Book Review: RSS a Vision in Action by HV Seshadri
Updated: December 28, 2024 6:43
‘R.S.S. A Vision in Action’ was one of the first detailed primers on the vision and actions of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Written by HV Seshadri, a former general secretary of the RSS functionary, it was a path breaking work first published in 1988.
It is a broad explainer on the evolution of the RSS as the largest voluntary organisation of the world. The book helps to understand the vision of the RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
National consciousness refers to common civilizational values of a society. In the context of Bharat, this national consciousness is a deep, collective awareness among her citizens about their identity, culture, and heritage, which is rooted in the principles of eternal values. The book highlights Hindu consolidation as a necessary foundation for raising, preserving and promoting this consciousness.
Even when Bharat was under British rule Hedgewar’s vision extended far beyond the immediate goal of achieving independence; his thoughts were deeply rooted in a desire to instill a sense of national consciousness in every Bharatiya. This consciousness, as described in the book, is more than a shared sense of identity. It is a collective awareness of Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage, constructed on the principles of ancient Bharatiya civilization. Hedgewar believed that the lack of such consciousness had historically subjected Bharat to defeat and humiliation at the hands of invaders. Addressing this deficiency, he set out to create an organization that would emphasize unity over regional, linguistic, and sectarian divides, while firmly grounding its ideology in Sanatana Dharma.
Dharma serves as a guiding principle for righteous values and societal harmony, motivating swayamsevaks (RSS Volunteers) to engage in selfless service, social reform, and the upliftment of communities. At the heart of RSS training is the development of personal virtues, which Hedgewar believed were essential for building a unified and just society.
The swayamsevaks are trained to embody qualities such as personal integrity, mutual trust, respect for elders, reverence for womanhood, devotion to God, uprightness in public dealings, simplicity in lifestyle, and freedom from vices. As highlighted in the book, “The Sangh believes that where there is sincere love and amity, there can be no exploitation or injustice indulged in by any section of society against another” (H.V. Sheshadri, RSS: A Vision in Action, p. 11).
The RSS views national pride not as an end in itself but as a stepping stone to responsibility. It encourages pride in Bharat’s ancient heritage while also awakening individuals to their duty to preserve and uphold these traditions in the modern world. This sense of duty, deeply rooted in Dharma, forms the core of RSS’s ideology.
National consciousness, as discussed in the book, is also closely tied to this duty. It involves a collective awareness of Bharat’s shared identity and history, motivating individuals to take responsibility for the nation’s well-being. By reconnecting with Bharat’s historical achievements and addressing past injustices, the RSS seeks to instill a sense of purpose and pride in its citizens. The organization views national integration as essential for fostering unity in a diverse nation like Bharat. This unity is not merely a political concept but a shared cultural and spiritual bond that transcends differences, creating a collective identity that strengthens the nation.
Hedgewar’s philosophy, as captured in the book, elevates the idea of service to the nation. In his 1938 address to the Maharashtra Hindu Yuvak Parishad in Pune (in the Indian state of Maharashtra), he stated: “A real servant of the nation is one who identifies himself totally with the nation. There are some who take pride in proclaiming their sacrifice for the sake of the nation. Such an expression only betrays their feeling of being something distinct from the nation. Just as a person never says that he has made sacrifices for the sake of his son, so also any service offered to our broader national family does not amount to sacrifice—just a sacred duty to be performed by us” (RSS: A Vision in Action, p. 12).
Equally striking are Second Sarsanghchalak (Chief Mentor) MS Golwalkar’s insights on serving society. He emphasized that selfless service should transcend all distinctions of religion, caste, or creed, stating: “Strenuous work springing from the heart and manifesting itself in day-to-day behaviour on a spiritual, moral, and social plane is called for. Let the workers work in the right spirit of Dharma, making no distinction in doing service to whoever he may be—a Christian or a Muslim, or any other persuasion. Calamities, distress, and misfortunes make no such distinction but afflict all alike” (RSS: A Vision in Action, p. 12).
Through its rigorous training and unwavering commitment to Dharma, the RSS has built a cadre of swayamsevaks(volunteers) who serve as instruments of national transformation. Hedgewar’s vision of creating individuals who see no distinction between themselves, and the nation has evolved into an enduring legacy. Today, this legacy inspires more than five million swayamsevaks across diverse fields of national reconstruction, making the RSS a living embodiment of the vision it set out to achieve.
‘R.S.S. A Vision in Action’ offers a chance to explore the concept of national consciousness in the context of Bharat. The book offers an explanation behind the RSS’ mission. It shows how this conceptual framework, when put into practise can bring about real change and help transform a nation.
(The writer is an author and columnist. She has a PhD in sociology)
