Modi lauds RSS for its 100-year journey

Sub: History

Sec: Modern India

Context:

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated its centenary year on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the organization.

About RSS:

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded on September 27, 1925, by K.B. Hedgewar in Nagpur, India.
The RSS aims to promote the concept of Hindutva, which emphasizes the cultural and national identity of Hindus in India.
The RSS is considered the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), influencing Indian politics.

Functioning:

It operates as a volunteer organization with a hierarchical structure, including various wings and affiliates focused on social, cultural, and educational activities.
Over the years, the RSS has expanded its reach, with thousands of branches (shakhas) across India and a growing presence among the Indian diaspora.
The RSS conducts training camps, community service projects, and cultural programs, promoting discipline and patriotism among its members.

Criticism:

The RSS came under scrutiny following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse in 1948. The organization was banned temporarily but was later allowed to operate again.
The RSS has faced criticism for its perceived role in promoting Hindu nationalism and for allegations of fostering communal tensions, though it advocates for national integration.

History of ban:

1948: RSS was banned following Gandhi’s assassination, but the ban was lifted in 1949 after it pledged allegiance to the Constitution.
1966: Government employees were prohibited from joining the RSS, which was reiterated in 1970 and 1980.
1975-1977: The organization was banned during emergency, which was ban lifted in 1977.
1992: The RSS was banned after the Babri Masjid demolition, which was lifted in 1993 when a commission found the ban unjustified.