Decoding The Love-Hate

Why there is controversy within the RSS—and outside it—about its relationship with the Mahatma.

- Ram Bahadur Rai

A diamond is just a stone, but it is precious. Why is it so? Because of its matchless ability to hold out. If this be taken as a principle, then we may say that Mahatma Gandhi is a diamond among humans. He is abstract, yet omnipresent by virtue of his long, action-filled life and his ideals. The urge to understand the message of his life has increased. His message is formulaic, contained in a sentence. The talismanic code he left behind takes some deciphering. But it’s easy enough to bear in mind his life’s message; in his own oft-repeated words: “My life is my message.” The message is also inscribed on the covers of two thick volumes that contain a historical account of Sevagram. But what is the message?

Has the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) internalised this message? The question may appear odd, but it is germane and timely. Because the RSS holds sway over the life of common Indians. It is a power centre. One may or may not like its existence, but that does not affect its power, and its existence is impossible to ignore. It’s only right, then, to ask what the Sangh’s plans are at a time when, coinciding with Gandhi’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), people both at home and abroad are trying to grasp the essence of Gandhi.

A lecture series was held at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan last year from 17-19 September. The speaker was Dr Mohan Bhagwat. He is the sixth sarsanghchalak of the RSS. People were keen to listen to him, and Vigyan Bhavan proved too small a venue for the throng. He was there to talk about the RSS. He spoke and took questions. The Sangh has a seasoned relationship with controversy; even now, it’s mired in controversies. Which is why the sarsanghchalak had to come to the capital to explain what is what.