.

Seema Jankalyan Samiti (2002)

Founder: Sohan Singh

Registered as: Society under Society Registration Act, 1860

In 1985, RSS veteran Sohan Singh began the Seema Jankalyan Samiti (SJS) regionally to help the people living in the border areas of Rajasthan. With fears of infiltration increased in the post-1971 war era, the SJS collaborated with defence forces to engage with border villages by providing food, shelter, education, medical care, free student hostels and ‘instilling patriotism’ in the youth. Based on the RSS’s values of ‘service, duty’ and its pro-Army stance, the SJS helps the forces in ‘recruitment’ from these border areas, claiming this counters infiltration and quells separatist sentiments.

In 2002, the SJS was officially registered as a non-governmental organisation and began its work across other border areas in India - Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat, setting up ‘Shakti Kendras’. Within Rajasthan, it expanded to areas like Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer. Over the years, the SJS has voiced its opposition to separatism, celebrated Hindu festivals with defence forces posted in border areas and promoted repatriating Hindu refugees.

Arogya Bharati (2002)

Founder: Dr. Upendra Shenoy

Registered as: Public Trust

Arogya Bharati is an organisation of doctors from various medical streams to promote health and well-being based on ‘Indian values’. Founded in Kochi on November 2, 2002 (the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari), Arogya Bharati was formally registered as a public trust in Bhopal on July 29, 2004. With state units in all parts of India, Arogya Bharati is involved in disease prevention activities, health workshops, service work during disasters and medical camps.

To formulate India’s health policy, Arogya Bharati launched a think tank called Bharatiya Swasthya Chintan in Bhopal in 2006. This committee provides inputs to the government in formulating policies adhering to ‘Sewa Bhav’ (service). Apart from policy-making, Arogya Bharati is also involved in identifying, planting and conserving medicinal herbs, raising awareness about diabetes and increasing children’s health knowledge in schools.

Saksham seva (2008)

Founder: Dipendra Manocha

Registered as: Charitable organisation

Expanding on the RSS’s work on empowering the visually impaired, Samdrushti Kshamata Vikas Evam Anusandhan Mandal (Saksham) was founded in Nagpur on June 20, 2008 to work for all persons with disabilities (PwD). Previously known as Akhil Bharatiya Drishtihin Kalyan Sangh (founded in 1960), Saksham was founded with the aim of making ‘physically challenged people self-reliant via various projects’. With six wings - Arts, Sports, Women, Youth, employment, advocacy and Research, Saksham has established ‘Divyang Seva Kendras’ across India to provide early intervention, therapy, assistive devices, training teachers and families to provide inclusivity and help PwDs with getting disability certificates from government agencies.

Saksham’s major projects include – Corneal Andhatv Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (CAMBA) which is aimed to boost corneal donation and provide affordable treatment for Corneal Blindness; Dheemahi – a vocational centre to train autistic and intellectually-challenged individuals; Netrakumabh – an annual eye donation camp and regular blood donation camps. Saksham has also batted for increasing the reservation for PwDs from 3% to 6% and has organised mass weddings for PwDs.

PUBLICATIONS

Organiser (1947)

Founder: A. Raghavan Nair

Registered as: Its publisher Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited is registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act,1956

The Organiser is an English-language weekly which functions as a mouthpiece of the RSS. “Service to the Motherland and a sense of dedication to the nation coupled with true secularism is the hallmark of ORGANISER,” its website reads. It has been edited over the years by A.R. Nair, K.R. Malkani, L.K. Advani, V.P. Bhatia, Seshadri Chari, and R.Balashanker. The current editor is Prafulla Ketkar. According to the Organiser’s website, it has a readership of 5 lakh, and is read in India, Canada, U.K, U.S.A and more than 50 other nations across the world.

The Organiser publishes several thinkpieces promoting the views of its ideological parent.

Cover of Organiser - a weekly magazine published by the RSS, on August 11, 2024, depicting 'Columbus Day'
Credit: Organiser

January 11, 1970: Two decades after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the Organiser, “could remember Gandhi, on January 11, 1970, only in these terms in its editorial: "It was in support of Nehru's pro-Pakistan stand that Gandhiji went on fast and, in the process, turned the people's wrath on himself."”

October 5, 1997: It published an advertisement by a Delhi publisher for six "Readable Attractive New Books", which included the book “May it please your Honour?” which was Nathuram Godse’s statement in Court, two books by Nathuram Godse’s brother, Gopal Godse, and another by the Judge who ordered the locks of the gates to the Babri Masjid to be opened on February 1, 1986 in breach of the law.

January 24, 2021: Its edition condemned “inter-faith” marriages and expressed a wish for “the dawn of Dharma-based World Order” in an article by Shekhar Patel, avowedly “President of the International Centre for Cultural Studies” in the U.S.

Panchajanya (1947)

Founding editor was Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Registered as: Its publisher Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited is registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act,1956

Panchajanya is the Hindi language weekly associated with the RSS. It claims to pursue journalism for the progress of society. Its first editor was Atal Bihari Vajpayee. While never occupying the editor’s chair, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay helped the weekly grow, taking up numerous roles including that of a proof-reader, compositor, publisher, and distributor. He had great influence on the direction of the weekly and penned many articles for it under various pen names.

Cover of Panchajanya - a weekly magazine published by the RSS, on August 18, 2024, depicting 'Partition and its lessons'
Credit: Panchajanya

The statement of the weekly has been expressed by its various taglines: ‘राष्ट्रीयता का प्रहरी’ (Sentinel of Nationalism), ‘सांस्कृतिक चेतना का अग्रदूत’ (Pioneer of Cultural Consciousness), ‘राष्ट्रीय स्वाभिमान एवं शौर्य का स्वर’ (Voice of National Pride and Valor) and ‘बात भारत की’ (About India.)

Notable figures such as Purushottam Das Tandon, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia, Acharya Hazari Prasad Dviwedi, Amrutlal Nagar, Mahadevi Varma, Kishori Das Vajpayee, Krishnachandra Prasad Medhe have written for the publication.

Note: In addition to The Organiser and Panchajanya, a news agency called Hindustan Samachar was also created, although after some decades it ceased to be RSS-controlled, and declined.

Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak

Started by the current Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat in 2015, the ABSB is a ‘coordination meeting’ among the organisations of the Sangh Parivar.

Of the four annual meetings held by the RSS, the Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak is the only one which includes representatives from all of the above-mentioned organisations. Started by the current Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat in 2015, the Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak is a ‘coordination meeting’ among the organisations of the Sangh Parivar.

The RSS claims that it acts as a ‘facilitator’ in these baithaks to help iron out issues between different groups and bring a consensus or hold their ideas till a solution is found. Ever since Mr. Modi became the Prime Minister, the baithaks have been pivotal in shaping the BJP’s policies in line with issues raised by the RSS. At times, it has also acted as ground-level feedback to the government about its policies and concerns of its constituents. Further, the baithak helps pick the BJP's party president.

The RSS powers the Sangh’s collaborations, solves opposing views on issues, guides its political wing BJP’s policies, electoral strategy and campaign and charts out the Sangh Parivar’s future agenda. Overall, it remains the guiding force for the entire Sangh Parivar, working in the background, without being answerable to anyone.