The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded on September 27,1925, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and 17 associates, completed 100 years today.A year-long nationwide programme will mark the centenary of the organisation, which has now grown as the country's largest cultural body with over 83,000 shakhas and lakhs of volunteers.The RSS traces its beginnings to the Hedgewar Wada at Mahal in Nagpur. The organisation was conceived by Hedgewar to foster unity, discipline and character-building among Hindus.After deliberations in 1926, the name Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was finalised through voting, defeating alternatives such as Jaripatka Mandal and Bharatodharak Mandal.
The first shakha outside Nagpur was established in Wardha in February 1926, paving the way for gradual expansion across the country. To avoid personality-driven leadership, the saffron flag was adopted as the 'Guru' of the Sangh, with the practice of offering Guru Dakshina beginning in 1927.Hedgewar, who became the first Sarsanghchalak in 1929, was earlier associated with the Congress and had participated in the non-cooperation and Jungle Satyagraha movements, for which he was imprisoned.His vision emphasised physical training, discipline, service and national character-building.(UNI)
