Introduction to RSS
What was the one spiritual principle on which RSS was founded?
"Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" - the world is one family.
Vasudha = Earth/world; Eva = indeed/only; Kutumbakam = family
It teaches that all living beings, regardless of nationality, race, or religion, are connected like family members.
When was RSS started?
On Vijayadashami in 1925.
Doctor Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (Doctorji), the founder of Sangh announced on Vijayadashami day September 27 in 1925 that "We are inaugurating Sangh today”
What is Doctor ji's full name?
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
What is Guru ji's real name?
Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar.
How many Shakhas are in USA?
250.
Who was the second sarsanghachalak of RSS?
Shri Guruji.
He was designated as Second Sarsanghchalak on July 3, 1940 after Dr. ji passed away on June 21st.
When was the first HSS shakha held?
1947 – Kenya (First Overseas Shakha)
The first HSS shakha was held in Nairobi, Kenya. It was started by Indian diaspora swayamsevaks after India's independence.
What was Dr. ji's profession?
He was a medical doctor. He completed his studies from Calcutta.
Even though he was a Doctor, he believed that healing the nation and building strong citizens was more important than personal success.
For approximately how many years did Golwalkar lead the RSS?
For about 40 years.
From 1940 - 1973. He led RSS, during India’s independence and early post-independence years.
How many countries currently have Shakhas?
50+
What is the women's organization called?
“Rashtra Sevika Samiti”
Vandaniya Mausiji (Lakshmi Bai Kelkar) founded the “Rashtra Sevika Samiti” in 1936 in Wardha, Maharashtra.
The Rashtra Sevika Samiti, has roughly 4,900 branches and 50 full-time workers. It focuses on women's roles and promoting family-based change.
When was the name 'Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh' decided?
On April 17, 1926.
Dr. Hedgewar called a meeting at his house in which 26 Swayamsevaks participated. Several names were suggested and finally the name, ‘Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’, was chosen.
Name one person that influenced Doctor ji.
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Babarao Savarkar, Arvind Ghosh and B. S. Moonje.
When did Guru ji's leadership end?
In 1973.
Guru ji passed away on June 5th, after nearly 40 years of leadership. He left behind a strong, stable, and influential RSS.
Who is the current SanghaChalak of HSS?
Dr. Vinod Ambastha ji is the current President (Sanghchalak) of HSS USA.
He is a Pulmonary and critical care Physician by profession and lives near Cerritos, CA.
Who is a Pracharak? Name the first Mahila Pracharak in USA.
Pracharak is a full-time RSS/HSS worker who helps grow the organization in new areas.
Amruta Houde
When was the first SSV held in India?
In 1938 Sangh Shiksha Varg was introduced in Lahore (Undivided India).
in 1927, Officer's Training Camp was held for 40 days. Shri Guruji suggested renaming Officers' Training Camp to Sangh Shiksha Varg. The duration of SSV was reduced from 40 to 30 days.
Before founding the RSS, Dr. Hedgewar joined which political group fighting for India's independence?
Indian National Congress.
Before starting RSS, Dr. ji was involved in this major freedom movement, Indian National Congress, inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Which famous book did Golwalkar write outlining his vision for India and the RSS?
'Bunch of thoughts'.
First published in 1966. "Bunch of Thoughts" became a guidebook for RSS members to understand their mission and duties. It helped shape how the organization grew and influenced Indian society over the years.
How many daily RSS shakhas are currently held across India?
72,000+
These shakhas take place at about 45,411 different locations nationwide.
Who started Ekal Vidyalaya?
Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras (M. D. Deoras) founded Ekal Vidyalaya in 1986 in Gumla district, Jharkhand.
He is also known as Balasaheb Deoras, and he was the third Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of RSS.
When was the first Sangh prarthana sung?
The Sangh Prarthana was first publicly sung by RSS Pracharak YadavRao Joshi on May 18, 1940 in Sangh Shiksha Varg held at Nagpur.
Why did Dr. ji start shakha?
To help build discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness; to help develop patriotism in young Indians; focus on training youth for long-term change.
What qualities did Guru ji emphasize?
Unity and discipline.
He focused on promoting pride in Indian culture and heritage (cultural nationalism).
Who is the current Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak?
Saumitra Gokhale is the Global Coordinator for the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh activities world wide, a movement that promotes practicing of Hindu values for the well-being of humanity.