‘RSS Expansion Means Expansion of National Thought’: Hosabale
Sarsangh functionary highlights growth, social harmony and call to shed colonial mindset
GG News Bureau
Panipat, 18th March: Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary Dattatreya Hosabale on Sunday said that the expansion of the organisation reflects the expansion of national thought, as the RSS concluded its three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha meeting in Samalkha.
Addressing the media, Hosabale said the organisation has recorded steady growth over the past year, with the number of shakhas increasing by around 6,000 to cross 88,000, while outreach locations have expanded to over 55,000. He noted that RSS activities have also reached remote regions such as Andaman, Arunachal Pradesh, Leh, and tribal areas.
He emphasised that organisational expansion must also be accompanied by qualitative improvement in society. Referring to the concept of “Panch Parivartan,” he said the RSS aims to inspire positive transformation and mobilise the “Power of Good” in national interest.
Hosabale asserted that it is essential for citizens to free themselves from colonial mindset and embrace Indian thought, which he described as rooted in global welfare. He added that Indian civilisational values, often described as Hindutva, represent a way of life that promotes societal harmony and development.
Highlighting social initiatives, he said RSS volunteers organised over 2,000 programmes across the country to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, with participation of more than seven lakh people. Celebrations were also held to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, while plans are underway for events marking the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas.
On organisational plans, Hosabale said the RSS will conduct 96 training camps across regions in the coming year. Discussions were also held on initiatives such as cow protection and rural development, including promoting terrace gardening using indigenous organic inputs and encouraging eco-friendly household practices.
He also indicated possible structural changes within the organisation, with a proposal to move towards decentralisation by creating over 80 smaller administrative units in place of the existing 46 prants.
Addressing social issues, Hosabale called for efforts to eliminate caste-based divisions and urged the media to refrain from caste-based voter analysis during elections. He also appreciated the government’s diplomatic efforts in the current global scenario, stating that the RSS supports peace and development at the global level.
Reiterating the organisation’s ideological position, he said the RSS was not founded in opposition to any community, and emphasised unity in diversity, noting that all those who consider India their motherland and contribute positively to society are part of the broader national framework.
