Key Points:
- The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) inaugurated its new headquarters, ‘Keshav Kunj,’ in Delhi’s Jhandewalan area on February 19, coinciding with Shivaji Jayanti.
- The state-of-the-art complex spans 5 lakh square feet and includes three 12-story towers named Sadhana, Prerna, and Archana.
- Constructed at a cost of ₹150 crore with contributions from over 75,000 supporters, the building features modern amenities like auditoriums, a library, a hospital, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
- Top leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, attended the inauguration.
- The RSS’s highest decision-making body, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), will hold its annual meeting in Bengaluru from March 21 to 23.
RSS Unveils New Headquarters: A Milestone in Its Legacy
New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), one of India’s most influential socio-cultural organizations, inaugurated its new headquarters, Keshav Kunj, in Delhi’s Jhandewalan area on Wednesday. The grand event was attended by prominent leaders such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The inauguration coincides with Shivaji Jayanti, symbolizing the Sangh’s commitment to Indian cultural values. Speaking at the event, Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that the new headquarters reflects the RSS’s evolving role in modern India while staying rooted in its traditional ethos.
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
The newly constructed Keshav Kunj is an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned Gujarat architect Anup Dave. Spread over 3.75 acres, the complex features:
- Three Towers: Named Sadhana, Prerna, and Archana, each tower serves a specific purpose:
- Sadhana Tower: Houses offices for RSS publications like Panchajanya and Organiser.
- Prerna Tower: Dedicated to RSS leadership and administrative operations.
- Archana Tower: Includes residential quarters for employees and visiting volunteers.
- Auditoriums: Three large halls have been built for events:
- The Ashok Singhal Auditorium (463 seats), named after the VHP leader associated with the Ram Mandir movement.
- A second hall accommodating 650 people.
- A third hall for smaller gatherings of up to 250 attendees.
- Library: An extensive library on the eighth floor houses over 8,000 books on topics like Hindutva, Indian philosophy, global religions, and constitutional studies.
- Eco-Friendly Features: Solar panels generating 140 kW of energy and a dedicated Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) underscore the building’s commitment to sustainability.
The project took eight years to complete at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, funded entirely through public donations from more than 75,000 supporters.
Facilities for Volunteers and Staff
The new headquarters is equipped with modern amenities to support RSS operations:
- A hospital with five beds and a dispensary for medical emergencies.
- A dining hall accommodating up to 80 people at a time.
- Residential facilities for traveling functionaries and volunteers.
- Parking space for over 270 vehicles.
The building also includes advanced media rooms with LED screens for press conferences.
Symbolic Inauguration on Shivaji Jayanti
The inauguration date holds symbolic significance as it coincided with Shivaji Jayanti. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered by the RSS as an icon of Hindu nationalism and governance. The event celebrated his legacy alongside the unveiling of a modernized infrastructure that aligns with the Sangh’s vision.
Upcoming Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS)
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat announced that the organization’s highest decision-making body, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), will convene its annual meeting in Bengaluru from March 21 to 23. This year’s meeting carries added significance as it precedes the centenary celebrations of the RSS in 2025.
The ABPS will review the Sangh’s activities over the past year and outline plans for expansion. Key topics likely to be discussed include:
- Preparations for centenary celebrations.
- Strategies for increasing shakhas (local branches) across India.
- Resolutions on national issues like population control policies, caste dynamics, employment generation, and women’s participation in Sangh activities.
RSS’s Expanding Influence
Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, the RSS has grown into one of India’s largest volunteer-based organizations. With over 60,929 shakhas operating across more than 38,000 locations nationwide, it plays a significant role in shaping socio-political discourse through its affiliated organizations like BJP and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
In recent years, the Sangh has diversified its focus areas beyond traditional issues like Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir movement and Article 370 abrogation. Its current agenda includes promoting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), addressing environmental concerns, and fostering economic self-reliance.
A New Chapter for RSS
The inauguration of Keshav Kunj marks a significant milestone for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as it modernizes its infrastructure while staying true to its cultural roots. With state-of-the-art facilities designed to accommodate its expanding activities, this new headquarters is set to become a central hub for RSS operations not just in Delhi but across India.
As it prepares for its centenary celebrations next year, the Sangh aims to further consolidate its influence while addressing contemporary challenges through its unique blend of tradition and innovation.
