A Seminar Paper on RSS and VHP

Sub: Modern Religious & Secular Movements

Submitted To: Rev Dr T M Jose Submitted By: Sam Varghese

Introduction
Hindu religion is the dominating majority religion in India. When we study the roots of Hinduism and the core
values that the patrons of Hinduism attempt to portray it is almost impossible to tag it as an intolerant religion.
However, the present reality unfortunately bears a stark reality. Hinduism is considered to be a religion that risks
the existing peace, harmony and social fabric of the society. Hinduism in itself is not to be blamed for it rather it
is the emergence of radical movements such as the RSS, VHP, Sangh Parivar and other such extremists’
movements which originated within Hinduism that needs to be held accountable for the same. This seminar paper
makes an attempt to understand the origin, formation, objectives, ideologies and other factors of groups such as
RSS, Sangh Parivar and VHP and its subsequent repercussion on the society.

Rashtriya Swayam Sevaks (RSS)

Origin of RSS:
In 1925, Keshav BaliramHedgewar, a Telegu Brahmin resident in Nagpur, Maharashtra founded the RSS. This
first group was drawn from a Brahmin locality in Nagpur in 1925, after Hedgewar, Madhav Rao
SadasivGolwalkar famously called, as guruji became the leader. He was more than Hedgewar and became the
main reason and factor to bring the RSS to the present position. It is he who was behind the founding of RSS
front organizations like BJP, VHP, etc.1

Character of RSS: It is a communal organization with Hindutva agenda. It is paramilitary, having morning
drills with lathis, judo and various defense skills. And also practice yoga during the morning drills.2

Organization set up of RSS: RSS is a communal and av para-military organization of the Hindus. The primary
unit is a shakha. Shakhas (consists of 50 to 100 swayamsevaks and is headed by a MukhyaSikshak) which comes
under Mandal committee (consists of three to four shakas) which comes under Nagar committee (consists of ten
to fifteen Mandal committee) which comes under Zillah committee (consists of few Nagar committee together)
which come under PrantiyaPratinidhi Sabha (consists of many Zillahs of one region) which come under Akil
Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (consists of few PrantiyaPrantinidhiSabbha) which comes under KendriyaKaryakar
Mandal (central working committee) which comes under Sar Sang Chalak (supreme leader).3

Constitution of RSS: Dr. Hedgewat till his death in 1940 did not bother to give the Sangh a written constitution.
His agenda was to slowly build up a well-disciplined and loyal group of young Hindu men for the re-juvenation
of the “Hindu Rashtra.”4 Their goal was to achieve “Akhand Bharat” (undivided India) and a Hindu Rashtra. The
Sangh was banned following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on February 4, 1948 for Nathuram Godse the
assassin, was a former leader of the Sangh who broke away from it because of its political nature. The ban was
lifted after a long mediations and negotiations on July 12, 1949 as the Sangh submitted a written constitution.

The ideology of RSS: The ideology of RSS is rooted basically in the ideology of VirSarvarkar. Vir Savarkar was
born in 1883 into a Brahmin family of Bhagur in District of Nasik, Maharastra and was a leader of Hindu Maha
Sabha of Hindutva ideology. VirSarvarkar (Vinayak DamodarSarvarkar) translated the life of Mazzini’s of Italy
in Marathi. Mazzini’s words “national struggle for freedom is therefore worship; it is fulfilling God’s purpose”
helped VirSarvarkar to mix religion with nationalistic feelings for Hindu nationalism. 5For SarvarkarHinduism
1
Aleyamma Zechariah, Modern Religious and Secular Movements India (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1998), 172.
2
Ibid., 172.
3
Ibid., 173.
4
C.V. Mathew, The Saffron Mission (Delhi: ISPCK, 1999), 180.
5
Ibid., 165.
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means theology and systems of Hindu religion. Hindutva means Hinduness includes the religious,cultural,
linguistic and political aspects of Hindus.6 “Hindu” means a person who regards this land of Bharat varsha from
Indus to seas as his Pitrubhoomi (father land), as his Punya bhoomi (holy land) and cradle land of his religion. 7
Fundamental bonds of Hindutva are Hindu rashtra (nation), Hindu Jati (race) and Hindu Sanskrit (culture).
Hindutva slogan derived from Hindutva ideology is “one nation, one people and one culture.” VirSarvarkar
formed this Hindutva ideology in 1923. Based on this ideology comes the ideology of RSS. The ideology of
Sangh consists of the following concepts:
a) Hindu Dharma: The Hindu Dharma in the Sangh tradition means Hindu religion. 8 According to him
Muslims, Christians, and Communists are not the true sons of the soil. They are traitors, guests, enemies and
potential filth column and hostile. 9 So the Swayamsevak pledge to safeguard and to propagate the noble
dharma of the Hindus.
b) Hindu Samaj: Hindu Samaj is unique and superior to all others. Golwalkar says that the Hindu people are
the Virat purusha, the almighty manifesting himself.10
c) Hindu Sanskrit: The Hindu culture means Hindu life in its totality. 11 Hindu culture is supreme to all cultures
and so it is the duty of a swayamsevak to erase the problems made by the non-Hindu cultures.12
d) Hindu Rashtra: Golwalkar declared, “Our one supreme goal is to bring to life the all round glory and
greatness of our Hindu rashtra.”13 Only Hindus are the true sons of the soil, the true sons of Bharatmatha.
The national ideal of the sangh is the establishment of a powerful unitary state, ‘The Ram Rajya’ (political
power).14

The attitude of RSS towards other religion: Their ideology gives following attitude towards other religion. For
them Hinduism is most ancient comprehensive religion of all humankind. Hindu samaj is chosen society living
form of God superior. Hindu rashtra (Hindustan) is for Hindus others have no rights. 15And Vivekananda’s words
were taken into Hindutva ideology. He says “when Hindu become a Christian or Muslim it is not only a loss of
number but also an enemy added.” RSS chief Golwalkar accepts Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism into Hindu fold
and sympathetic to them because their religions from Indian soil with the background of Hindus. VHP chief
Ashok Singhal says, “Christians and Muslims should stop expanding their religion and stop saying that there is
no salvation outside their religion. They should stop saying that Hindus are kafirs (non-believers).” 16 They say
that Christianity, Communism and Islam are international phenomenon and not rooted in India. They say that
Christianity, Islam and Communalism spoiled our lands and it brought stealing, selfishness and lies to India.
They say that non-Hindus are pollution. They want to convert and spread the Hinduism in world countries.

Major front organizations of RSS:

 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Formerly it was called as Baharatiya Jana Sangh. This is the political wing
RSS. Dr. Shyam Prasad Mukherjee started it with the motivation of RSS chief Golwalkar. In 1977, when
Janata Party came to power, Jana Sang was part of it. After the fall of Janata government Jana Sang became
B.J.P.17
 Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP): It is a commom front organization of Sangh Parivar where all minor sects
and action groups came together, plan and carry out their agenda. Strictly speaking it is a common platform
for all Hindu Society and spread the Hindu religion.18
6
Ibid., 166-168.
7
K.P. Aleaz, “Hindu Muslim, Hindu Christian relationship in the context of rise of Hindutva in India”, National Council of Churches Review, CXX
11/6 (July, 2001): 508.
8
Ibid., 186.
9
Panniker, Communalism in India (Kottayam: Alois Graphics, 1995), 73.
10
C.V. Matthew, The Saffron Mission…, Op. cit., 187.
11
Ibid., 188.
12
Panniker, Communalism in India…, Op. cit.,, 74.
13
C.V. Matthew, The Saffron Mission…, Op. cit., 189.
14
Madhu Kishwar, Religion at the Service of Nationalism and other Essays (Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1989), 249.
15
C.V. Matthew, The Saffron Mission…, Op. cit., 187, 188.
16
Rajesh Joshi, “Interview with Ashok Singhal”, Outlook (February, 22-1999): 45.
17
Aleyamma Zechariah, Modern Religious and Secular Movements India …, Op. cit., 169, 170.
18
C.V. Matthew, The Saffron Mission…, Op. cit., 203, 204.
2
 Bajrang Dal is founded to mobilize youth for Ayodhya movement on 1984. Now they militantly and
violently support the Hindutva agenda. This group is called rogue child of Sangh Parivar.19
 Vidhya Bharati is a Sangh Parivar educational service wing started in 1978 to safrronize education.20
 Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram belongs to Sangh Parivar to work among the tribal to stop conversion and
reconvert them.21
 Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) work among educated class.
 Social Experiment in Inter State Living (SEIL) is another front organization takes children from Arunachal
Pradesh the least evangelized state of North East and grow them in Rajasthan in Hindutva environment then
transplant them in Arunachal Pradesh.22
 The RashtriyaSevika Samiti (Sangh Savikas) a women wing of RSS started in 1936. This Samiti works
quietly behind the screens supporting husbands, preparing sons to help Hindutva agenda. It has three lakh
members. They openly participated in Babri Masjid demolition.23

Sangh Parivar (Related Organisations)

Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarti Parishad: The student wing was started in July 1948 as an opposition to the existing
“student trade unionism”. Most of its leaders are teachers. It has a special ceremony Vyas puja in which the
students pay homage to their teachers. Most of the members are from the lower middle-class families. The ABVP
conducts wide range of programmes to spread the RSS world view. One of the important programmes is
“Students experience in interstate living”. Young boys from tribal families ate chosen and made to live with
older vidhyartys. Students from tribal areas are invited to spread their summer vocation within the members of
the parishad. Service record of ABVP consists of flood reliefs, reconstruction in cyclone effected areas of
Andhra Pradesh, primary and Adult education without Govt. help, and tribal uplift and rural development.

Trade Union:DattopantBapuraoThengadi, an experienced labour union activist, called a group of interested

Swayamsevak’s and representatives from 76 trade unions in July 1955 and started the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.
Between 1955 and 1963 the Sangh maintained a low profile while its leaders developed their ideology and
organisational structure. In August 1963 it collaborated with the Hind mazdoor Sabha in organising the Bombay
bank employees. The Sangh grew from 30,000 members in 1963 to 4,25,000 in 1969. The Sangh claims to have
evolved an Indian way of organizing the labours. At present it is one of the formidable labour union in India24.

Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP)

Viswa Hindu Parishad is the pan-Hindu organization that has been trying to bring all Hindu sects and groups
under one banner. Not only this but it is one of the leading front organization of the. Rashtriya Swayam Sevaks,
R.S.S. It works as the religious wing of R.S.S. “They, V.H.P. have many missionaries who work among the
Tribals and Dalits, and the conversion of the backward classes”25

Origin of VHP
VHP is an offshoot of the RSS. The leading spirit behind its formation was swami Chinmayananda. It was
originated at SandeepanySadhanalaya, Bombay on the Shri Krishna Janmashtami day, August 29, 1964, which
symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Its slogan was “DharmoVakshitiRakshitah”. Or ‘by defending what is
righteous, you will be protected”. Its symbol is banyan tree. The head office of VHP is situated in New Delhi.26
Causes for the emergence of VHP.
A. Political
 As RSS was being frustrated by the congress policy of appeasement towards Muslims.
19
N.K. Singh and Uday Madhukar, “Loonies at large”, India Today (February 8, 1999: 26, 27.
20
“A spreading net work”, Frontline (November 10, 1998): 11, 12.
21
A. Venkatesan, “A fierce at Dhindor”, Frontline (March 12, 1999): 34.
22
C.V. Matthew, The Saffron Mission…, Op. cit., 173.
23
“Sangh Sewikas”, The Week (January 24, 1999): 12.
24
Aleyamma Zechariah, Modern Religious and Secular Movements India …, Op. cit., 174,175.
25
www.wikipedia.com. Hindutva
26
www.answers.com/topic/Vishwa Hindu Parishad
3
 
Firstly all Hindu society, including the members of RSS (later who became) supported Indian
national Congress (INC) , but INC did not serve in the manner of RSS.
 INC gave importance to all the society equally and sincerely.
 RSS was registered as an apolitical organization. It was not permitted to be involved directly in
politics, which was the hub of society in those days.
 One of its strong militants who later killed Bapu Mahatma Gandhi, because of this incidents it had
got a wrong picture in society. So therefore many people began to withdraw themselves from this
movement.
B. Social:
 Feeling of insecurity from Muslims and Christians
 Modernization- British colonialism introduced Capitalisms, which became force to initiate a process
of modernization in the Indian society.
 Education- People were educated with the instrument of cause and effect, which elevated them at the
juncture to think about the value of their culture, language, social structure and Religion.
 Failure of RSS- RSS failed to organize all Hindu Society.
C. Religious:
 Superiority of Christianity
 Reform movements- 19th and 20th century was called the era of reform movements- such as Brahmo
Samaj, Arya Samaj and Ramakrishna Mission along with them other Hindu Sabha. They served as a
driving spirit to achieve the goal at any cost.
 Religious deterioration
Motto of VHP:
 To Consolidate and strengthen Hindu Society.
 To protect, develop and spread the Hindu values of life, ethical and spiritual, which have sprang up in
India. VHP. Believes in a global Hindu Mission.
 To keep in touch with all the Hindus living abroad, and to organize and help them in all possible ways
in protecting their Hindutva.
 To establish an order of missionaries both lay and initiate for the purpose of propagating dynamic
Hinduism representing the Fundamental values of life.
 Training centers- for the missionaries
 To arouse the community consciousness of Hindutva.
 To stigmatize religious groups before whom Hindu felt vulnerable.
Teaching and Activities of VHP:
The parishad teaches that the end of Christianity has come near. Islam and Christianity will come under
Hindutva. The whole world was under Hinduism in the beginning. There are many forgotten temples all over the
world. The dome of the rock and Al Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem were Krishna Temples. St. Paul’s church in
London was also a Krishna Temple. Notre dame in Paris was a Durga temple. Kabba in Mecca was a Vishnu
temple. In India they claim all the churches and mosques. The VHP is going to bring the whole world under
Hindu Rashtra. They succeeded in feeling the Babri Mazjid. They do not care the government of India or the
supreme court of India in the matter of building a Rama temple at Ayodhya.27
Strategies:
i) Stigmatization and Emulation of ‘the others’
a) The 1 st strategy is to stigmatize those religious groups before whom Hindu felt vulnerable. On the other
hand emulating ‘the other’ in their practice that are a great need for Hindu society today.
b) They selected several elements from Christianity to incorporate them into Hinduism and present them
as their own indigenous character. Mainly Shudhi, re-conversion to Hinduism. Margdarshak Mandal
(spiritual guides), Sadhu Sansad (parliament of Sadhus)
c) An attempt was made to build a temple as per the Christian tradition. Hundred temples were planned
only in Tamil Nadu, mainly in Scheduled caste areas.

27
M.G. Mathew, Bunch of truths, (Perumbavoor: Truth and Life Publication, 2002), 310-311.
4
 d) The desire of VHP was to standardize Hinduism like Christianity or Semitic religions proposed a
minimum code of conduct.
iii) The Bid for political power – Hindu nationalists and particularly the RSS wanted a bid for political power
to achieve their agenda in order to get political power they had to work in the society with good name so they
took the form of VHP which served in the sphere of social and religious matters.
a) Issue of uniform Civil code.
b) Scrapping of Article 370 from the constitution of India.
c) Revision of school tents
d) Issue of Bangladesh migrants.
e) Issue of reservation from minorities.
* Uniform civil code: - In 1861 it promulgated the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It supplanted both the Hindu Law as
well as the Islamic Law.

* Article 370 – “ Temporary provisions with respect to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This article gives
special privileges to the state of Jammu and Kashmir by authority to it to make its own Law.

Current Agenda of VHP which is called Hindu Agenda

VHP has presented a ‘Hindu agenda’ before the political parties to salvage Bharat and Hindu nation. Hindu
interest is the national interest so therefore Ramjanmabhoomi temple is the demand of Hindus around the world
so the location should be handed over to the RamjanmabhoomiNyas which is the VHP appointed body of the
sadhus. Madhura and Kashi shrines which are desecrated by foreigners need to be handed over to the VHP,
slaughter of cows will be banned in India and there will be cow seva ministries in the central as well as in the
states, conversion of the Hindus by force or fraudulent or other means will be banned. All foreign remittance to
NGOs will be stopped, so that money and material will not be used for conversion of Hindus. Not only this but
even they have gone to demand that privileges to the minorities will be extended to the Hindu majority also.
Sanskrit will be made a compulsory subject of learning, teaching of Bharitiya culture and dharma will be made
compulsory; Since Urdu is a foreign tongue it will be withdrawn from any official status.28
The history of India will be re-written and teaching will be reformulated according to the new history (what is
now being done is Gujarat). Singing of VandeMataram will be compulsory in all educational institutions, Pooja,
archana and religious activities, Pooja, archana and religious activities of the Hindu maths will be deemed as
charitable activities and exempted from income tax, a specified portion of government revenue will be earmarked
for the expenses of the maths, and ministries will be established in the state and central level to restore the glory
of pilgrim centers. The government will discourage drinking and non-vegetarianism. Rights of the scheduled
castes and tribes will be with drawn on conversion, minority commission and similar partisan institutions will be
abolished.29

Trajectory of gharwapsi in the radical Hindutva consciousness

The conference of the VHP assembled at prayag at 1966 passed an official resolution on this issue of conversion
of Hindus to other religions and the need for re-conversion programs. A report of Sunday Magazine in 1982 says
that 59,000 Christians and over 4,000 Muslims in India and Ganga jal poured over them i.e. they’ve been
baptized with water from river Ganges and taken back to Hinduism. In 1989, the VHP claims that it’ has
successfully stemmed mass conversion of Hindus and has brought about 1,25,000 converts of other faiths back
into Hindu society during the last 25 yrs.” The re-conversion of former Hindus is known as Operation
Homecoming’.

Conclusion
It is widely believed that all campaigns undertaken by such groups have drawn on the most base, vile and
coarse elements of Hindu society, and represents the uglies face of semi-literate middle-class Hindu in search of
identity. There is no doubt to the fact of such fringe elements thwart the social fabric and harmony of the society
and exemplifies the ugly face of Hindu fundamentalism. The likes of Hindu Yuvasena, VHP, young wing, RSS,
28
M.T.Cherian , Hindutva Agenda and Minority Rights: A Christian Response, (Bangalore: Center for contemporary Christianity, 2007), 214.
29
Ibid., 215.
5
Bajrang Dal and all such radical groups wings function to demonstrate the ugly face of fundamentalism
sponsoring communal riots and disturbing the peace of the land. These group bears ample of testimony to the fact
that it is a fundamentalist organization working for the Hindus alone and all others and enemies in their sight30.
Thus these groups have shown its fundamentalist nature through intolerance towards the other and
demolishing the worship places of the enemies. By declaring Muslims and Christians as the eternal enemies of
Hindus, these fundamentalist elements want to succeed in polarizing Hindu sentiments.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Aleaz, K.P. “Hindu Muslim, Hindu Christian Relationship in the context of rise of Hindutva in India”. National
Council of Churches
Cherian, M.T. Hindutva Agenda and Minority Rights: A Christian Response. Bangalore: Center for
Contemporary Christianity,2007.
Indian Currents “Hindu Mahsabha and RSS edited by Jacob Kani,” XX/32 (August 04-10,2008): 86-89.
Joshi, Rajesh, “Interview with Ashok Singhal”, Outlook (February 22, 1999): 45-50.
Kishwar, Madhu. Religion at the Service of Nationalism and other Essays. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1998.
Mathew, C.V. The saffron Mission. Delhi: ISPCK, 1999.
Mathew, C.V. The Saffron Mission. Delhi: ISPCK, 1999.
Mathew, M.G.Bunch of truths. Perumbavoor: Truth and Life Publication, 2002.
Mattam, J and P. Araockiadoss. Eds. Hindutva: An Indian Christian Response. Bangalore: Dharmaram
Publication, 2002.
Panniker, John. Communalism in India. Kottayam: Alois Graphics, 1995.
Review, CXX 11/6 (July, 2001): 508-514.
Singh, N.K. and Uday Madhukar, “Loonies at large”, India Today (February, 1999): 26-29.
Venkatesan, A. “A fierce at Dhindori”, Frontline (March 12, 1999): 34 – 37.
Zachariah, Aleyamma. Modern Religion and Secular Movement. Bangalore: ISPCK, 1989.
Zechariah, Aleyamma. Modern Religious and Secular Movements in India. Bangalore: Theological Book Trust,
1998.

WEBLIOGRAPHY
www.answers.com/topic/Viswa Hindu Parishad.

30
Ibid., 216.
6