RSS largest yet ‘most misunderstood’ organisation, says Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted on Saturday that the organization is the world's largest voluntary body, yet simultaneously "the most misunderstood."

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People say it is the largest voluntary organisation in the world, but it is also the most misunderstood.

Speaking at an event marking the RSS's centenary celebrations, Bhagwat addressed common external perceptions. He acknowledged that the RSS might appear as a paramilitary organization due to its uniformed route marches or as a gymnasium promoting Indian games and martial arts. However, he emphasized that these views are incomplete.

Bhagwat encouraged direct engagement with the RSS, suggesting that experiencing the organization from within is the best way to understand it. He noted that a lecture or a book could provide a foundational understanding, assuring potential newcomers that it is safe to explore the Sangh's activities.

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The best way to understand the RSS is to engage with it and experience it from within. However, to do so, one must first be assured that it is safe to test and understand it. A lecture or a book can provide at least that much understanding of the Sangh.

He further clarified that the RSS is not a reaction to any specific situation nor is it opposed to any societal group or political party. Bhagwat reiterated that the organization's emergence was driven by a desire to contribute to the nation's welfare and advance efforts to serve the country. He stated that due to frequent misunderstandings, the RSS has decided to actively reach out and explain its work during its centenary year.

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The Sangh had emerged to contribute to the nation's welfare and carry forward efforts aimed at serving the country.