The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s annual Vijayadashami address on Thursday assumes additional significance as the organisation, considered as the ruling BJP’s ideological fountainhead, commemorates its centenary this year.
While the Sangh has made elaborate preparations for this Vijayadashami rally, all eyes are on Bhagwat’s speech and the message that he will send from Nagpur’s Reshimbagh grounds, the headquarters of the organisation.
RSS sources said, “In his annual Vijayadashami speech, Bhagwat reflects on current developments in India and the world. He mainly expresses views on issues of national importance,” adding that “Accordingly, what comes through the RSS chief’s address is a loud and clear direction for not just the swayamsevaks (volunteers) but society at large.”
A common theme that runs through the RSS Sarsanghchalak’s Vijayadashami speeches is his call for “Hindu unity” and his caution against “division” in society on the grounds of caste, creed or religion. He has also regularly raised global issues, ranging from unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“As part of the Sangh’s centenary year celebrations, RSS members will go all out to carry Bhagwat’s message of unity in society, especially at a time when caste and communal polarisation have made deeper inroads,” an RSS-BJP leader said. “Unlike BJP, which is a political party, RSS focuses on larger issues confronting society. They are our ideological mentor. And their role transcends electoral politics and government’s functioning.”
A senior RSS leader said, “There are multiple outfits affiliated to the Sangh who do their work in different sectors. From addressing agricultural crisis to ensuring uplift of tribals, there are long-term plans under implementation.”
With US President Donald Trump imposing 50 per cent tariff on imports from India for its purchase of Russian oil, Bhagwat is also likely to comment on the row while underlining the significance of swadeshi.
As part of its centenary programmes, the RSS has planned an extensive door-to-door campaign besides meetings, conferences and seminars throughout the country round the year.
At a recent press conference at Reshimbag, the RSS’s national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar said, “The RSS will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Vijayadashami which is sacred to Hindus. The RSS journey of hundred years marks the unwavering commitment of Hindu society to the goal of world peace and human welfare.”
Former President Ram Nath Kovind will be the chief guest of the Vijayadashami event, which would be attended by a slew of dignitaries from different fields from India and abroad.
“This year is special, and there is visible excitement among the volunteers as well as the people of all states of India regarding the RSS’ centenary year,” Ambekar said.
An RSS functionary said the expansion of the organisation from villages to cities across the country showed its “growing acceptance among various segments of society”.
In 1925, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the RSS for the development of individuals and “character building”.
Referring to different venues where the RSS’ Vijayadashami celebrations were held over the decades, Ambekar said, “In early days, the Sangh’s event was held at Mohite Bada,” but following the expansion of the organisation, he noted, “the celebrations began at Yashwant Stadium”. “Afterwards, it was held at Kasturchand Park for many years. Since 1995, the celebrations have been held at Reshimbag,” he added.
Currently, the number of the RSS shakhas is more than 83,000 across the country, which involves over 32,000 weekly meetings. The Sangh’s first march in full uniform took place in 1926 in Nagpur. This march began from Mohite Bada and reached the Rajabaksha Temple in Hanuman Nagar.
The participation of RSS volunteers in the Vijayadashami event has also been on the rise. Last year, the attendance of the volunteers in uniform was around 7,000, which is expected to rise significantly this time.
“The Vijayadashmi event Thursday will also begin with the worship of weapons, followed by the Pradakshina Sanchalan, Yoga demonstration, Niyuddha, and Ghosh Pratyaksh,” said the RSS spokesman.
In the centenary year, Ambekar said, “We are going to undertake a door-to-door campaign, informing people about the Sangh. Various programmes will be organised to bring the Sangh’s ideology and work to the people. Hindu conventions will be held annually too.”