Southern States - Kerala   

RSS changing its image?

By A. Harikumar

ALAPPUZHA OCT. 22. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is learnt to have embarked on an ambitious programme in the State aimed at changing its image as an elusive organisation and to highlight its services in society.

As a part of this the RSS had allowed leaders of organisations of various castes in the Hindu community to address its meetings held throughout the State on October 16, the Vijayadasami day. Those who participated in the public meetings held after the `Pathasanchalans' of RSS volunteers included leaders of the NSS, the SNDP, the Viswakarma Sabha, and the Kerala Pulayar Mahasabha.

According to reports, in some places the RSS even allowed cultural leaders also to participate in the public meeting. There are reports that they included persons from other religions who shared views of the RSS on various issues.

It is pointed out that in the 78 years of history of the RSS it was the first time that the organisation allowed persons who do not work in the organisation and occupy responsible positions in caste organisations to address Vijayadasami meetings.

Sources in the Sangh Parivar said the new initiative was a manifestation of the change in the strategy of the RSS regarding the nature of its relationship with caste organisations. While it discouraged its volunteers from simultaneously holding offices in caste organisations and in the Sangh at present, it encourages its workers to actively participate in caste organisations.

The sources noted that at the recent Vijayadasami meetings, the RSS even changed its usual practice of allowing only the person who delivered the key-note address to sit on the stage. The leaders of various caste groups were allowed to sit on the dais this time.

According to sources the idea of allowing leaders of various caste groups to address the meetings of the RSS was mooted by a senior leader of the Sangh Parivar from Kerala. This was later approved at a national level meeting of the organisation. The idea was first made practical at a Rakshabandhan festival organised by the RSS at Thrissur. The invitations send to various groups were well received, said the sources.

RSS sources said the fact that they could bring leaders of different caste groups on the same platform proved that the initiative had been welcomed. According to them, the leaders lauded the RSS initiative and spoke in favour of the idea of unity of various Hindu groups. Sources said many leaders who participated at the meetings expressed their desire to learn about the welfare activities being organised by the RSS.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the initiative was not well received by the Nair Service Society (NSS). Reports indicate that NSS leaders failed to turn up at the Vijayadasami meetings at some places. But at various other places leaders of taluk unions of the NSS addressed the meeting.

According to sources, there are indications that the RSS may involve leaders of caste groups in their future programmes also. They said the aim was to unite caste groups on issues of common interest and familiarise them with the work of the organisation.

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