THE RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH
Hindu revivalism remains a growing force in India today. It is also a concern among the millions of displaced Hindus scattered around the world. Its roots lie in the belief that Hinduism is an endangered lifestyle. This notion is fuelled by the political assertiveness of minority groups, efforts to convert Hindus to other faiths, suspicions that the political authorities are sympathetic to minority groups and the belief that foreign political and religious ideologies are destroying the Hindu community. Every morning at sunrise, groups of men in military-style uniforms gather together before saffron coloured flags, in all parts of India, to participate in a common set of rituals, physical exercises and lessons. For one hour each day, they are taught to think of themselves as a family with a mission to transform Hindu society. (Andersen and Damle 1) They are the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the largest and most influential organization in India committed to Hindu revivalism. The RSS or National Volunteer Organization, is perhaps the most interesting of any of India's social movements. The growth of the RSS provides a detailed illustration of India's changing face. The purpose of this paper is to provide the read
However, the government was wary that the RSS posed a political threat to the stability of the country. With the pressing for an independent Muslim state by the Muslim League, the period between 1945 to 1948 saw sharp increases in membership within the RSS, including lower caste Hindus in areas that are now Pakistan, Punjab and Delhi. The RSS maintained a strong relation and presence with student groups. The VHP has also grown to become a large organization and is at present comparable to the RSS in strength, numbers and ideals of higher morals. Violence was everywhere as early as June 1947 and reached its peak in September 1947. There was lots of cross membership within the different organizations. The daily activities of the RSS were said to be a means of organizing Hindu society and promoting Hindu culture. As the Hindu and Muslim leaders within these communities continued to feel unfairly represented, they turned to forming other political organizations claiming to represent their respective groups. Those that excelled were moved up into the full-time rank of the organization-an organization that was extremely effective in managing and mobilizing many people. Those attracted to the new education came primarily from high caste Hindu groups. India's current government will most likely be a coalition formed around the BJP. Hedgewar felt Gandhi had made a serious tactical mistake. In the end, the traditionalist of the RSS won and the RSS stayed out of the pre-independence politics of India. Muslim rulers and the British were identified as sources of that disruption and many revivalist spokesmen sought to place limits on their political power and on their cultural influence.
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