What Is RSS? Meaning, Origin, and Role of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, commonly known as RSS or Sangh, was established in the year 1925. Since its inception, RSS has been working as a socio cultural organisation spread across Bharat, with its activities reaching every state and district of the country.

Today, RSS functions through tens of thousands of daily gathering centres known as shakhas. These shakhas form the foundation of its work and operate at the local level. Through them, RSS volunteers engage in social service, discipline based activities, and character building. Over the years, the number of shakhas and service initiatives has steadily increased.

RSS volunteers are involved in a wide range of social service activities. These include work related to education, health, disaster relief, rural development, and social awareness. Such work is carried out without discrimination and with a spirit of selfless service. Despite facing indifference, ridicule, and opposition at various times, the work of RSS has continued to expand.

With the growing presence of RSS in society, curiosity about the organisation has also increased. People often ask questions such as what RSS actually is, whether it is a social or political organisation, and what objectives it seeks to fulfil. RSS defines itself as a socio cultural organisation committed to organising society and nurturing individuals with discipline, patriotism, and character.

According to RSS, every society requires individuals who are willing to work selflessly for the collective good. The Sangh focuses on creating such individuals and bringing them together for social and national causes. Rather than viewing itself as separate from society, RSS considers itself as an organised expression of society itself.

The work of RSS is centred on the belief that national progress depends on the strength of society. Through daily interaction, collective activities, and a shared sense of responsibility, RSS aims to develop social harmony and national consciousness. Its approach emphasises long term social transformation rather than immediate results.

RSS operates on the principle that organised and disciplined citizens can positively influence every sphere of national life. By focusing on character building at the individual level, the Sangh believes that a stronger and more united society can be created.

This understanding of RSS helps explain why the organisation continues to attract attention and participation from people across different age groups and backgrounds, especially those seeking meaningful engagement in social and national life.