Relevance: GS-I – Modern Indian History & Society

Founded in 1925 at Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh marks its centenary with a vast grassroots footprint of daily shakhas (local gatherings) and service activities. Reports around the centenary speak of more than eighty-three thousand daily shakhas nationwide.

How it grew

• Organisational head is the Sarsanghchalak (sequence includes Hedgewar, M. S. Golwalkar, Balasaheb Deoras, Rajendra Singh, K. S. Sudarshan, Mohan Bhagwat).
• Expansion strategy centres on neighbourhood shakhas, training camps, and social-service networks that work through schools, relief work and community programmes. (Centenary reports highlight large turnouts and new branches.)
  

Debates and turning points

• The organisation faced government bans in 1948 (after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination), during the Emergency of 1975–77, and in 1992 after the demolition of the Babri Masjid; the bans were later lifted.
  
• Supporters view it as a cultural, nation-building force; critics raise concerns about majoritarian politics. Understanding both strands is essential for balanced analysis in exams.
  

Key terms, made easy

• Shakha: daily local gathering that combines physical drill, discussion and service planning.
  
• Sarsanghchalak: the chief of the organisation, selected by nomination.
  
• Seva: volunteer social-service activity, often highlighted in annual reports.

Exam hook

UPSC Prelims question
Q. With reference to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, consider the following statements:

1. It was founded in 1925 at Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
   
2. The head of the organisation, called the Sarsanghchalak, is chosen by open election among all members.
   
3. The organisation faced national-level bans in 1948, during 1975–77, and in 1992, which were later revoked.
   
4. The network of daily shakhas is a key instrument of expansion.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   Answer: 1, 3 and 4 only.

One-line wrap: A century on, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh remains a major grassroots force—studied for its scale, history and the debates it continues to spark.