Centenary year brings to the fore challenges that RSS faces

RSS continues to work on its goals for cultural, social, national development as it completes 100 years

- ALOK MEHTA

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its centennial year, it appears more successful, transparent, and eager to bring about change in alignment with its organization goals. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat clarified numerous important issues during a three-day dialogue programme in Delhi, addressing key points about the RSS's relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, controversies over retirement age, Hindu nationalism, religious beliefs, the existence of Islam, the Kashi-Mathura movement, and other issues that have caused confusion among opponents and supporters alike.

The RSS has encountered various ups and downs in its 100 years, facing numerous challenges. Working in the social and cultural fields over such a long period is undoubtedly difficult. From this perspective, it can be considered a unique organization on the global stage. Interestingly, for many years, the RSS kept its activities confidential and refrained from publicizing them.

From my childhood, I observed RSS activities in cities such as Ujjain, Shajapur, and Indore, and later in the national capital, Delhi. I attempted to understand and follow its workings. In my early years, I worked as a part-time reporter with Hindustan Samachar and then as a full-time journalist from 1971 to 1975. During this time, I also collected political news, giving me opportunities to meet leaders from RSS, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Socialists, Congress, and Communist parties.