RSS objects to use Mohan Bhagwat’s name in unauthorised manner for Political Campaigns

Washington: The RSS has taken strong objection to the move by an Indian-American, who claims to be a staunch supporter of Narendra Modi, for dragging the name of its chief Mohan Bhagwat and other leaders in an event held in Washington.

“RSS has taken strong objection to Shalli Kumar using the name and picture of its Chief in unauthorised manner,” RSS senior functionary Ram Madhav said on Tuesday. His comments came after it was brought to the notice of the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangha (RSS) that Chicago-based businessman Kumar had printed the name and pictures of Bhagwat as an invitee to ‘Bharat Divas’ held in Washington DC.

Ram  Madhav said the view of the RSS has been strongly communicated to Mr Kumar, who at the function claimed himself as an ardent supporter of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. The meeting was attended by nearly 300 Indian-Americans, mostly from New York, New Jersey area and those from in and around Chicago in Illinois. The meeting was also addressed by the BJP MP from Chitradurga in Karnataka, Janardhana Swamy.

Inputs from: Firstpost

RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat’s Exclusive Interview with ‘JANMABHOOMI’

RSS Sarsanghachalak  Mohan Bhagwat shared his views and thoughts on various national issues in an exclusive interview with Janmabhoomi (Malayalam Daily ) during the 3-day RSS National Executive Meet known as ‘Akhila Bharatiya Karyakarini Mandal (ABKM) Baitak’, recently held in Kochi from October 25 to 27 2013.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarasanghachalak

 

Full text of the interview below :

Q. There is a Hindu feel of expression everywhere in the country, but most of them are on the basis of temporary issues only. How can we differentiate Hindu feel and Hindutva. Also how do we distinguish a nationalist Hindu from someone who has a tag of the Hindu religion, like a communist Hindu?


A. See the transformation of society according to the times is a real sign of awakening that has not yet happened. Normally in society, even an individual awakens, he is not conscious that he is awake. All he experiences are a few disturbances. Then he feels “I am in those disturbances.”
That is the second stage. Then he gets up wondering, “Who am I, what should I do today, what did I do yesterday, what will I do tomorrow?” Such similar vein of thinking begins. Then he gets up and starts working. That is full awakening.

So the present Hindu society is conscious that there are disturbances- disturbances in day to day life. Then they would have to realize, not because of the disturbances, but even otherwise, that we exist as Hindus.
We are Hindus and we have to take care of all these issues. Then as Hindus what we are, what we were, and what we want to be. That consciousness will flush in. Therefore agitations, issues, injustice, response to that are going on.

Actually Hindus have to be aware of a few things: what their tradition is, their rule, their values and culture, and at present whether they match up to that thinking, how they can present themselves I the modern world and make themselves presentable, what will be of tomorrow, etc. This is the path, though it is not full awakening. However, one can be assured that awakening has just started.

And therefore Hindus now can react and assert too. This forms real awakening. But Hindus will have to make their own social transformation. So when Hindus stand as one society without any discrimination-by nature, Hindu society is diverse. But diversity will not be considered as being different or separate. It only means that society will respond as one, and take care of its own well being, of every single member. This mounts to real awakening. This bound to come tomorrow, it has just stared. The complete awakening is yet to come.

Q. Here in Kerala people says we are Hindus. But political mentality is for communist politics. Their attitude towards a certain issue may be pro Hindu. But politically they are not. Shall we read this too as a sign of Hindutva?

A. That is what I have been saying: this is only partial awakening. That is why this mind of “all right, I am a Hindu but I am a communist” exists. What is wrong in that? The harm is not being a communist, harm is in not understanding what is first and what is second. It is a question of identity. What is our identity? We are in this country. I am a communist. I want to eradicate all these extortions and everything evil from society. That is perfectly fine. But from what society? From which country?

We are Hindus and ours is Hindu Rashtra, this is Hindustan. Thought must be given to everything based on Hindu values. There are many ideologies in the world. Even if I take some ideology from outsiders, I will adopt it to ‘Hinduness’. Not that I will adopt my ‘Hinduness’ to that ideology. That full awakening is yet to come. When the society is awakening fully it will eradicate all social evils. It will get rid of all differences and will stand as one. It will manage its vast diversity in such a way that there will be emotional oneness. It will be reflected socially as well as politically. And all ideologue and ideologies will have to follow the suit.

We are Hindus and we want to stand as Hindus. We have to contribute to the world as Hindus. What ideology we have adopted is not the question. We are Hindus. That has to come.

So once that assertion comes everything will be set right. For this political awakening, political assertion is necessary. That will come gradually. It is not there yet, but the path is right. Now everybody in Kerala is aware that we are Hindus. And as Hindus we are facing certain problems. And we have to face those problems on the basis of Hindu values, and on the basis that we are all Hindus.

We may use any ideology to achieve this goal. But we will think that we are Hindus and as Hindus we have to solve these problems, we have our internal social problems, we will solve them. All these political problems we will solve as Hindus. So it is the Hindu that comes first and the other that comes second. That has to come. And it has started.

Q. Does Sangh believe that anti national forces are getting weakened though their desperate efforts to unleash terror in society is active in a big way? If so what is the role of nationalistic forces like Sangh?


A. Our Hindu society was hailed by Swami Vivekananda as an eternal society. Why, because we stand on the basis of certain solid principles on which the universe functions. Actually we don’t have a mode of basic worship, or modes of economic policy as principle.

This is because everything is subject to changes according to persons and times. They are not eternal. However Dharma is eternal. We have to live and for that we have to let live. We see all these diversities. But there underlies the unity. Realizing that unity bequeaths unending bliss, these are the very facts on the basis of which life thrives.

We go along with them, therefore nothing can finish us, or destroy us. Gradually all those who are destructible, they will get destroyed. Time takes care of that and the same time has come for others. See the world scenario: all forms of extremism are being rejected now. Even Muslims in India and in the world have started raising there voice against these instances of extremism. On the basis of their rules and guns there may be a temporary change. But that will never be long lasting, nor will it continue. Fear doesn’t last. Either fear finishes itself or one gets used to it. So fear will not last. Every aspect of terrorism will come to an end, it is perishable. But Hindu society is not perishable, because it stands on such values. Those values cannot be destroyed.

Q. Society is ready for a change globally, that is the message from even the streets. But the need of the hour is a true leader in those counties. Do you think lack of character is a global phenomenon?


A. No. There have been in the history of the world, characterless persons land as well as persons of exemplary character, always in every country. But people without character are 5%, and those with exemplary character 5%. 90% of the people, from time to time, due to considerations of their times and inclinations and who are not always guided by some thoughts but by some urgent need, may follow this 5% or that 5%.

So the loss of character is not a global phenomenon. You have to just create an atmosphere where people will follow the creed of character. People always behave according to a particular atmosphere. That depends up on how much active the exemplary characters are. They have to work, to create an atmosphere, and then every one will follow. Naturally human beings are inclined towards good not bad. That is why they are human beings. So, even a drunkard wills not advice his own son to indulge in alcoholism. He cannot free himself from that, but he will not advise his son to do it. Because he knows what is good and bad and he will be definitely on the side of good. That is the common man. According to need of the times leaders are thrown up from the society.

Efficient leaders are important. Leaders are always there. But who will follow the leaders- that atmosphere has to be created by others. Sometimes leaders themselves create that atmosphere. But generally others do it. In Maharashtra, during the struggle against the invasion of Arabs, Mughals and Patans, Shivaji Maharaj sprung up automatically from that society. But that society should also follow Shivaji Maharaj for the fruition of its dreams. For this, the atmosphere was created by the effort and struggle of 300 years, by various seers and saints. So talking about this atmosphere, there are good times and bad times. And every society should pass through such times. But thriving and conquering the times happens when society follows its values, tradition and identity and will be able to cross the situations.

Q. According to Sangh organizational structure there are 42 provinces in our country. Does Sangh believe in smaller states for functional convenience?


A. The Sangh system of organisation and that of the country is different. Sangh is an organisation and it expands within the country. It is natural for a growing organization to decentralize its system. That is why we are creating more and more provinces. State administering a country has to make some arrangements for good governance and development. So two considerations, governance and developments, are there when you have to create a state. But there should be precautions too: no compromise should be made regarding integrity and security of the country, when a new state is created. So these considerations, unity, security of the country, administration and progress should be given serious thought.

You may create 100 states, you may create one big state for the whole of Bharath, it doesn’t matter, because state is an arrangement which will come and go and is not a permanent thing. But country is one and remains permanent.

So Sangh says instead of having petty clashes for states leave it to the administration, they will decide. If we have a wish of owning a state, we will express it. Then the decision makers will decide. There is no question of agitations or political maneuvering. It is purely the question of the four things mentioned earlier. So the state should manage all these things, there should be no room for sectarian and cheep politics. Remember whether there are 100 states or one state, Bharath is a single nation. That is the basic. That is the Sangh view.

Q. First ever in the history of Vijayadasami speech you directly attacked the issue of religious discrimination against Hindus by constitutional authorities. Why such an extreme stand?


A. This is not the first time. Sangh is always against all discriminations. No discrimination is supported by Sangh. And therefore, voice against discriminations especially discrimination against Hindus. This is because Sangh is organizing the Hindu society, Sarsangachalaks have always been speaking on Vijayadasami dais about it. But this time it is different. This is the first time when discriminations are so obvious.

Our Home Minister says, “Protect the Muslim youth.” Why not say, protect everybody who is innocent. Prime minister says “minorities have first stake on the wealth of the country.”

These have never been said before. All these things are happening for the first time after independence. Before independence such things happened in the times of Muslim era and it culminated into the division of the country. At that time also our leaders spoke publicly. So these things are obvious. I was mentioning it. We are always against all discriminations.

Q-But this is first time you have been directly hitting constitutional authorities.


A. Because they are doing it. That is also first time. At least up till now they maintained some semblance of dealing with everyone equally. Now they have thrown away that pretence also. That is why.

Q. Corruption, terrorism, social and border security problems-which one you think is the bigger issue?


A. There is no bigger or smaller issue, especially, when society is week and endangered, it cannot afford to ignore any danger. So all these have equal importance. There is no bigger issue or lesser issue. You may say that I will first deal with this and then deal with that. But that is not due to the nature of the problem. That is due to your capacity to deal with them. Everything is important. Corruption is doing the same thing- it erodes our society. Terrorism and others problems are also causing the same destruction. So we have to deal with everything.

Q. Environmental fundamentalism is the new activity face of religious fanatics and some NGOs in the country. Do you think an international design behind this move?


A. All extremism is Adharma. Dharma is always a middle path- Madhyam marg. We want environment, no doubt. Do we refuse to develop? But if we want development, should we destroy environment? You have to take a middle path of protecting our environment. This alone brings in development. For that we have to reconsider paradigms.

The paradigm which the world is going through currently is not such, where we can avoid conflicts. And when there are conflicts, there are extremes. Theoretically no environmentalist is wrong. People are well aware that thriving of humans in this world depends on the condition of environment. Except in Bharath, all over the world, the consciousness was because of science. But now, they understand what plants do, what animals do, what insects do.

The same understanding, we in Bharath, had much before. It is only now that the rest of the world has come to know of it. But the paradigm they construct is such that the fittest will survive. They say there is always struggle. We say no, there is always coordination and co-operation. Our view is to make others survive. So extremism in support of either development or environment is wrong. Both these have to go together. Manage diversities, manage dwaitha- that is dharma. So you have to keep them balanced. Balance is Dharma.

The way in which we use land is the issue. Have we at all studied about how much of the population can be sustained by our land? How much agriculture we need, how much forest we need, how much industry we need? On the basis of our situation, this study must be made in depth. Strictly speaking, there should be 33 % of forest, but we have less. So forest preservation and forest propagation is necessary. At the same time we want industries, electricity. There lands where forests cannot be sustained. We can use those lands.
Guruji said, Bhilai steel plant was constructed on agriculture land. There was adjacent to a non farming land, which could easily have been used, which was not forest either. The vision must prevail, of both going together and how it can be done.

There are so many non conventional energy sources. We can use that. But we are not paying attention to that. We have got to construct everything on our paradigm because that is what sets an example for the future. World needs that. We have to create our own exemplar. Till we do that this problem will continue, because all over the world the same conflict is going on. But there is no answer. We can give the answer, if we go by our own values.

Q. Do you think the wrong policy on population control programmes affected the Demographic balance?


A. All measures regarding controlling population have to be wisely fixed. We are just aping someone. So now we cry about our population, but we must also note the fact that, in the forthcoming 20 years Bharath will be the nation of younger people. So population can be used as an asset. But what we have to do in our country, regarding our own policy, should all be fixed. That has not yet been done. Population is a need too. Now such measures should be discussed, decision must be taken which will apply to everybody. There will be no concession.

Secondly, imbalance will be there when you convert. When some one is converted, if the person in his/ her mind decides to change, it is understandable. But if you lure me, you threaten me, what is happening is different?

And there is migration from outside also. Illegal migration is there, infiltration is there. At times our government also says “We don’t know how many they are.”

What a thing to say! We have to keep our borders, manage our borders, and put good governance in place. Our country doesn’t mean just the land and the mass of people residing on it. The country also has its own identity. It is necessary to condition the population of the country to it; it should not be opposed to the country’s identity or destructive to the same. Every country follows this. On that basis we have to take all required measures. If we don’t take those measures, due to petty vote concerns in an inappropriate zeal to protect the so called secular image, it is disastrous. Do don’t do this! If this is ensured, everything will be under control.

Q. During the last 88 years of activities, which are the aspects where Sangh organizations have received more acceptances? And why?


A. We are growing. We are accepted all over the country and that acceptance is growing outside the country also. Now the atmosphere we have created can influence internal affairs of the country also. Now what ever we are saying the whole country is accepting it. There is no opposition, no real opposition. There is some political opposition, but they are not from heart, just mere lip oppositions. Those who oppose too know that they are wrong, but what RSS says is right.

Next thing is to create an atmosphere where every person will be bold enough to voice his thoughts. There will be no petty selfish constrains; there will be no tyranny of any institution. Whatever is proper and good for everyone, that alone should be expressed, that type of atmosphere must be created.

Q. Do you feel the thrust for changes globally is a good sign for the future?


A. The so called global change is concerned only with the exterior, not with the interior. Every change starts from within, from the heart. Therefore the efforts of global change must have its focus on changing the system, any system can be corrupted by individuals. So create the ‘man change man’ system and you will change the world. This is precisely the motto of Sangh works, and that is going on! Manushya nirman.

'Ongoing violent reaction against Kasturirangan report is misleading & condemnable'; says RSS

Bangalore/Kochi Nov 19: ’Ongoing violent reaction against k Kasturirangan report is misleading and condemnable’ said senior RSS Functionary J Nandakumar.

Sharing his concerns with VSK-Karnataka, the Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Prachar Pramukh of RSS J Nanda Kumar said ,”Ongoing violent reaction against Kasturirangan report is communal, misleading & condemnable, which is communal and misleading the poor farmers. RSS is not against development but it should environment friendly. There is a need to educate the mass. Unfortunately that is not happening.”

Nandakumar alleged that poor farmers were misleaded as per wrong information provided by certain groups. “It is a matter of survival of the people strongly affiliated to the Western Ghats. Leaders who oppose the report are just trumpeting the views of those who are engaged in illegal mining and quarrying,” he said. The RSS national executive council meeting ,ABKM, held in Kochi, had condemned the Centre for rejecting the Madhav Gadgil report. “It’s unfortunate that instead of placing the recommendations of Gadgil before the people and allowing a national debate, the government chose to dump it completely. Both Gadgil and Kasthurirangan are scientists of eminence and it was our duty to rally behind them and their recommendations,” said Mr. Nandakumar. “Even farming would be benefited by the reports,” he added. He said scientists under the Swadeshi Science Movement would take part in the awareness programmes canadian pharmacy viagra and interact with farmers. (With few Inputs from THE HINDU)

RSS Sarakaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi’s  statement On Madhav Gadgil Report issued at ABKM Baitak held at Kochi on October 27.

The ABKM held detailed discussions about the impending threats to our environment in general and the eco-system of Western Ghats in particular. The flawed development model that is being pursued and the lavish life style of some in the society are going to cause immense damage to our environment. It is the responsibility of this generation to act immediately to reverse this trend and follow the Bharatiya model of environment-friendly development, so that our future generations can live in peace.

In this context the Madhav Gadgil Panel Report on the preservation of Western Ghats Eco-system is a landmark report. It is unfortunate that instead of placing the recommendations of the Panel before the people and allowing a national debate, the Government of India chose to dump it completely. The RSS is of the view that several recommendations of the Panel are in the larger national interest. We condemn the stand of the Union Government to outrightly reject Madhav Gadgil Committee report.

The report by the committee headed by eminent scientist Dr. Kasturirangan may be a first step, but we are of the view that it is not sufficient. We call upon the Central and concerned State Governments to reconsider their decision with regard to both the reports and initiate larger debate in the country about the future of our environment.

Hindutva is a Mantra to Unite all People Living in India: RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat

BEGUSARAI Nov 17: ‘Hindutva is a mantra to unite all people living in India. The Hindutva is a way of life and inclusive one with a motto to unify the people and for that to happen, the RSS would strike to strengthen the Hindutva forces and its agendas,’ said RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat in Begusarai in Bihar.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarasanghachalak

 

RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat also asked people to exercise their franchise to change the system for the better. ”It will not be suffice to change leader, slogan or party….the need of the hour is transformation of the society with an end goal to change the system,” the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak said.
“The country and its people are reeling under price rise, corruption and grappling with threat to its external and internal security,” he said, while addressing the RSS workers of Bihar and Jharkhand at the Gandhi Stadium here.

Claiming that there has been no worthwhile development in the country since independence to alleviate the conditions of the people and improve their quality of life, Bhagwat exhorted the RSS workers to motivate the people in the direction of changing the system.

The RSS Sarsangchalak said, “Hindutva is a mantra to unite all people living in India.

“The Hindutva is a way of life and inclusive one with a motto to unify the people and for that to happen, the RSS would strike to strengthen the Hindutva forces and its agendas,” he said.

Over 1,200 Swayamsevaks from Bihar and Jharkhand, viagra including all senior BJP leaders from the two states, attended the RSS meeting presided over by the Sarsanghchalak.

(Inputs from Economic Times/PTI)

RSS ABKM- Resolution-2: Need for Effective Management of Our Land Borders

 Kochi October 26: RSS today passed its second resolution on Saturday in its national meet Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Mandali (ABKM) Baitak being held at Kochi on need of effective management of land borders.

 

RSS Joint General Secreatry Dattatreya Hosabale addressing media at ABKM meet at Kochi on October-26-2013

RSS ABKM- Resolution-2: Need for Effective Management of Our Land Borders

The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal wishes to draw the attention of the nation to the conditions prevailing along Bharat’s land borders and the conditions of the people living in villages along the borders. Bharat shares borders with 8 countries. It is a matter of regret that Bharat faces border disputes with most of these countries.

The ABKM underscores the need for strengthening border infrastructure along all the land borders. Studies have revealed that border infrastructure is utterly inadequate in many border areas.

The ABKM regrets to note that the 4057 k.m. long most sensitive Bharat-Tibet border happens to be the most neglected one. In many sectors, carpeted roads end 50-60 k.m. short of the borders, causing immense difficulties to the people living in border villages. Transport facilities are meagre; several villages have a bus service once a week only. Schools have no proper buildings; hospitals don’t exist; electricity is erratic or non-existent; telecommunications facility too is unavailable for many villages. Market places are far off, forcing villagers to crossover to the other side for their shopping needs.

The ABKM emphasises that people living in the border villages are also our border guards just like the soldiers guarding our borders. Apathy of the Governments to the plight of these people is dangerous to border security. Lack of infrastructure in these areas is leading to lack of employment opportunities and creating livelihood problems, resulting in migration. Occupation of pasture lands by China in these areas is further aggravating the problems of the villagers.

People living in villages along Indo-Pak border and the LoC have been facing constant threat to their lives from continuous shelling from Pakistan army. Loss of property, livestock and occasionally the lives of people is a norm there. They receive meagre or no compensation for these losses. At many places people of the border villages are compelled to live in camps for years on. Even those in villages face severe problems. Their movements to their agricultural lands are restricted due to fencing , land mines, etc.

Bharat-Nepal, Bharat-Myanmar and Bharat-Bangladesh borders have become safe havens for illegal trade, fake currency, smuggling of weapons, trafficking in human and drugs etc. Terrorists and anti-national forces use these borders to slip over into neighbouring countries. Bharat-Bangladesh border has remained porous leading to continued large scale infiltration and smuggling of live stock, including cows and its progeny. Mushrooming of illegal Madrasas, Mosques and settlements on both sides of Bharat-Nepal Border has emerged as a serious threat to both the country.

In view of the prevailing situation, the ABKM calls upon the Government of Bharat to:

1. Give top priority to building basic infrastructure like roads, rail network, electricity, water supply, schools, hospitals etc. along the borders.

2. In border areas constitute Village Defence Committees and give appropriate training and incentives to people in border villages and make them stake holders in border security and management

3. Constitute an independent border management authority to manage the affairs of all borders.

4. Complete the fencing along Bharat-Bangladesh border and strengthen border security by effective deployment of forces along all other borders.

5.  Provide proper compensation to the people who have lost access to their lands due to fencing, land mining, etc.

6. Develop ancient religious and other potential tourist sites along the borders. Encourage border tourism which will benefit the people living in border areas, while at the same time countrymen at large develop emotional attachment with the borders.

7. Create a mechanism for effective operational coordination between military and para-military forces engaged in border security.

8. Develop a mechanism for dialogue and co-operation between the people on the borders and the armed forces.

The ABKM opines that the greatest challenge is the defeatist mindset of the Government of Bharat. It is unfortunate that our leadership fails to display its firm commitment to protecting every inch of our territory. The ABKM demands that the Government and its officials stop parroting that our borders are “not demarcated fully”. It is untrue.  Bharat’s boundaries are well defined. Tragically, our leadership lacks courage to assert this historic truth.

The ABKM cautions the countrymen to not assume that the border security is the responsibility of the Government and the armed forces alone. Patriotic countrymen should constantly keep a vigil on the situation along our borders and be ready at anytime to safeguard them.

RSS ABKM-Resolution-1: Growing Jehadi Radicalization in Southern States of Bharat

 Kochi October 26: RSS today passed a major resolution on second day of its national meet Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Mandali (ABKM) Baitak being held at Kochi on growing jehadi radicalization in South India.

RSS ABKM Meet Kochi-2013

Resolution 1:  Growing Jehadi Radicalization in Southern States of Bharat

The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal expresses grave concern over the growing radicalization of Jehadi forces especially in the Southern states of Bharat.  Although separatist and secessionist activities exist all over Bharat, its  menacing portents in recent times especially in Southern Bharat in terms of their penetration among Muslim youth; terror training and export modules; attacks on Hindu activists; and active connivance with anti national Maoists and international Jehadi elements pose an unprecedented challenge to the national security.  The lackadaisical attitude of successive state governments turning a blind eye to these nefarious forces has become more worrying factor to all patriotic minds.

The emergence of ‘Popular Front of India’ (PFI) and its front organizations in Kerala consequent to the ban on SIMI should be seen in this context. It’s formation as a coordinated effort between organizations like ‘Karnataka for Dignity’(KFD) , ‘Manitha Neethi Pasarai’( MNP ) in Tamilnadu and ‘Natioanal Development Front’ ( NDF ) in Kerala , under the purported aim of ‘promotion of democracy and social justice’ is nothing but a camouflage to perpetuate hard-line ideologies.  Large scale brainwashing and weapon’s training of Muslim youth; export of such terror elements in other parts of Bharat as revealed by recent designated NIA court’s verdict in the ‘Kashmir recruitment case’; the penetration in Police and govt machinery; admission by Kerala Government to the state High Court about the links with Hizb ul Mujahideen, Lashkar- e Tyaba and Al-Qaida clearly reveal the real face and agenda of these outfits. Their attempts to develop a political face with a pan Indian presence should be nipped in bud.

These radical forces are turning Kerala into a hotbed of anti social and anti national activities. While the Northern Kerala is becoming safe hideout and training ground for terror elements, the coastal and other areas of strategic importance are witnessing mass purchases of lands by these elements at an exorbitant price supported by rackets of counterfeit currency and gold smuggling. Planned allurement of Hindu boys and girls, rampant distribution of hate literature proclaiming Jehad, poisonous propaganda through certain media elements and disproportionate growth of Muslim population especially in North Kerala are putting the state on a ticking time bomb. The blatant support from political elements as evident from the presence of political leaders including Ministers in the family function of Abdul Naseer Madani, a notorious criminal accused in many terrorist acts including 1998 Coimbatore bomb blast case; refusal by Kerala government to hand over Marad massacre investigation to CBI etc., have emboldened these forces to such an extent as to hatch plans to assassinate nationalist Hindu leaders in Kerala.  The present U.D.F. government in Kerala remains a mute spectator to all such anti-national activities.

These tentacles of terror have engulfed the adjoining states of Tamilnadu and Karnataka too.  In Tamilnadu, attacks on Hindu activists and their offices, vandalizing of Hindu festivals, violent demonstration on American Consulate, recent gruesome killings of state level functionaries of Hindu Munnani and BJP and armed encounter with the Police at Puttur in Andhra Pradesh, are the testimonies of their increasing grip over the State. Unfortunately, they are being completely overlooked as a result of the competitive minority appeasement by both the ruling and opposition political parties of the state.  Areas of coastal Karnataka like Bhatkal town have become a storehouse of weapons, bomb training and terror export. These forces are planning to target Hindu religious places like Tirupati, Madurai, Shabarimalai in many parts of Southern Bharat.

The ABKM demands that the Union and the concerned state governments undertake extensive investigation by the Central agencies about the nature of clandestine activities of these radical groups, their links and source of funding both within and outside the country and take firm measures including a ban on organization like PFI, to put an end to these forces. It also appeals to all patriotic forces including media to be vigilant about such elements and prevail upon the political parties and governments to act firmly against these antinational activities.

‘Cultural nationalism- The Indian perspective’: Excerpts from speech by Datta Hosabale at Bangalore

Bangalore August 08: A 2 day National Seminar organised byIndia Foundation and Center for Study of Religion and Society (CSRS), New Delhi along with The Mythic Society, Bangalore on Cultural Nationalism : The Indian Perspective  was held on   7^th  and  8^thAugust, 2013 at The Daly Memorial Hall, The Mythic Society Bangalore.

Cultural nationalism : the Indian perspective: Valedictory event

The seminar was inaugurated by Prf MGS Narayanan, Former Chairman ICHR, New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

At the Valedectory on Thursday evening, Dr. S.P.Singh of Delhi University updated the audience about the 2 day seminar. He highlighted the salient points of the papers presented during the two day seminar. Dr. M.K.L.N Sastry presided on the occasion. Shri. Nagaraj of Mythic society introduced Shri. Dattareya Hosabale to the audience. Ram Madhav, Director of India Foundation New Delhi was also present for the 2-day seminar.

Shri. Dattareya Hosabale of India Policy Foundation, New Delhi delivered the valedictory address at the event. Following is the excerpts from his speech:

“I am grateful to the organizers to have invited me to the event. I had the opportunity to have sat  through the various sessions in the seminar over the past two days and each of them were brilliant. I thank the organizers to have organized a seminar on the subject of cultural nationalism,  which is usually dubbed as obsolete in this era of globalization. But due to the turn of events all over the world nationalism is gaining ground again. I like to congratulate the organizers to have given an opportunity to the young scholars to present their views.

The Indian diaspora has retained their cultural identity. Including them in this endeavor is important for cultural nationalism. In the time of today’s identity politics, cultural nationalism should answer the questions of the people and should lead to inclusive nationalism. If those in the remote places, downtrodden and neglected people don’t feel the same about nationalism like you and me, then it will be rendered useless.

It is false to say that the concept of nationalism is a new. Saying so would be contradictory to the idea of India. The concept of nation state has been discussed in this seminar. In Europe, people speaking same language have fought each other. Each tribe had grown into it’s own country. They may be one nation but different states as in case of USSR. Hence understanding of nationalism in Europe is different from our experience. Roman’s ruled beyond their nation. They had their state beyond their nation. A nation is made by people, their culture and feeling of oneness. Emergence of nation in our experience is not the same as European experience. Nation is not same as ‘Rashtra’. When we say nation, tree when concept of nation come to mind.

The ‘Vedic Rashtra’ was not born out of wars and clashes but was born out of similar cultures. In European concept of nation, language plays a major role. In India, the Vedas, our rishis and people came together to form a nation. This is also corroborated in many Sanskrit slokas. Rashtra may have a geographical boundary but it also has a spiritual and ethical connotation to it. The meaning of Rashtra may encompass the whole world. Our idea of a Rashtra is for spiritual emancipation whereas nation is for a political purposT

India was one before 1947 but now it has been divided into three states. USSR was one earlier now it’s divided into many states. I had once met a Bangladeshi citizen who when born was an Indian. He belonged to the Indian nation. After 1947, East Pakistan was formed and he became a citizen of Pakistan. Again in 1971 Bangladesh was formed and he became a Bangladeshi Citizen. What we may observe here is that his state had changed but not his nationality. Nation is a Socio-Political concept whereas ‘Rashtra’  is a Socio-Cultural concept. As an example let us see as to who are the American nationals. As Samuel Huntington in his work titled ‘Who Are We’ categorically says that the Anglo-Saxon Christians are American nationals. I had once asked a Jewish diplomat that since the Jews were spread all over the world for about 2000 years and in the meanwhile they would have intermingled and married across other cultures and religions and yet how could they claim that they are one nation still and what formed the basis of their nationalism even after these 2000 years. He said two things formed the basis of their nation even after these 2000 years of disparate existence. They are culture and religion. He said wherever we Jews lived, we followed our Culture and religion. At a conscious level we always felt as one nation. Common history, common traditions, common feelings form a nation.  As one writer said, nation is a soul. IN our nation, the national consciousnesses has been carried over various generations. Once Annadurai, former CM of Tamilnadu, in the Lok Sabha spoke of protecting our Himalayas during China war. Later many asked him as to why was he concerned about protecting the Himalayas which had no border with his state and was separated by thousands on kilometers. Annadurai answered that they belonged to one culture and shared the same history. This is cultural consciousness. Achyut Menon though he belonged to the CPI, had written about how Adi Shankaracharya toured the entire country and thus united this nation. Even Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a staunch socialist used to organize Ram Leelas every year. He wrote about things that makes us a nation and unites us as a nation.

We also need to look into the role of proverbs in our nation. Where ever we go to any part of our nation, we get to hear the same proverb albeit in different languages. For e.g when a person whom we were talking about arrives, we wish him a hundred years. Even while I was at a remotest place like Demchuk, a local man quoted the same proverb when met with similar situation. Even today every Chief Minister of Karnataka presents offerings to river Kaveri every year when the dam fills up. One more example is ‘Namaste’. ‘Namaste’ is the same all over our nation. Even ‘Tilak’ on the forehead is a common symbol.

Cultural nationalism is something we are living but has been forgotten due to current political discourses. We need to understand it in right perspective. A MP from Ladakh who is also a goo friend of mine, is a Buddhist. He always says that the nation is paramount to any other identity. Cultural nationalism is not just a subject for the academia.” Kennedy once said “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies”. Similarly, Geography has made us a country, our history has made us a nation. Cultural nationalism is part and parcel of our life and we live it in our daily lives.”

A Report by Prashanth Vaidyaraj for VSK – Karnataka.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Meets Jain Guru Poojya Tarun Sagar Maharaj at Jaipur

Jaipur Aug 07: RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat met Jain guru Poojaneeya Sri Tarun Sagar of the Digambar sect in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Monday, discussed several social issues

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat met Jain guru Poojaneeya Sri Tarun Sagar of the Digambar sect in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat met Jain guru Tarun Sagar of the Digambar sect in Jaipur on Monday and on Tuesday he met Acharya Mahashraman, the supreme head of Jain Shwetambar Terapanth sect, at Ladnu, in Nagaur district of Rajasthan.

Sri Tarun Sagar said they had discussed a long range of social and political issues.

Poojaneeya Sagar, known for his unconventional contents in his discourses and movement against export of meat and leather, called RSS a nationalist and disciplined organisation. He claimed that it was following his persuasion that RSS dropped the leather belt and shoe from its dress code for its activists.

(Inputs from Dailymail)

Act as a strong country: Ram Madhav to govt over LoC killings

Bangalore, Aug 07 (ANI): Reacting over Defence minister AK Antony's statement on killing of five Indian soldiers in Poonch, RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav on Wednesday said that the statement by Antony is shocking. Antony described the intruders as "terrorists along with persons dressed in Pakistan army uniform" while an Army spokesperson said that "soldiers from Pak Army" were involved. Speaking to mediapersons in Bangalore, Madhav said the statement shows that the uniform of the Pakistan Army is available easily in the market and anyone can purchase and wear it. He also asked the government to act strongly over the incident. 

 http://www.aninews.in/videogallery8/14151-act-as-a-strong-country-rss-to-govt-over-loc-killings.html

RSS Swayamsevaks steps in for rescue of landslide victims at Idukki of Kerala

Idukki, Kerala August 05: Idukki and Ernakulam zones of Kerala received heaviest rain today, which resulted in major landslide affecting hundreds of people. In an area where rescue operation itself was challenging, district administration seeked immediate help of Sevabharati, the service wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS.

RSS-Sevabharati activists immediately stepped in for relief works.

RSS Swayamsevaks immediately stepped in for the rescue operation in landslide hit zones.

‘Flood and Landslide in the Idukki and eastern parts of Ernakulam. Swayamsevaks along with forces working in worst affected areas of Idukki. Worst affected are was the Cheeyappara village’, said Sri J Nanda Kumar, Senior RSS Functionary.

http://samvada.org/2013/news/rss-swayamsevaks-steps-for-rescue-of-landslide-victims-at-idukki-of-kerala/

RSS unveils 2-Phased Reconstruction Programme in Flood Hit Zones of Uttarakhand

• Rehabilitation of flood and cloud burst victims in Uttarakhand
• Strategy finalised in the presence of Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi in Dehradun on July 20

Report by Ravindra Saini in Dehradun  (In Organiser)

Uttrakhand July 29: Uttaranchal Daivi Aapda Peedit Sahayata Samiti has chalked out a two-phased rehabilitation programme for the victims of Uttarakhand calamity. The strategy was formulated at a two-day meeting held in Dehradun from July 18 to 19. RSS Sarakaryavah Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi attended this meeting.

Clearing the Debris: RSS keenly working on post flood relief works, now on the reconstruction mechanisms.

Under first phase of the programme, it has been decided to start immediately two medical centres in Kedarghat area, the most affected part of Uttarakhand with primary level of medical facilities. Besides priority would be given to the education of the children and students from primary level to higher education including their boarding and lodging at different centres in Uttarakhand and, if needed, in Uttar Pradesh too, subject to the permission of the family head.

The orphan children, either boys or girls, would also be taken care of and the organisation will take all steps for their upbringing. An appropriate monetary help may also be rendered to those who need for the marriage of their marriageable girls, particularly and also for repair of houses and for promoting their business too.

The families without male earning member, till their settlement, would be provided at least ration regularly. Keeping in view the future devastation, which may occur in coming days of peak rainy season, the stocks of rations and other daily needs will be stored at different places in the hilly probable affected areas so that immediately relief maybe provided in case of sudden eventuality.

The construction of houses, religious places, educational institutions and commercial complexes will be undertaken in the second phase after September when the rainy season ends and the conveyance and transportation facilities are restored. A steering committee, comprising of all the participating organisations representative and RSS activists have been formed with 15 members who will further undertake the rehabilitation programme under the convenorship of Shri Sunil Kumar, Sahprant Seva Pramukh.

Earlier on July 18, the group leaders of the survey teams sent by Samiti in all 29 affected blocks of Uttarakhand met and presented the detail reports area wise. All types of data viz no. of houses collapsed totally and partially, no. of death, no. of orphan children, no. of family without male guardian, etc. All the data was discussed in the meeting. On July 19 again the meeting was held in which the representative of all the organisations participating in the relief operation including RSS, BJP, VHP, ABVP, Sevika Samiti, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Uttaranchal Utthan Parishad and Vidya Bharati took part.

Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi also conducted an aeriel survey of the Kedarnath, Gangotri and Goucher. He was accompanied by Kshetra Pracharak Shri Shivprakash and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nisank’. During his visit, Shri Bhaiyaji also met Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Vijay Bahuguna to discuss the rehabilitation of the victims.

Special dua by Muslim Rashtriya Manch for people of Uttarakhand

Muslim Rashtriya Manch organised a special dua programme in New Delhi on July 24 to pay tribute to those killed in Uttarakhand tragedy and also those who are facing problems due to the devastation. Apart from the senior leaders of the Manch, RSS national executive member Shri Indresh Kumar also attended the event. Jamait Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Suhaib Uz Zafar Qasmi and president of Residents Welfare Association, Ahata Harijan and Gali Mir Madan Mohammand Zafar were also present on the occasion. The activist of the Manch stood with the people of Uttarakhand during the calamity and provided monetary help for relief and rescue operations. The monetary help was dispatched from Ujjain, Indore, Jaipur, Jabalpur, Raipur, Ranchi, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, etc.

Uttarakhand CM appreciates relief
operation by swayamsevaks

A RSS delegation under the leadership of Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi called on the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Vijay Bhaguna on July 18. During the meeting Shri Joshi apprised the Chief Minister of the relief work done by the RSS swayamsevaks under the banner of Uttaranchal Daivi Aapda Peedit Sahayata Samiti since the time and date the disaster occurred. Thousands of pilgrims were rescued and helped, 21 relief centres operated at all the affected places, 136 truck loaded with 300 tones of grain, eatables, mineral water, blankets, tripal cloth and various items of daily needs were sent to the affected places.

The Chief Minister responded very positively and appreciated the work done by the RSS without seeking publicity. He recognised the character of the RSS during such natural calamities and expressed his gratitude. Chief Minister also arranged a helicopter to Sarkaryavah for an aeriel survey of flood affected area of Kedarnath, Gangotri, etc. The CM also assured the delegation that all help will be given to the NGOs, including the RSS and invited suggestions from time to time for normalisation of the situation.

Uttarakhand disaster is National Disaster: Bhaiyaji

“Uttarakhand disaster is a national disaster. Therefore the whole nation is aggrieved and help in cash or kind is pouring in large scale from every corner of the country,” said RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi while talking to media persons in Dehradun on July 19.

Shri Joshi paid tribute to the victims of devastation and also paid heartiest thanks to the army personnel and their officers, ITBP and NDRF men for their exemplary contribution in the very tedious rescue operations. He also appreciated the role of different voluntary organisations, which participated or are participating in the relief operations.

Replying to a question regarding the role of State Government, Shri Joshi said it is not the appropriate time to evaluate the Government’s performance, but it is time for all of us to think as to how to come out of this disaster. He reminded that rehabilitation work is very complicated and tedious job which can be tackled by the joint efforts of all—the government as well as various agencies including the NGOs.

The Sarkaryavah assured on behalf of the RSS and all the organisations associated with it, to participate in the rehabilitation of the victims in respect of education, employment, trade, shelter and upbringing of the dependant families and orphans. Besides this, he stressed the need to boost up the moral of the local people and generate confidence among them. He hoped that very soon worship at Kedarnath will be started, Charo Dham Yatra will begin as usual and the self-confidence of the pilgrims and tourist will be restored. He urged the Uttarakhand Government to initiate action on top most priority basis to clear the blockade of road and conveyance with assurance to government on behalf of the RSS to render assistance in all respect.

Prant Sanghachalak Shri Chandrapal Singh Negi, Mahanagar Sanghchalak Gopal Krishan Mittal, Prant Karyavah Shri Laxmi Prasad Jayaswal were also present at the press conference.

 http://samvada.org/2013/news/rss-unveils-2-phased-peconstruction-programme-in-flood-hit-zones-of-uttarakhand/

‘Powerful Nation only can experience Peace’: RSS’s Indresh Kumar in FINS Seminar, Bangalore

Bangalore July 28: ‘A nation which is powerful by all means will experience peace, where as a weak nation may have to face violence, invasions and crisis. India should become powerful nation to maintain peace within’ said RSS to functionary Indresh Kumar in Bangalore on Sunday.

Indresh Kumar addressing, Vijay Gore, President of FINS Karnataka also seen.

Indresh Kumar was addressing a select audience in a workshop on ‘National Security’ organised by FINS, Forum for Integrated National Security’s Karnataka Chapter at ‘Yadavasmruti’ Conference Hall of Sheshadripuram, Bangalore.

‘An awakened society will not be defeated or insulted by anybody. Hence the individuals of the society should be alert on social concerns. Internal Security or Border Security is not just a matter for the Army soldiers. Every citizen should be bothered about national security’ said Indresh Kumar.

‘Peace is not a commodity to purchase. It is a state of social life, to be achieved. A powerful society or nation will maintain it’, he added.

‘Indian soldiers have a high fighting spirit than any army in the world. Our political leadership should understand this. A King being in power cannot be just a ‘Dharmatma’ by a mere concept at
every scenario. When evil spirits raise against the nation, the King always should use the same Dharma to eradicate permanently the evil forces’ said Indresh Kumar.

Bala Desai, National General Secretary of FINS, Vijay Gore, President FINS Karnataka, Cnl AJ Bhandary, General Secreatry FINS Karnataka, Sridhar Rao K of Sikkim (Former National Security Advisor), Maj Gen Paul of Assam, VS Hegde of FINS Karnataka, Ganapati Hegde, RSS State Functionary and several young intellectuals attended the day long workshop.

 http://samvada.org/2013/news/powerful-nation-only-can-experience-peace-rsss-indresh-kumar-in-fins-seminar-bangalore/

‘RSS for building strong nation with Hindutva at core’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in Bihar

Patna, Bihar July 21: Terming as wrong perception that Sangh is the ideological fountainhead of BJP, the Sarasanghachalak of RSS Mohan Bhagwat today said the essence of its activities is to build a strong India with Hindutva at its core.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarasanghachalak

“Many misgivings about Sangh is prevailing in the society for different reasons and people talk about Sangh without knowing about it or the essence of its activities,” Bhagwat said here addressing a gathering on the eve of Ashadha Poornima.

“Hindutva is the core of Hindustan, it is it’s identity,” he said adding that it is wrong to look at Hindutva as an ideology of a particular religion or community.

The Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak said that a leader or a political party could do little to make a country strong unless and until there is reform in the society based on the “right” ideology.

“Change has always come from society and not from only politics. Just a change of people in power will not help much. There is need to bring right kind of change in the society based on ideology of Hindutva,” he said.

Bhagwat was addressing the gathering in the presence of senior BJP leaders of Bihar including former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav, BJP vice-president C P Thakur and state BJP president Mangal Pandey.
The RSS chief said that Sangh is engaged in a daunting task of reforming the society to make India a strong country.

Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Nagpur, had participated in the Independence struggle and during that always raised issues related to reform of the society by ending prevalent social evils, Bhagwat said.

“Hedgewar, in childhood took a vow to remain single throughout life had no other ambition than to end social evils in society and make country strong,” the RSS chief said in a bid to dish out history of the organisation.

Inputs from: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/news-politics/article/rss-building-strong-nation-hindutva-core-bhagwat

RSS Karnataka donates Rs 1 Crore to Uttarakhand Flood Relief Fund

Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh, Karnataka

#74, Keshavakrupa, Ranga Rao Road, Shankarapuram, Bangalore – 560004

080-26010081 www.samvada.org   karnatakarss@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE:

RSS Karnataka donates the collected Rs 1 Crore for Uttarakhand Flood Relief Works

Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Uttarakhand unit had initiated ‘Uttaranchal Daivee Apadaa Peedith Sahayata Samiti’; is working relentlessly in flood hit zones of Uttarakhand since last 44 days in flood relief activities. 

RSS Karnataka unit requested publicly to donate for its initiative ‘RSS Sanchalita Santrasta Parihara Nidhi’, to which thousands of citizens responded and donated their monetary help. Today, RSS Karnataka Unit has transferred the 1 Crore Rupees of the collected money to the RSS Uttarakhand Unit initiated ‘Uttaranchal Daivee Apadaa Peedith Sahayata Samiti’. The money will be utilised for rehabilitation and reconstruction works at Flood hit zones of Uttarakhand. 

RSS General Secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi visited flood hit zones of Uttarakhand and supervised RSS initiated flood relief activities on July 18 and 19^th, 2013.

RSS Karnataka has thanked the help of Citizens for their timely help during such an unprecedented natural calamity.

Thanking You

N Tippeswamy

Pranth Karyavah (State General Secretary),

RSS Karnataka

Date: July 29, 2013

Keshava Krupa, Bangalore

RSS Sarakaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi attends special HOMA-HAVAN at Dehradoon,Uttarakhand

Dehradoon July 19: RSS Sarakaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi attended special HOMA-HAVAN held at Dehradoon, Uttarakhand, offered religious tribute to those died in unprecedented Uttarakhand Flood. Bhaiyyaji was welocmed by Swamijis there.

RSS Sarakaryavah Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi attended special HOMA-HAVAN

‘BJP and RSS are Independent of Each Other’: RSS leader Ram Madhav’s Interview with ET

Amaravati; July 15: In an interview with Economic Times, Ram Madhav, senior Functionary of RSS, talks about the organizational structure of BJP and RSS, and maintains that the two are independent of each other.

Ram Madhav, RSS

Excerpts:

How do you respond to the allegations that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghmicromanages the affairs of BJP? 

There is no truth in these allegations of micromanagement. We don’t even macro-manage the affairs of the BJP for the simple, yet most important, reason that the swayamsevaks of the RSS working in the BJP are capable of handling their affairs and we have full faith in them. The Sangh and the BJP share an ideological relationship. We also share human resources occasionally. But organisationally, both entities are independent of each other. None interferes in the day-to-day affairs of the other.

Narendra Modi’s recent interview to a foreign news agency triggered a controversy over his remarks on being a Hindu nationalist and on the 2002 Gujarat riots… 

A controversy was sought to be created where it didn’t exist.

Does the Sangh feel that Modi’s projection as the prime ministerial candidate will bring electoral dividends to the BJP? 

The BJP leadership is the best judge of what brings electoral dividends to them. We believe that they take an appropriate decision after due consultation within. We also believe that whatever they decide must be in their interest. We don’t interfere in or influence their decision-making …That he is popular is a ‘secret’ well known.

Are Modi’s critics right when they say that his candidature will polarise the electorate? 

The BJP leadership knows better about these matters.

But the Congress says the BJP is working as a call centre of RSS to hard sell ‘product’ Narendra Modi ahead of the 2014 elections… 

In politics, parties indulge in such allegations and counter-allegations . Some of them will be out of frustration and hence ridiculous. The Sangh doesn’t like to get involved in this political sparring.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani is reportedly unhappy with the Sangh’s pointsman in the BJP. Is that true? 

Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji is a senior and respected leader. His views are always taken seriously . We have no knowledge of the authenticity of the reports being referred to about Advaniji’s unhappiness with any RSS functionary.

What was the message for the BJP from the Sangh’s recent meeting in Amravati?

Amravati meetings are an annual review exercise that happens after the training programmes are completed. We review the participation in our training programme and plan for the activity and campaigns in the coming months. The message is only for the Sangh functionaries.

What will be the Sangh’s role as the BJP gears up for elections — to the state assembles as well as the Lok Sabha? 

The RSS doesn’t play any role in elections. Contrary to perception in sections of the media and the public, the RSS doesn’t permit its office-bearers to get directly involved in electioneering at any level. However, we certainly ask our swayamsevaks to actively participate in the election process as enlightened citizens. We expect them to encourage other citizens to utilise their democratic right of vote and ensure that maximum voting takes place in their respective areas.

What will be the role of the Sangh’s various offshoots in the elections? 

They will encourage their ordinary members to actively play the role of enlightened citizens who have the good of the country at heart. Like the BJP, these outfits are otherwise independent organisations and, hence, the Sangh doesn’t give any directive to them about the elections.

(Interviewed by Amita Shah for ECONOMIC TIMES)
 
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/modis-popularity-is-a-well-known-secret-ram-madhav-rss/articleshow/21077738.cms

RSS General Secretary Bhaiyyaji addressed Media on RSS Flood Relief Activities at Uttarakhand

Dehradun, Uttarakhand July 20: RSS Sarakaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi addressed media and briefed the role of RSS at post-flood relief works at flood hit zones of Uttarakhand. DETAILS WILL BE UPLOADED LATER. PLEASE RE-VISIT.

RSS Sarakaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi addressed media and briefed the role of RSS at post-flood relief works at flood hit zones of Uttarakhand.

‘RSS for building strong nation with Hindutva at core’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in Bihar

Patna, Bihar July 21: Terming as wrong perception that Sangh is the ideological fountainhead of BJP, the Sarasanghachalak of RSS Mohan Bhagwat today said the essence of its activities is to build a strong India with Hindutva at its core.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarasanghachalak

 “Many misgivings about Sangh is prevailing in the society for different reasons and people talk about Sangh without knowing about it or the essence of its activities,” Bhagwat said here addressing a gathering on the eve of Ashadha Poornima.

“Hindutva is the core of Hindustan, it is it’s identity,” he said adding that it is wrong to look at Hindutva as an ideology of a particular religion or community.

The Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak said that a leader or a political party could do little to make a country strong unless and until there is reform in the society based on the “right” ideology.
“Change has always come from society and not from only politics. Just a change of people in power will not help much. There is need to bring right kind of change in the society based on ideology of Hindutva,” he said.
Bhagwat was addressing the gathering in the presence of senior BJP leaders of Bihar including former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav, BJP vice-president C P Thakur and state BJP president Mangal Pandey.

The RSS chief said that Sangh is engaged in a daunting task of reforming the society to make India a strong country.

Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Nagpur in 1940, had participated in the Independence struggle and during that always raised issues related to reform of the society by ending prevalent social evils, Bhagwat said.

“Hedgewar, in childhood took a vow to remain single throughout life had no other ambition than to end social evils in society and make country strong,” the RSS chief said in a bid to dish out history of the organisation.

Inputs from: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/news-politics/article/rss-building-strong-nation-hindutva-core-bhagwat