While the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is often viewed from a political perspective, to understand its functioning it is important to also focus on the organization's service activities and social contributions. This is what Rashmi Samant, author of 'Hundred Years Young: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh', has to say. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, he said that there are many misconceptions in the society about the Sangh and the experiences of people who know the organization closely bring out a different picture of it.
According to Rashmi Samant, her book aims to bring out the experiences of people who initially had different perceptions about the RSS, but changed their views after coming in contact with the organization. The book includes the experiences of 20 young and talented writers.
Along with Indians, there are also British, Israeli and American contributors. The book includes perspectives from Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities as well as those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Explaining the title of the book, Samant said that even today youth participate in sports, physical activities and intellectual discussions in RSS shakhas. All the authors contributing to the book are under the age of 40, with the majority in their 30s.
Referring to the social contribution of RSS, he discussed the role of volunteers during earthquakes, floods, Covid-19 pandemic and other crises. According to him, there have been activities of organizations associated with the Sangh in areas like education, relief work, cultural preservation, work with tribal communities and social harmony. He said that the organization's actions should be evaluated on the basis of facts, experiences and available evidence rather than slogans or assumptions.
Discussing the youth of India, Samant said that the youth are contributing to nation-building, innovation and positive initiatives. He cited the example of Skyroot's efforts in the space sector. He believes that due to negative news getting more attention, the creative works of the youth do not get the desired space.
Samant also said that dialogue and constructive debate between people of different ideologies is necessary. According to him, to understand the RSS, people should form their opinion after knowing about its works and contributions in the last hundred years.
Also read-
Echo of Delhi movement reaches Maharashtra, Uddhav and Fadnavis clash over change of power
Case of culpable homicide registered against Kolkata pandal organizers