A New Era for RSS – ‘Keshav Kunj’ Symbolizes RSS Commitment to Nation-Building

TNN News : The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has nearly been an Indian nationalist organisation for almost a century. The RSS is established in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar ji and devoted to nation-making through discipline, selfless service, and intense commitment to cultural values. For the past hundred years, the RSS was strong on its mission and intensified its influence, not only throughout the country but even beyond. It has built its legacy through dedication, discipline, and sacrifice which make the organization one of the most revered in Indian history.

The RSS greatest strength lies in this grassroots structure. While it grew from a handful in Nagpur at inception, today it reaches every town and village across India and thus builds a network of volunteers who donate their time and energy to serve the nation without taking any credit. Public top-down organizations are not RSS where the latter is grassroots in its approach, which helps it to achieve a widely deep reach. It goes to the remotest corners; the very fact that it reaches out empowered people adds for knowledge, training at the level of capability and self-confidence.

Unlike political organizations which have their ebb and flow in electoral terms, the RSS is eternal and ceaseless. It does not work with the vision of power, but with the mission of waking the national soul. This inherent difference makes it stand out and ensures it continuity from generations to generations. Governments change after five years, while the RSS keeps shaping the minds of the people and strengthens their commitment to the nation. This continuity makes it a unique edge against any kind of political or social organization.

RSS imparts discipline and dedication that are unparalleled. Everything, from the daily shakhas to the extensive organizational set-up, has an order and purpose to it. The swayamsevak learns the value of time, responsibility, and teamwork from a tender age. These are the qualities that shape one’s character, forge national spirit, and work towards nation-building. The RSS fosters a system of seniority wherein seniors train novices and induct them into the culture of discipline and dedicated work. Thus, mentoring through seniority helps develop a culture of disciplined approach to work. 

RSS’s adaptability stands out. With values held constant since inception, the Sangh has molded itself to meet the needs of contemporary India by taking upon itself undertaking initiatives in education, social service, disaster relief, skill development, and technological advancement, all of which would converge towards the harmony of tradition and modernization. By blending modern technology with traditional wisdom, RSS remains relevant in the 21st century while preserving timeless values. 

Certainly, the RSS has contributed immensely to shaping India’s cultural and political scenario. It revived national pride, upholding Sanatan Dharma, and propelled the essence of self-reliance. Some of India’s most important leaders, thinkers, and reformers have come out of the Sangh’s ecosystem, empowering the nation even further. The ideological framework provided by the RSS has fed policy interventions, inspired movements, and generated a renewed sense of national pride among Indians.

In fact, there have been times when the RSS has had to face flak and odds from groups which mostly failed to understand the real essence of the organization. But, it has never deterred from carrying out its aims. It continues with the belief that real service sometimes does not need external validation at all. The respect and love it our millions of Indians commands is proof of the area of success it has achieved. Mis representation of ideals became the constant indictment followed by action by the RSS, and continued expansion and influence stand as a testament to its resilience.

Even during all forms of emergencies-from wars, natural calamities, or even pandemics-RSS swayamsevaks have jeopardized their lives for the sake of the nation. At a time when everyone was only talking of the supposed ‘System, it was the Sangha that took up the challenge and acted. This has thus proved itself more than any other organizing body. The Sangh has always been the first to step forward in earthquake relief, flood support, and even medical emergencies-all without publicity or politics.

It will be turning, in 2025, the 100th year, but the RSS today stands much stronger than in any one of its previous years. It is no longer just an organization; it is now revolutionizing lives, not in India alone but in Indian communities around the world. The future of Bharat is no less tied to the future of RSS, and the latter still has an increasing role to play in bringing a self-reliant, culturally strong, and internationally respected Bharat. With the celebration of the centenary approaching, the Sangh will widen its horizon in activities and bring more into its fold, thus making for a bright and prosperous future for Bharat.

The inauguration of Keshav Kunj, the new headquarters of the RSS in New Delhi will be a landmark event in this journey. This five lakh square feet complex, built on four acres in Jhandewalan, represents the next phase of RSS’s scale and influence. But, this building has a statement of Sangh vision, commitment, and strength, being located centrally in the national capital, which means it assumes considerable importance in shaping India’s future.

Another virtue of Keshav Kunj is that it showcases the grand organizational and executing capacity of the Sangh. Even more scintillating was the great project exclusively funded by donations from the public and contributed to by over seventy-five thousand donors. This goes to prove that the trust and faith in the RSS are very much alive. The immense accomplishment of getting the project done without any corporate or government funding shows what collective will can achieve. 

The three towers—Sadhana, Prerana, and Archana—symbolize dedication, inspiration, and devotion. Each of these towers has its own activity, giving objectivity to the organized yet holistic approach that RSS adopts. Sadhana is meant for basic offices, while Prerana and Archana are meant for residential blocks for RSS functionaries who work and live in a space conducive to discipline and comfort. In turn, architectural finesse and efficient planning make these towers a perfect setting for enhancing productivity and conviviality.  The space between Prerana and Archana is something more than just a lawn. It is hallowed ground where shakhas will continue to be held daily, providing continuity to the specialized training tradition of the RSS. The statue of Dr. Hedgewar provides an ever-present guiding light of the Sangh’s ideology and value system for every swayamsevak. The carefully done-up gardens and open spaces create a serene and contemplative atmosphere to further embed the spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Sangh. 

Auditoriums in Keshav Kunj, including the Ashok Singhal auditorium, are specially designed to hold large gatherings, discussions, and training programs. With a total seating capacity of 1,300, these auditoriums will be utilized for the conception of future strategies to extend the RSS presence. This facilitates the RSS in holding an ideological and intellectual discussion credibly and fairly in a modern environment, thus furthering their outreach.

Arguably, the single most eminent facet of Keshav Kunj is the Keshav Pustakalaya located on the 10th floor. This library is intended to act as an academic center for research on Indian history, RSS ideology, and nationalist literature. It is a place from which those scholars, researchers, and historians inclined to studying the influence of the RSS upon India will draw considerable assistance.  Keshav Kunj is not merely an office. It embodies altruistic endeavors, discipline, and dedication. It speaks for the 100 years of the RSS journey and the aspirations that lie ahead. Keshav Kunj is, to me, an eyewitness to the unrelenting work of the Sangh. It attests to the power of faith, organization, and the national spirit. This magnificent edifice would continue to inspire swayamsevaks for generations to come. It stands not so much on the backbone of bricks and cement but rather on the dreams and sacrifices of thousands of patriots. In the onward journey of India as a great power, the RSS, with its ideology and an unwavering sense of purpose, will ever remain a torchbearer for the nation’s advancement.  Now it is Keshav Kunj that stands high and mighty, just like the Sangh ideals that are firm, steadfast, and committed to national interest.

(Author is Professor and Managing Trustee, Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS) www.namostudies.com Email: modistudies@gmail.com)