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CIHS – Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies > rashtriya swayamsevak sangh
Education Hindus
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Unite to Lead by Example

RSS message of unity transcending caste, creed, gender, region and faiths will strengthen Bharat’s social fabric, signal global leadership role K.A.Badarinath ‘Reconciliation, security and peace’ are what Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagawat articulated while delivering his annual Vijay Dashami speech at the organization’s headquarters in Nagpur. This is at variance with ‘radicalism’ and ‘fundamentalism’ sought to be attached to Hindus and RSS by self-styled ‘liberal minds’, conspiracy theorists and those opposed to Bharat’s unity. RSS chief’s Dussehra speech is widely recognized in Bharat and internationally as firm indicator of the organization’s outlook towards issues, happenings and unfolding developments on socio-economic and political front. ‘Sulah, Salamati & Aman’ is what Mohan Bhagawat pushed for with diverse communities that form larger Bharat’s society. Bhagawat appealed for reconciliation, security and peace as against discord, strife and violence (Fitna, Fasad & Kitan) to realize vast breadth of unity in diversity that Bharat’s 1.4 billion population is known for since millennia. Use of Arabic and Persian root words by RSS chief to drive home the point of unity rising above differences seems a firm signal to over 210 million Muslims in India and their counterparts around the world especially the Sunnis that eye RSS and Hindus with suspicion and distrust. His reference to Christians and other minorities that may have differences with Hindus is again significant given ‘tolerant, embracing attitude’ of Bharat’s citizens to all those that made this country their home. There was very little or no mention of RSS chief’s reconciliatory note in Bharat’s media or dispatches of foreign writers. Forging unity by rising above selfish and divisive tendencies disrupting Bharat’s growth seems to be central theme of RSS chief’s speech. RSS appeal for forging unity as ‘mantra’ is refreshing and assuring given the false propaganda unleashed by Bharat’s rivals on reported Muslims ‘genocide’ or Christians being targeted post-2014. A couple of Christian and Muslim organizations have being propagating globally on their being targeted by RSS, BJP and Modi Government, in that order. Sangh chief spoke for his organization unequivocally and plain terms that RSS does not believe in such an agenda. Playing victimhood, looking at each other with suspicion and seeking political dominance have been identified as three big evils that come in the way of achieving unity. RSS chief also made it clear that his push for unity did not tantamount to ‘ceasefire’ between the so called warring parties. It was RSS chief’s way of reflecting on cultural continuity, unity and vast diversity. Rightly so, RSS targeted ‘cultural Marxists’ and ‘woke’ that have sought to dominate the narrative and peddle confusion, chaos and corruption’ through deceitful means to meet selfish ends and discriminatory in attitude. RSS chief came down heavily on these elements that promoted anarchy and indiscretion in public life as individuals and groups. A lot of what Mohan Bhagawat said makes sense when one looks at disruptive campaigns, ‘tool kits’ and physical demonstrations that are done by anti-Hindu conglomerations that are indoctrinated by misplaced Marxism, jihad, evangelism and of all extremism and violence that breed divisiveness. Case in point is the aggressive, violent and extremist minority Khalistani elements in otherwise calm and quiet larger Sikh community. These vocal groups and individuals, not very large in numbers in Bharat, UK, US, Canada and Europe have threatened to derail perception about Bharat globally. Line of conciliation and message of unity propounded by RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat is significant given that Bharat is celebrating 75-years post adoption of the country’s constitution and in a year or so, RSS turns 100-years old with rich legacy of its founders Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and his successor, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar. Sangh’s message of unity cannot be more apt given the challenges that Bharat faces within and outside as a country and ‘classical civilization with rich heritage. It’s no denying that this unity should also be the driving force for Bharat to provide leadership globally especially after an eventful G-20 Presidency, forging bilateral and regional pacts with equanimity at centre. RSS chief seems to have exercised huge restraint in his commentary on the Russian onslaught of Ukraine and Hamas terror attack on Israel that have led to ‘conflicts’ which will have disruptive impact on humanity and economic recovery that’s nascent post-Covid 19. Briefly, RSS chief referred to basic tenets of Sanatan Dharma as the guiding principles that shaped Hindu way of life. He seems to have exercised a lot of restraint in calling out the likes of Tamil Nadu’s first political family that view Sanatan Dharma as ‘dengue’ and ‘malaria’ to be weeded out. One issue that’s dear to Hindus on which RSS chief came out unambiguously is ‘grand’ Ram temple to house Ram Lalla at Ayodhya whose consecration has been scheduled for January 22 next year. RSS and likeminded organizations view Ram temple as a ‘unifying factor’ for all citizens in Bharat transcending castes, creed, sex, region and faiths. His call for holding programmes that send out a strong message of unity across Bharat and globally is extension of his extrapolation to rise above narrow mind-set. (Author is Director & Chief Executive of New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Disinformation Geopolitics Hindus Human Rights Leadership Misinformation Policy
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Reject European Centric Narratives on India

Reclaiming Indian heritage, knowledge systems, cultural and spiritual vision based on Hindu way of life represent real India Rohan Giri At the launch of “Narrative ka Mayajal” authored by former Rajya Sabha Member Balbir Punj, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sar Karyavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale said “the so-called educated people and media in Bharat have embraced Euro-centric ideas and narratives that got deeply ingrained in our lives, education system, and societal perspective. The narrative cannot transform until we relinquish this colonial mind set.” This view on conversations and public discourse in India held by Hindu centric RSS has kicked off a serious debate in India i.e. Bharat. India narrative and the colonial mindset are interconnected and have a long history dating back to the era of imperialist British rule pre-independence. Understanding this relationship requires examining how colonialism shaped Indian mindset and continues to influence narratives in the country even after 75-years post-independence. Colonial subservient mind-set was conveniently adopted by the elitist few that worked in tandem with their British masters. This mind set always centred on British superiority syndrome and looked down at the Indian way of life or society.  After having destroyed rich cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems and ethos, British rulers had systematically perpetuated the inferiority complex through education, media, academics, thinking processes and administrative policies. British portrayed themselves as the civilizing force, claiming to bring modernity, progress, and enlightenment to the “backward” and “uncivilized” Indians aggressively peddled by Lord Macaulay’s education doctrine. Such ideas were propagated to justify British rule and retain its control on Indian people, her resources, assets and destroy her culture, heritage and sanatan dharma. Education played a crucial role in shaping the colonial mindset. The British introduced a Western-style of education system that glorified British culture, history and achievements while denigrating Indian heritage and traditions. This led to devaluing indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices, making many Indians internalize a sense of inferiority and cultural loss. At the book launch, Dattatreya Hosable said before the British came, Indians never underestimated themselves and fought against their enemies with courage and confidence. But the British created a narrative that made us doubt our own abilities. Also, he said they made us hate ourselves; such a narrative was spread by their agents through academia, universities, think tanks, international media and the judiciary. RSS strongly believes that we need to rediscover true India in the term of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, Hosabale stated.   At the last year customary Vijayadashami speech, RSS Sarsanghchalak (Head) Dr Mohan Bhagwat had said, “We need a Swa-centric approach towards history of India’s freedom movement.” British had primarily written and controlled the narrative during colonial rule presenting India through Euro-centric lens as it did in Africa and elsewhere. Indigenous perspectives and voices were marginalized and Indian history, culture, and achievements were often misrepresented or ignored. After gaining independence in 1947, India began the process of nation-building and redefining its narrative. However, the colonial legacy continued to have profound impact. The colonial mindset left its mark on the education system, administrative structures and social norms, which required conscious efforts to decolonize and reclaim Bharat’s identity. On the same line, Sah-Sarkaryavah Arun Kumar, at launch of the book, “SWA: Struggle for National Selfhood”, written by J Nand Kumar, convenor of Pragya Pravah had said, “It’s not time for blame. It is the time for introspection and self-correction. Instead of blaming leftists and other historians who distorted history, we must put dedicated efforts to bring out the truth. There is need for a positive and constructive approach.”  He had said, “The English-educated Indians who gained control over the institutions post-1911 reduced the idea of independence (Swatantrata) to just self-rule (Swadheenta) and ended up accepting India’s partition.” There is a need to change the fabricated stories that misrepresent India’s picture, culture, identity and rich heritage. RSS call for a positive and constructive approach to bring out the truth reflects the desire to overcome the distorted historical narratives and bridge the gap between the colonial mindset and the essence of India’s identity. Challenging and overcoming the colonial mindset is an ongoing process, and it requires collective effort to promote a more inclusive, diverse, and authentic representation. It is essential to recognize and rectify the impact of colonialism on the Indian narrative and the need for a conscious effort to regain confidence in India’s cultural heritage and true identity. By challenging misrepresentations and embracing a Swa-Centric approach, India can pave the way for a more authentic and inclusive narrative that aligns with its historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. (Author is Operations Manager at New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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Policy
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‘Swa’ to fuel RSS expansion drive

3S formula, Swadharm, Swadeshi, Swaraj, to add heft to its exponential expansion in run up to its centennial in 2025 K.A.Badarinath ‘Swa’ will fuel the largest Hindu centric organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in its next phase of expansion as it heads to celebrate its centennial in 2025. The threesome Swa defined by ‘Swadharm (positive dharmic Hindu way of life), Swadeshi (self-reliance) and Swaraj (independence in true spirit) will act as spring board in its next phase of expansion to over one lakh units or shakhas in India. The ‘3S’ formula encompassing Indian identity has been prescribed as sure shot matrix to India assuming leadership role globally and ensure human wellbeing. While these three very distinct ideas were bedrock of India’s struggle for independence during foreign invasion over centuries, they will provide ideological fodder to attain the pinnacle on socio-economic, cultural and religious fronts. Big push to Hindu way of dharmic life that’s in sync with environment will support restoring the delicate human – nature balance that’s skewed owing to excessive consumption of goods and services. Even on consumption or production front, RSS seems to have relied heavily on domestic sources of both ingredients, final products, processes and workforce given its unapologetic and uncompromising commitment to ‘self- reliance’. This is expected to not only create new work opportunities in India but evolve the country to be a global hub for production of both services and goods to fill in the serious gap owing to disruption in supply chains internationally. True spirited independence in thought, mind, spirit, action and evolution of Indian society is seen by the Sangh as a sure way to lead the world. RSS seems to have found its inspiration from ‘swaraj’ campaign of pre-independence days to unshackle the country from colonial British imperialists of pre-1947 aggression. The 3S formula – swadharm, swadeshi and swaraj – are also seen as backbone to achieving ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’, i.e. universal brotherhood and human wellbeing to mark India’s resurgence. This primacy is expected to be based on her eternal values system and build on the country’s G-20 Presidency defined by this very theme around, one world, family and future. Well, the Swadharm, Swadeshi and Swaraj postulation of the Sangh have come in wake of its already running campaigns on ‘samrasta’ (social harmony) and ‘swasbhimaan’ (taking pride in one’s self and his or her roots). RSS general council three-day conclave held in Pattikalyana village near Panipat in Haryana did recognize serious challenges of fulfilling basic needs for 1.4 billion Indian population, carving out opportunities based on Indian beliefs in modernity, achieving holistic development through judicious use of technologies and new models that were eco-friendly. If one were to go by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, strengthening the institution of family, swadeshi entrepreneurship and evolving the society based on harmony and fraternity will form the basis for New India shedding the Nehruvian model. During ‘amrit kaal’, 25-years ahead of India entering its centennial year in 2047, RSS has emphasised on strengthening systems in education, economy, social, democratic and judicial institutions to take the leadership role globally. Sangh with its hugely committed cadres and 3S growth song will work on five key fronts by forging social harmony devoid of religious, caste based or regional fissures and promote family values based on Hindu philosophy apart from pushing the envelope on ecological conservation. While the Swadeshi movement will get a big push, sensitizing the people on their civic duty will be taken up by RSS to bring about cohesion in Indian society. Population imbalance, ending socio-economic discrimination and reinforcing ideals of democracy in the wake of Rahul Gandhi’s comments in London is something that seems very dear to RSS as an organization and a force to reckon with. Equitable participation of women under its own organizational umbrella beginning with family shakhas (units) or congregations and society at large is something Sangh will work towards, going by RSS general council deliberations. Sangh has rightly come up with an accommodative stance on same sex relationships sans criminalizing choices made by individuals. But, it rejected the idea of legalizing same sex marriages as has been the case in over 100 countries. (Author is Director & Chief Executive of non-partisan think-tank based in New Delhi, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

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