Thrissur, 14 June (H.S):

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the only way to truly understand the RSS is through direct participation, asserting that the organisation is unique in its nature and purpose and cannot be compared to any other movement or institution.

Addressing a gathering in Thrissur as part of the RSS centenary year celebrations, Bhagwat said the Sangh needed to once again explain itself to society despite being widely recognised across the world. He was speaking at an interaction programme organised in connection with the RSS completing 100 years. The event was held at Hyatt Regency, Puzhakkal.

“Today, people in every corner of the world have heard of the RSS. They know it is something related to India and that it is an organisation or movement. However, very few people truly understand what the RSS is,” Bhagwat said.

He noted that people generally try to understand unfamiliar concepts by comparing them with things they already know. However, he argued that such a method cannot be applied to the RSS because of its distinctive character.

“The sky can only be understood as the sky, and the ocean as the ocean. They cannot be fully explained through comparisons. The RSS is similar in that sense. There is nothing else like it—not today, nor in the last thousand years of history,” he said.

Bhagwat cautioned against forming opinions about the RSS based solely on its visible activities. He pointed out that while RSS volunteers participate in route marches, the organisation is not a parallel military force. Likewise, although it encourages indigenous martial arts, games, songs and cultural programmes, it is neither a gymnasium movement nor a music club.

“These activities are not the RSS itself. They are only means that help us achieve our larger objective. The spirit of the Sangh lies elsewhere,” he said.

According to Bhagwat, the organisation’s essence can only be understood by becoming part of its activities. He emphasised that the RSS has no formal membership structure and that its doors remain open to all.

“Anyone can come, observe, participate and, if they wish, maintain that association for life,” he said.

Bhagwat arrived in Kerala on June 12 for a three-day visit. During the tour, he visited Amritapuri and met spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi before participating in programmes in Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. He is scheduled to leave for Bengaluru from Kochi on June 15.

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman