Reimagining India's Script Over a Century

To appreciate RSS's contributions over 100 years, one has to only imagine an India without it. While supporting societal reforms, it has steadfastly insisted on the nation's glory

- R BALASHANKAR

The spotlight is on the RSS because it has completed a century of existence. Also because many believe it is controlling the BJP and micro-managing its affairs. The recent interactive session RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat held in the national capital cleared many doubts; but it disappointed those who were expecting the RSS to explode a bombshell.

The RSS is not used to rattling the cart. It works quietly, patiently and persistently, committed to its ideology and style of work. It is this perseverance and relentless resilience that has made the RSS the unique organisation it is.

The Sangh parivar's detractors have been impatiently waiting for any opportunity to unsettle Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continuance in office. As he could not be democratically defeated, his opponents expected that the so-called imaginary age bar the Sangh was supposed to impose on its pracharaks would open a Pandora's box. But the Sangh doesn't interfere in the day-to-day affairs of its affiliates. It plays a guiding, motherly role. That is why, at this stage, Bhagwat spoke more about social harmony and unity than about a Hindu rashtra.

After Bhagwat's three-day session, the speculation on Modi's continuance as prime minister is over and, understandably, the opposition is upset. He explained that at no point was there a decision to retire at the age of 75. He buttressed the point by affirming that he himself is not planning to step down in September when he completes 75.

He also made it clear that the Sangh would strive for national integration, uphold the values of the Constitution, and that the vision of a united, developed India was primarily the core idea of the Sangh family.