Cadre, Discipline, and Global Presence |
rawatbharat@aol.com
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has stood at the heart of Indian society and politics since independence. It is difficult to define the organization within a single frame, for it is far more than a cultural body or social movement. The RSS is, at its core, a unique cadre-building institution. Through its carefully structured system of training and discipline, it has created generations of individuals who carry a distinctive orientation into whichever sphere of life they enter be it politics, administration, the armed forces, education, or even institutions abroad. In this way, the RSS has left an imprint not only on Indian society and politics but also on the governance apparatus, national security, and foreign policy of the country.
What makes the RSS stand apart from other organizations is its emphasis on cadre discipline. The Sangh does not primarily measure its success in terms of public programs, electoral victories, or policy influence. Instead, it measures success in the ability to train and nurture individuals who dedicate their lives to the service of the nation. From the morning shakhas, where young boys learn physical exercises, games, and martial arts, to the intellectual sessions where debates on nationhood, culture, and duty are held, the RSS moulds its Swayamsevak’s both physically and ideologically. The process is designed not to create temporary volunteers but lifelong servants of society. This early foundation leaves a lasting imprint. When these individuals later rise into the ranks of civil service, military institutions, universities, or global organizations, their worldview continues to reflect the values of discipline, service, and nationalism that the RSS instilled........