Dr. Hedgewar was puzzled that Mughals and British could enslave Bharat, a superior nation with its matured civilization having courageous people who were ready for sacrifices. Most of the leaders at that time were of the opinion that slavery is the root cause of all the problems of Indian society and that independence would resolve all the issues. But Dr. Hedgewar realized that independence alone can not solve all the problems of the Indian society. Dr. Hedgewar was trying to find out the problems that led to slavery. He started analysing the reasons for slavery during his participation in freedom movement. He came to the conclusion that a disorganized society incapable of responding to the challenges coherently is inherently weak and would eventually loose freedom. As a remedy, he envisioned the need of systematic efforts towards organizing the society. Unity among the disorganized
society (units) could be achieved only on a firm ground. Indian society is astonishingly diverse with many religions, language and regional differences. But it is also true that Indian way of life could achieve material prosperity combined with spiritual advancement peacefully. Social harmony is very natural among diverse groups in our society. The uniqueness of India -rooted in spiritual heritage and cultural homogeneity - is essentially Hindu. Sanatana-Dharma literally meaning 'eternal law' is seen by Jndians as that which is sustaining the universe from the time immemorial. For Hindus, all activities including public affairs is guided by all encompassing Dharma. Democracy, Secularism and Social Harmony becomes byproducts of Dharmic way of life. In India, these realizations were cherished from a very long time. Therefore, nationalism in the context of India is nothing but Hindu way of life. Dr. Hedgewar foresaw the need of creating awareness and pride about Indian culture and spiritual heritage among newer generations. He decided to start a dedicated organization for this noble cause. Dr. Hedgewar clearly articulated the nature of the organization. "It is not for attacking others, nor is it aimed at annihilating some groups. Idea is not to become prosperous by snatching others wealth. The organization would put an end to the unjust, aggressive tendencies of others. So far, looking at our weakness, others were attracted to plunder us. To ensure that nobody ever has the courage to attack us, we want to make this organization strong. If other societies do not attack us, our strength will be no harm to them. Protection of Dharma, Society and Culture is the aim of Sangh. Looking at our strength, miscreant nature of aggressor will dwindle and they shall never dare to attack us again"
Secondly, adherence to Dharmic principles is the only way to ensure lasting peace and harmony in the world. The one who is weak can not protect Dharma. Therefore the Sangh has taken up the responsibility of building a strong organized society. According to Dr. Hedgewar, "Other objectives, apart from this are secondary in our view". The RSS objective is also stated in several one liners. "Uniting Hindus", "Organizing Indian society", "Protecting Dharma", "Hindutva", "Man making", "Character building", "Commitment to take India to the highest glory" - convey different aspects of the same task taken up by the Sangh. The essential characteristic of India is referred by many terms
- Hindu, Sanatana, Vaideeka, and Bharateeyata - meaning the same in essence. Elaborating further, Jains, Buddhists are being interpreted as Hindus in the wider sense. Logically extending any Indian national - Muslim and Christian included - harmoniously mingling in the Indian society is a Hindu - according to RSS ideologues. Social Harmony is one of the fundamental principle based on which the operational direction of the Sangh is determined. Exclusive religions - insisting on single God - create social tensions. Similarly, discriminations based on castes like untouchability and atrocities in the name of caste also are harming the society. Regional and linguistic exclusivist attitudes too are affecting the social harmony. Political immaturity and corruption affect the national security. Sangh rejects them completely without any compromise. Divisive politics, unsustainable social, political, economical and environmental policies are detrimental to social fabric as well as to national security. Sangh discourages all these perversions. In particular Sangh has relentlessly opposed jihadi terrorism, religious conversions and materialistic naxalism. Sangh is committed to universally applicable value system
- believes that the entire universe is one family - "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam". The rubric of Dharma should be reflected in all facets of life is a founding principle of Sangh. A constant endeavor of Sangh and all its other organisations have been the propagation of Hindu values as the guiding principles in all sectors ranging from education to labor, sociology to economics. Sangh is a unique social organization - in its structure and methods. Its working style looks exceptionally simple, yet appealing. It is very interesting to understand its organizational structure and working style. Shakha - the basic unit
The basic work of Sangh is carried through Shakhas -literally meaning 'branches' in Samksrita. Shakhas are held in each iocality at a designated place - usually in the open ground - at a specified time for duration of one hour. It is a programme of daily get together. People of the locality and near by areas participate in the Shakha. They are Swayamsevaks. The place where the Shakha is conducted is called as Sanghasthan. Depending on the convenience of the people of the locality, Shakha is conducted either in the mornings or in the evenings. The Shakha activity is very structured. It starts with hoisting Bhagawadhwaj, the saffron flag. After saluting the flag, physical exercises - Surya namaskar, Yoga and other suitable ones - are practiced. Games are played by kids {Bala), boys (Kishora), youth (Taruna) and elderly (Praudha) in separate groups. Route march and martial arts are also practiced. After about 30-40rr,inutes, swayamsevaks sit in a circle on the ground and sing a patriotic song in chorus. They reflect on good sayings {Subhash*ta) and on quotes from great people. Issues of national importance and issues of current affairs are discussed. Finally, they pray Almighty for the upliftment of the nation to its highest glory. Bhagawa flag is lowered ending the daily Shakha. After wards, they visit neighbors and friends as part of the regular contact programme (Samparka).
