Key Points:
- RSS’s Premier Assembly Begins: The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) inaugurated in Bengaluru, with tributes paid to late leaders like Dr. Manmohan Singh and Zakir Hussain.
- Manipur Crisis Addressed: RSS expresses concern over ongoing violence but sees hope in government efforts.
- North-South Divide Criticized: Sangh calls for unity amid disputes over language and delimitation.
- Centenary Year Plans Discussed: Preparations for RSS’s 100-year celebrations from 2025 to 2026 outlined.
Bengaluru: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) inaugurated its three-day All India Representative Assembly (Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha) in Bengaluru on Friday. This annual meeting, the highest decision-making body of the organization, is being held at Janseva Vidya Kendra in Channenahalli and comes at a pivotal time as the RSS approaches its centenary year.
Tributes to Late Leaders
The event began on a reflective note as tributes were paid to several prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, and other notable personalities who passed away recently. This gesture highlighted the Sangh’s inclusive approach to honoring contributions across political and cultural spectrums.
Manipur Violence: A Call for Peace
Addressing the ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has been grappling with violence for nearly two years, Sah Sarkaryavah Mukund CR expressed concern but also optimism. He acknowledged the central government’s peace initiatives and emphasized that healing will take time. The RSS has been actively involved in efforts to restore harmony in the region, working alongside local communities.
Tackling the North-South Divide
The assembly also delved into the contentious North-South divide fueled by debates over language policies and delimitation reforms. Mukund CR criticized forces attempting to exploit these issues for political gain, calling for unity among all regions of India. He stressed that disputes over language or representation should be resolved harmoniously through dialogue and goodwill.
The Sangh reiterated its stance on promoting mother tongues while recognizing the importance of regional and career languages like English. Mukund clarified that while the RSS does not endorse a specific language formula, it advocates multilingual learning tailored to local needs.
Centenary Year Preparations
With the RSS set to complete 100 years in October 2025, this assembly is laying the groundwork for year-long celebrations from Vijayadashami 2025 to Vijayadashami 2026. Plans include outreach campaigns, social initiatives under the “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations) framework, and expanding grassroots networks to foster national integration and social harmony.
What Lies Ahead?
The meeting will continue over the next two days, with discussions on organizational strategies, national issues, and resolutions aimed at strengthening societal bonds. As India watches closely, this assembly is expected to shape the RSS’s roadmap for its centenary year and beyond, emphasizing unity amidst diversity.
