What Is RSS

RSS as the name suggest is राष्ट्रीय स्वयं सेवक संघ  (Rashtriya Swyam Sevak Sangh), which can be translated National Volunteers Organization. It has an organizational constitution. The RSS was founded on Vijayadasami Day, 27 September 1925 as a social organization by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who was a doctor in the city of Nagpur. It is a non-political organization.

Mission:

In the words Golwalkar who was third Sarsanghsanchalalal (head) of RSS the mission of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as the revitalisation of the Indian value system based on universalism and peace and prosperity to all. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम), the worldview that the whole world is one family, propounded by the ancient thinkers of India, is considered as the ultimate mission of the organisation

During Partition

RSS has always worked towards nation building; its first major contribution in nation building was during partition in 1947. Noted Gandhian and recipient of the highest civilian award in India, Bharat Ratna, Bhagwan Das commended the role of the "high-spirited and self-sacrificing boys" of the RSS in protecting the newly formed Republic of India, from a planned coup to topple the Jawaharlal Nehru Administration in Delhi.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli

After the independence of India, RSS was one of the socio-political organisations who supported and participated in movements to decolonise Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which was at the time ruled by Portuguese colonists.

Support to government during wars with China and Pakistan:

Whenever there was a national crisis RSS was at the forefront to help the governments of the day without any bias towards any political party.

The RSS was invited by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to take part in the Republic Day parade of 1963 in recognition of its volunteer work during the Sino-Indian War in 1962.

During Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri requested RSS cadres to help control traffic in Delhi, so policemen could be freed for defence duties.

In 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence, RSS volunteers offered their services to maintain law and order of the country and were apparently the first to donate blood.

Service During Calamities

Whenever there is a calamity RSS cadres are the first to reach the spot and start helping the people. So not only during national crisis like wars but during other internal problems like floods, earthquake also you will find RSS cadres at the forefront. They do not seek any publicity as they consider selfless service to mother India their greatest reward. Yes, they consider India as their mother. One of their motto is जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी (Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi) meaning mother and motherland are greater than heaven.

Criticism

RSS is often criticised by the people who do not know anything about it. They criticise it out of pure hatred. Some politicians in India criticise RSS because it is a road block in their selfish motives as it does a great job of educating the people and inculcating a strong sense of patriotism in them.