RSS 360: Demystifying Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

by Ratan Sharda

Founded in 1925, banned three times by the governments of independent India but with a widespread network of thousands of local branches and millions of volunteers, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) presence and influence is formidable. However, it has long been acknowledged that the best way to know the RSS is to join it. Perhaps, this is why there is very little literature on how it functions. As a senior member who has managed various responsibilities in the RSS over the years, Ratan Sharda reveals the supposedly secret world of this volunteer organisation. He presents a comprehensive view of the Sangh's philosophy, its workings and its humungous reach through various organisations inspired by it across India in a simple and easy-flowing manner, sprinkled with interesting anecdotes.With an insider's knowledge of the philosophy, organisational structure and working of this huge cadre-based organisation, RSS 360º is a compelling read, attempting to lift the alleged veil of secrecy that shrouds the organisation.

Genres: India, Nonfiction

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

RSS is an enigma for most of us, this book gives a fantastic overview n insight into this organisation. And lots of historical references which are needed to clarify the doubts n confusions generated by the media esp in Hindu minds. A must read for everyone esp impressionable kids n young adults.

Thnq Ratan ji.

[DR.ABHISEK MONDAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice writing by Ratan Sharda..So much information... Really wanted to know about RSS and it's relation to indian culture.....Thanks to the author..it's fulfilled my expectations..

[Vedvrat Shikarpur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare insight into the life of RSS cadres and the organisation itself. Largely deliberately ignored and vilified by the media, intellectual and political minds in the country, the RSS has survived despite all odds as one of the last remaining groups dedicated to the survival of Hindu philosophy and society.

A must read if you, like me were largely unaware of the work of the RSS and the various organisations it is affiliated with.

[Gopal R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fog has finally lifted for me about the workings and the innards of RSS. This book paints a vivid picture of the internal structure, functioning and the societal intent of RSS. In fact , a good corporate management structure can take a leaf or two from RSS as well. An amazing read and I would recommend this to all, keeping in mind the cultural, linguistic and communal diversities that India has.

[M R Siva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enlightening........... Clears all apprehensions about in general public, fed by left narrative.

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad i read this book. I came to know so many things from this book. Its like all my questions have been answered. This book go through journey of history of RSS, their thinking, how they operate, promote culture, how other religion work together with them.
Everyone should read this.

[S L Babulal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My views

A panoramic view of RSS. Lacks in the details of the principles of the organization. The author believes that one has to become a member of the organization to know about its basics.

[Guruprasad · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book to know about RSS and its works.

[Atul Sabnis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book.

The book is really good. I would recommend it to all. Seriously. If you are willing to understand the Sangh without any bias, this is the book you should be reading. The purpose and intent of explaining what the RSS is all about - is all there.

I would easily give 5-stars to this book for its purpose and intent. I am taking away one star for the absolutely shoddy editing, and another for the misplaced and (seemingly confused) presentation.

I have no idea why this book is priced at what it is. It just seems to look to fill up pages with repetitive stuff. If there is a sentence in your book, make an assumption that the reader has read it. There is no need to repeat it -- definitely not on the same page.

I have lost all respect for Bloomsbury editors. Unless of course, if they have done this on purpose. Even at the cost of their brand. The editing is so careless, it is almost callous.

In his review of the book (which you should definitely read, especially because he talks of the content of the book) by R Jagannathan; at the end, he says: "Sharda has done us a favour by writing this book, which is an expansion of his earlier tome titled Secrets of the RSS. It could have done with some better editing and proofing, but its real value is in the message, not the occasional mistakes in English. The Sangh is not guardian of the Queen’s English."

Yes, the Sangh is not the guardian - but when you write a book in English, you play by the rules of the language. You would expect the same of a foreigner writing a book in Sanskrit or Hindi, or Marathi, or Tamizh.

Once again, if you are willing to undergo the turmoil of bad presentation and copyediting, and if you are seeking to understand the Sangh, this is the book. Read this book if you have the wisdom to separate presentation from content. Because, from a point of view of content (and intent) this is the book you should be reading if you want to understand the Sangh.

One way to remember this book: a marvellous opportunity wasted.

Here’s my review: -5* on presentation and copy; +5* on purpose, intent, and information.

[Tannistha Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been an eye opener for me and I'm sure for many other readers. It gives the reader an overall idea of what is RSS and its principles and ideologies. I think this book is a much needed effort in bringing the true nature of an organization like RSS to the Indian society. Too long have we remained engulfed in major propaganda against one of our biggest assets. It is time to share many such stories, views and biographies of RSS members with the rest of India and the world so that RSS can get the respect that it deserves.

[Hemanth · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insider's viewpoint. Hardly anything new except details of RSS's negotiations with Patel after the first ban. The writing was more like a blogpost than a serious scholarly work on RSS which I had expected. It failed to serve the purpose with which I decided to read this book i.e. to gain a proper perspective on RSS. Anyway, I have collected a few more books like 1) RSS: A View to the Inside by Walter K. Andersen, Shridhar D. Damle 2) The RSS: Icons of the Indian Right by Nilanjan Mukherjee and 3) The RSS: A Menace To India by A.G. Noorani. Ratan Sharda's book will then have to be judged in light of these other books which are written by outsiders.

[Munish Handa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book started with a high pace and soon became mundane and inane
Thought of putting it away many times, but continued as I am more interested to know about RSS and not how the book was written
Why one star?
1. The author needs a much better and professional proof reader... the entire book is full of syntax errors, incorrect spellings, bad sentence flows, over use of same words in the same sentence ... Traditional Wren & Martin English bred readers would have thrown it away after the second chapter
2. The entire content is mundanely written that could put a new reader to sleep ... somewhere it seems to be a poor translation of English from Hindi or Marathi

What’s good?
The content and truthful projection of the subject matter

Read it if one is really interested in RSS

[Kumar Ayush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not finish this 100%, could not. Full of sampling bias, strawman and slippery slope fallacies.

[Abhishek Agrawal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a very nice book for people who wants to know about RSS and the leaders. Some good insights into Hedgewar and Golwalkar.