RSS 100 years: Expansion, social change on agenda

Mega Conclave

• The ABPS will discuss the “Panch Parivartan” program for social transformation in 5 key areas
• A resolution on the Ram Temple and its significance will be passed
• The Sangh aims to expand its network of branches (shakhas) from 68,000 to 100,000 by 2025
• The meeting will also address the current situation in the country, including concerns about Bengal

New Delhi: The stage is all set for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its three-day national council meet — the annual Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) at its headquarters in Reshimbag in Nagpur from 15 to 17 March.

The Sangh, which will complete 100 years of its journey in 2025, has set an agenda for discussion on ‘Panch Parivartan’, centenary celebration plan, strengthening of the organization through expansion programme and pass a resolution on Ram Temple. The national council meet at Smriti Bhawan complex will also witness the election of Sarkaryavah – the most important and number two position, also known as the general secretary, after the RSS chief (Sar Sanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat). Currently, Dattatreya Hosabale, who was elected in 2021, is the Sarkaryavah. “During the Pratinidhi Sabha, discussions will be held on the planning for a yearlong centennial celebration of the Sangh. It will begin on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami next year [2025] and conclude on the same day in 2026,” Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, Sunil Ambekar said, while addressing the media in Nagpur on Wednesday.

“Discussion will also take place on Panch Parivartan – on how the Sangh along with the society can march ahead in bringing positive changes in five key areas,” he said. ABPS and its Functioning

The ABPS is an annual meeting of the highest decision-making body for policy formulation of the RSS, in which the Sangh’s activities of the previous year are reviewed and plans for the next year chalked out. The three-day meeting is generally held in the first fortnight of March. It is held annually in different parts of the country. The RSS holds elections for its Sarkaryavah every three years, as laid down in its constitution, for which the Pratinidhi Sabha is usually held in Nagpur. However, there was an exception in 2021, when the meeting was held in Bengaluru, electing incumbent Dattatreya Hosabale to the post. The last meeting at the RSS headquarters, therefore, was held six years ago.

During the meeting, Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhis (all-India representatives) of swayamsevaks from each province (prant) present their report in different fields of Sangh’s work. Swayamsevaks working in different organisations, affiliated to the Sangh, share their experiences. A resolution on national issues are discussed, debated and passed accordingly.

Prior to the three-day Pratinidhi Sabha, a meeting of the Karyakari Mandal takes place, where discussions are held on various proposals. The upcoming Pratinidhi Sabha will also discuss the Sangh Shiksha Varg (annual training camps) with a newly revised curriculum.

The ABPS will see participation by top office bearers of 36 organisations under the Sangh umbrella, along with RSS-affiliates like Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Vijnana Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, etc, and Vibhag Pramukhs. The representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party will also be a part of this conclave.

What makes this year’s meeting different?

Year 2025 has a historical significance for the RSS, as it will mark the centennial on the Vijaya Dashami day.

This year’s Pratinidhi Sabha shall have discussions on the planning related to the centenary celebration of the RSS.

Resolution on Ram Temple is another important agenda of discussion. “The consecration of Ram Temple and Pran Prathishtha of Sri Ram Lalla (idol of Ram) on 22nd January this year has ushered in an environment of excitement and joy. This historic event is very important in the Bharatiya perspective. The Pratinidhi Sabha will pass a resolution in this regard,” added Ambekar.

The Sangh has adopted a ‘Panch Parivartan’ (Five transformation) programme for the benefit of the society, which include five key points for social transformation—Samajik Samarasta (social harmony), Kutumbh Prabhodhan (family values), Paryavaran (environment), the insistence on ‘Swa’ (self) and the duties of the citizens. An in-depth discussion will be held on these five points.

A major thrust will be given on the expansion programme. At present, the RSS has 68,000 shakhas across the country, which it aims to increase to one lakh shakhas by 2025. This is also the year of crucial Lok Sabha elections. Discussions on the current situation prevailing in the country is also on cards.

“Representatives from various prants will discuss issues related to their states at Karyakari Mandal meeting. Like, the disturbing situation in West Bengal under the current regime is a matter of concern,” a source within the RSS told this correspondent.