Unpacking the RSS from the Ground Up
For decades, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been largely understood through the lens of its top leadership and political affiliations. However, a new book by political scientist Malini Bhattacharjee, an Associate Professor at the School of Development, Azim Premji University, aims to offer a fresh perspective. Titled 'Swayamsevak,' her work delves into the lives of ordinary members, or swayamsevaks, to understand the deeper motivations behind their decades-long commitment to the organization.
Shifting the Research Lens
Bhattacharjee's research highlights a significant gap in existing literature, which often concentrates on prominent figures like Mohan Bhagwat or Guru Golwalkar. Her book traces the life stories of nine swayamsevaks and one sevika (female member), ranging in age from 18 to 60. These individuals, often inducted through local networks in villages and small towns, are the backbone of the RSS's ground-level activities, from disaster relief to blood donation camps. Bhattacharjee notes their 'invisibility' to many who claim to understand the Sangh, and her curiosity was piqued by their apparent willingness to sacrifice material comfort, with many pracharaks (full-time workers) choosing to remain unmarried and not drawing a regular salary.
During her extensive research, which began in 2005, Bhattacharjee observed a striking similarity in the vocabulary used by swayamsevaks from diverse backgrounds across India. This shared language, emphasizing reverence for 'Bharat Mata' and a sense of duty, underscores the profound impact of the Sangh's training.
Beyond Political Agendas
While acknowledging the RSS's inherently political dimension, Bhattacharjee challenges the common narrative that views the organization solely through a 'conspiratorial' political lens. She argues that this narrow focus often misses the genuine personal motivations driving members. The idea that a top-down political agenda dictates every swayamsevak's actions is, according to her, misleading. Individuals join and remain with the RSS because they derive personal meaning and purpose from their engagement, not merely as political actors.
"Unless you understand what is going on inside their heads—why they decide to dedicate not two years, not five years, but 20, 30, 40, or 50 years of their lives to the cause—you'll never be able to make sense of why they are popular," Bhattacharjee states. She emphasizes that these individuals are intelligent, independent thinkers who find personal fulfillment in their work within the Sangh.
The Role of Women and Discretion
The book also addresses criticisms regarding the RSS's stance on women, featuring a chapter on Pankajavalli, a sevika who chose to remain unmarried and performed brave work rescuing children in Jammu. Bhattacharjee contends that many women associated with Sangh-inspired outfits like the Rashtra Sevika Samiti are highly educated and independent-minded, challenging the stereotype of them being less emancipated due to their Hindutva ideology. Pankajavalli's personal choice, for instance, defied traditional expectations, with her Brahmin family fully supporting her decision to dedicate her life to service.
The author also sheds light on why much of the RSS's work, including its presence in tribal areas and abroad, remains largely unknown. She attributes this to the organization's discreet nature, born from a history of bans and perceived hostility from mainstream media and non-BJP governments. This culture of not publicizing their work, rooted in their training, makes it challenging for outsiders to fully grasp their extensive reach and activities.
Deconstructing Stereotypes
Bhattacharjee found that the swayamsevaks she interviewed were not passive recipients of orders but rather headstrong individuals with a clear vision for their lives. This observation challenged her prior understanding of the RSS as a rigidly structured, top-down organization. She quotes Mohan Bhagwat: "If you want to understand the Sangh, come inside the Sangh," a sentiment she came to appreciate after her immersive research.
Ultimately, 'Swayamsevak' posits that the RSS's longevity and influence cannot be explained by hatred alone. The book encourages a deeper, more curious examination of the individuals who sustain the movement, revealing a complexity often missed by purely political or conspiratorial interpretations.