‘Next 100 yrs to see wider acceptance of RSS’

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been through difficult times, but expanded its footprint owing to its work in society, says Sunil Ambekar, all India spokesperson of the organisation.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

What is the most significant aspect of this 100-year journey?

The journey was initially marked by struggles and it was difficult to make people understand what the Sangh stood for. Gradually, people got a glimpse of the work undertaken by the various offshoots. In between, it faced bans because of political reasons, including during the Emergency, but now the Sangh's work and ideology have immense public support. The next 100 years will see not just wider acceptance of the Sangh but also wider participation by the people.

Does the Sangh feel its efforts to instil a certain ideology and thought process have met with success?

There are three things. First, our history is rich, this country has the potential and we can believe in this potential to take the country forward. The Sangh always had faith in the potential of a people, but society did not share this sentiment. Now, more and more people are beginning to have faith in the strength of the Indian people.

Second, now people no longer demur from accepting that India is a Hindu Rashtra. Earlier some people would be sceptical in saying so and some even looked down on Hindutva. The way people from all walks participated in the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya shows that the era of looking down on Hindu Rashtra is over.