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The RSS: Roadmaps for the 21st Century
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) continues to make headlines, despite several books tracing its journey. Curiosity about the functioning of the RSS has increased phenomenally as swayamsevaks have risen to top positions in government and the Sangh’s core ideas of Hindu Rashtra and Ekatmata have become the mainstream lexicon of our social and political space.
So, what is the RSS’ imagination for India? If India becomes a Hindu Rashtra, what will be the place of Muslims and other faiths in it? How big is the RSS project of history writing? Will Hindutva override caste politics? And what is the RSS view of social issues pertaining to the changing nature of family, the rights of people with different sexual orientations and the third gender?
These contentious questions are just a few of the myriad political and social issues that Sunil Ambekar, a high-ranking pracharak, analyses in his book, The RSS: Roadmaps for the 21st Century.
Displaying a deep understanding of facts, clarity of thought and attention to detail, Ambekar presents a blend of past milestones, present achievements and future ideas. Having worked at the heart of the Shakha system, he also highlights the internal working of the Sangh - the decision-making process, the effective coordination system and means of expansion.
So, what is the RSS’ imagination for India? If India becomes a Hindu Rashtra, what will be the place of Muslims and other faiths in it? How big is the RSS project of history writing? Will Hindutva override caste politics? And what is the RSS view of social issues pertaining to the changing nature of family, the rights of people with different sexual orientations and the third gender?
These contentious questions are just a few of the myriad political and social issues that Sunil Ambekar, a high-ranking pracharak, analyses in his book, The RSS: Roadmaps for the 21st Century.
Displaying a deep understanding of facts, clarity of thought and attention to detail, Ambekar presents a blend of past milestones, present achievements and future ideas. Having worked at the heart of the Shakha system, he also highlights the internal working of the Sangh - the decision-making process, the effective coordination system and means of expansion.
- GenresNonfiction
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
46 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 21, 2019
I have given the book five stars not for loving it, but for its importance.
A social organization that pervades every aspect of India and aspires to become indistinguishable from Indian society. The merger of the Sangh and Indian society would be as complete as the mixing of sugar in milk and just as the milk when stirred displays the characteristics of sugar, Indian society as a whole would start exhibiting the traits of the Sangh. So, the Sangh would become coterminous with all of Indian society and the need for it to exist as a distinct entity would be obviated.
The aims of the RSS are very laudable. In my view, if the Sangh can rid our society of the menace of caste divisions and remove the misogynistic tendencies of Indian males – it would have achieved a lot.
Banning cow-slaughter is fine, but the painful sight of hordes of bovines foraging in garbage heaps, bulls with lacerated wounds on their legs sustained from barbed wire fencing, cows with bloated stomachs after ingesting plastic bags suffering by the roadside too must be addressed.
Happy to see the RSS paying attention to environment protection.
Very slyly the cover shows the concept of “Akhand Bharat” – a Hindu Rashtra from Afghanistan to Burma!
What is with this new word ‘converzations’ (emphasis mine) liberally scattered over the text?
A social organization that pervades every aspect of India and aspires to become indistinguishable from Indian society. The merger of the Sangh and Indian society would be as complete as the mixing of sugar in milk and just as the milk when stirred displays the characteristics of sugar, Indian society as a whole would start exhibiting the traits of the Sangh. So, the Sangh would become coterminous with all of Indian society and the need for it to exist as a distinct entity would be obviated.
The aims of the RSS are very laudable. In my view, if the Sangh can rid our society of the menace of caste divisions and remove the misogynistic tendencies of Indian males – it would have achieved a lot.
Banning cow-slaughter is fine, but the painful sight of hordes of bovines foraging in garbage heaps, bulls with lacerated wounds on their legs sustained from barbed wire fencing, cows with bloated stomachs after ingesting plastic bags suffering by the roadside too must be addressed.
Happy to see the RSS paying attention to environment protection.
Very slyly the cover shows the concept of “Akhand Bharat” – a Hindu Rashtra from Afghanistan to Burma!
What is with this new word ‘converzations’ (emphasis mine) liberally scattered over the text?
October 26, 2019
A must read for all those who want to understand the idea of Hindu & Hindutva and how RSS, since its inception has been at the helm of silently protecting the culture and identity of Hindus and Hindutva. The book casts off all ill propogandas propogated by left wing extremists and pseudo seculars. It also discusses RSS's take on the issues of the 21st Century.
July 18, 2020
If there were a competition to be misunderstood, RSS would win it hands down. Misunderstood perceptions can be remedied by having a superior communication strategy. And it’s not too difficult, in fact now that I think about it - I have never seen a press conference being conducted by the RSS. You have PR agencies projecting absolute rubbish as gold, and successfully too and here you have an organisation which is a little more than an NGO being projected as a mortal threat to India.
The book does a terrific job at giving you a lowdown of what RSS is, how it came to be and what it strives to achieve. The writing is to the point, no fluff. Dry at times but comprehensively informative. A necessary read to get a sense of where the country could be headed in the years ahead.
The book does a terrific job at giving you a lowdown of what RSS is, how it came to be and what it strives to achieve. The writing is to the point, no fluff. Dry at times but comprehensively informative. A necessary read to get a sense of where the country could be headed in the years ahead.
November 27, 2019
Amazing book on RSS.
February 10, 2021
राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ पर एक अच्छी पुस्तक यदि आप विचारों को समझना चाहते हैं, की वे कैसे कार्य करते हैं और भविष्य में दिशा क्या है।
May 13, 2020
Peep into the unknown
RSS is a vast organization which has remain unknown to the erudite class of people for a long time. As a result lot of misconceptions about the organization is prevalent. The efforts of Mr. Amberkar in this book will give the readers an insight into the RSS thought process. How robust and comprehensive it is, which is rooted in our culture. Readers will know how RSS thinks to solve social issues like broken familes, rights of homosexuals and transgenders. These are issues which the mane 'isms' of the world dont address.
RSS is a vast organization which has remain unknown to the erudite class of people for a long time. As a result lot of misconceptions about the organization is prevalent. The efforts of Mr. Amberkar in this book will give the readers an insight into the RSS thought process. How robust and comprehensive it is, which is rooted in our culture. Readers will know how RSS thinks to solve social issues like broken familes, rights of homosexuals and transgenders. These are issues which the mane 'isms' of the world dont address.
May 25, 2020
The book is ready reckoner for individuals interested to know about RSS, its aim, objectives and contribution towards nation building. It also helps to clear misconceptions and misleading information shared by political motivated media.
April 15, 2020
A must read for everyone. This will help you understand the intricacies of Sangh and also different challenges facing India
March 8, 2021
This book takes you back from the inception of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded, how and why it came into existence to the current and future expectations from RSS in nation Building. There are many unknown facts which has come out from a true Insider. This book is elaborate but hard hitting on myths about Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Lot of people have misconception about this organization. Ambekar tries to present the RSS and its association as a whole the organistion, not only as an insider, but as a concerned citizen of India. A must read for those who seek to understand the functioning of sangh and it's future plans for India. People who speaks bad about RSS they need to read this and know what RSS really is.
March 18, 2020
Sunil Ambekar is a senior functionary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthy Parishd (ABVP), the students’ front of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Born in Nagpur, Ambekar has been associated with the Sangh from childhood. In this book he has tried to give an overview of the organization, its inner workings, its philosophy and future outlook, mainly for the common reader.
It is a necessary endeavour. Founded in 1925, the Sangh has, over the seven decades since Independence, been portrayed in a quite bad light by the “secular” political parties and establishment and the mainstream media. It is as if to be associated with the RSS is something to be ashamed of. When the leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) accuse the governing Bharatiya Janapa Party (BJP) of “looking up to Nagpur (headquarters of the Sangh)” it is meant to a shaming accusation.
Ambekar argues that the reality could not have been more different. The RSS does not endorse any political party – not even the BJP. RSS is an organization which believes that the basic civilizational ethos of India is Hindu, tracing its roots to millennia-old ancient history. But that does not necessarily mean, as is sought to be made out, that this ethos is antithetical to Islamic or any other world-view. Ambekar approvingly quotes the current chief (Sarsanghchalak) of the Sangh, Mohan Bhagawat, “Hindu Rashtra does not mean that there’s no place for Muslims. It is not at all so. The day it is said that we don’t want Muslims, it won’t be Hindutva.”
RSS is inspired by the man-making philosophy of Swami Vivekananda. Ambekar deals extensively with the efforts of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, aka Doctorji, in founding the Sangh and of Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, aka Guruji, for giving the ideological shape. The activities of different Sangh-inspired organizations have also been discussed. How the Sangh looks at the future of India makes for interesting reading.
Overall, Ambekar’s The RSS is a sincere and honest attempt to put the organization in the correct light. One need not agree with everything that RSS stands for. That is perfectly all right. But to form one’s opinion based on the news and commentary of a highly biased and partisan media is doing oneself a significant disservice.
Ambekar’s book deserves reading.
Born in Nagpur, Ambekar has been associated with the Sangh from childhood. In this book he has tried to give an overview of the organization, its inner workings, its philosophy and future outlook, mainly for the common reader.
It is a necessary endeavour. Founded in 1925, the Sangh has, over the seven decades since Independence, been portrayed in a quite bad light by the “secular” political parties and establishment and the mainstream media. It is as if to be associated with the RSS is something to be ashamed of. When the leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) accuse the governing Bharatiya Janapa Party (BJP) of “looking up to Nagpur (headquarters of the Sangh)” it is meant to a shaming accusation.
Ambekar argues that the reality could not have been more different. The RSS does not endorse any political party – not even the BJP. RSS is an organization which believes that the basic civilizational ethos of India is Hindu, tracing its roots to millennia-old ancient history. But that does not necessarily mean, as is sought to be made out, that this ethos is antithetical to Islamic or any other world-view. Ambekar approvingly quotes the current chief (Sarsanghchalak) of the Sangh, Mohan Bhagawat, “Hindu Rashtra does not mean that there’s no place for Muslims. It is not at all so. The day it is said that we don’t want Muslims, it won’t be Hindutva.”
RSS is inspired by the man-making philosophy of Swami Vivekananda. Ambekar deals extensively with the efforts of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, aka Doctorji, in founding the Sangh and of Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, aka Guruji, for giving the ideological shape. The activities of different Sangh-inspired organizations have also been discussed. How the Sangh looks at the future of India makes for interesting reading.
Overall, Ambekar’s The RSS is a sincere and honest attempt to put the organization in the correct light. One need not agree with everything that RSS stands for. That is perfectly all right. But to form one’s opinion based on the news and commentary of a highly biased and partisan media is doing oneself a significant disservice.
Ambekar’s book deserves reading.
April 22, 2023
Book Review: The RSS Roadmaps for the 21st Century
Author: Sunil Ambekar
Publishers:
Points:8/10
“Namastey sada vatsale matribhumey, twaya Hindubhumey sukham vardhitoham”
This book discusses about the roadmaps of Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh. In 2007, the golden anniversary of India’s freedom movement, the author thought what the roadmaps for India’s future would be and what would be the role of the RSS to lead it towards a glorious future. The idea of this book stemmed from this thought.
As said before, this book discusses the roadmaps of RSS, it means what RSS would do for India’s glorious future and how much it did. So, starting from the origin, it describes the life of the founder of Sangh, patriot freedom fighter Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. These led to why RSS was founded and what were the roadmaps of RSS from the start of journey. This book takes us to the initial journey of Sangh for betterment of society and also, India’s freedom struggle. Yes, this book debunks the claims of RSS being inactive in India’s freedom struggle myth with sufficient proves. This book debunked many allegations against the RSS one by one.
The first target of the Sangh presented in this book is reclaiming India’s history and destroying the Leftist and Macaulayist colonial history, which have snatched away India’s glorious culture and civilization from its history. This book also debunks the colonialist claims of Aryan invasion theory. Author have described what the RSS did to fulfill this target and what it would do.
The left wing always says that RSS is a communal body. But author debunked this claim and proved that RSS believes India’s “Ekatmata” and “samrasta”, which are the soul of India’s cultural secularism. But RSS will not abandon Hindu rights and the “Hinduness” of India in sake of secularism and it would not tolerate appeasement politics in the name of secularism.
The anti-RSS gang always present RSS as casteist but author have debunked this myth also and presented it’s fight against casteism. The book takes us to the root of Jati-Varna and caste in India and presents its colonial origin. Sangh’s cordial relationship with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is also explained here. This book has a claim that Dr. Ambedkar choose Buddhism because he found Sangh’s fight against casteism long-time consuming.
This book also explains features and functions of the bodies of the Sangh Parivar and it’s fight for saving the environment, uplifting women, social justice and betterment of Indian people. The book again and again explains that the Sangh is not a political organization, but a social-cultural organization and it’s not bound to any political party. But, Sangh is not apolitical as it permits it’s swayamsevaks to participate in politics without the banner of RSS. At the last, the author called many youths who want to do something for their beloved nation to join or help the Sangh Parivar.
As the author is a Swayamsevak himself, many can accuse this book for hegemony. But there are many fiction books which spread misconceptions to vilify the RSS. So, a non-fiction with proves is better than these non-sense fictions with the other side theory. So, I am requesting everyone, in spite of their opinion about RSS to give a try to this book before making any opinion about the Sangh.
Author: Sunil Ambekar
Publishers:
Points:8/10
“Namastey sada vatsale matribhumey, twaya Hindubhumey sukham vardhitoham”
This book discusses about the roadmaps of Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh. In 2007, the golden anniversary of India’s freedom movement, the author thought what the roadmaps for India’s future would be and what would be the role of the RSS to lead it towards a glorious future. The idea of this book stemmed from this thought.
As said before, this book discusses the roadmaps of RSS, it means what RSS would do for India’s glorious future and how much it did. So, starting from the origin, it describes the life of the founder of Sangh, patriot freedom fighter Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. These led to why RSS was founded and what were the roadmaps of RSS from the start of journey. This book takes us to the initial journey of Sangh for betterment of society and also, India’s freedom struggle. Yes, this book debunks the claims of RSS being inactive in India’s freedom struggle myth with sufficient proves. This book debunked many allegations against the RSS one by one.
The first target of the Sangh presented in this book is reclaiming India’s history and destroying the Leftist and Macaulayist colonial history, which have snatched away India’s glorious culture and civilization from its history. This book also debunks the colonialist claims of Aryan invasion theory. Author have described what the RSS did to fulfill this target and what it would do.
The left wing always says that RSS is a communal body. But author debunked this claim and proved that RSS believes India’s “Ekatmata” and “samrasta”, which are the soul of India’s cultural secularism. But RSS will not abandon Hindu rights and the “Hinduness” of India in sake of secularism and it would not tolerate appeasement politics in the name of secularism.
The anti-RSS gang always present RSS as casteist but author have debunked this myth also and presented it’s fight against casteism. The book takes us to the root of Jati-Varna and caste in India and presents its colonial origin. Sangh’s cordial relationship with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is also explained here. This book has a claim that Dr. Ambedkar choose Buddhism because he found Sangh’s fight against casteism long-time consuming.
This book also explains features and functions of the bodies of the Sangh Parivar and it’s fight for saving the environment, uplifting women, social justice and betterment of Indian people. The book again and again explains that the Sangh is not a political organization, but a social-cultural organization and it’s not bound to any political party. But, Sangh is not apolitical as it permits it’s swayamsevaks to participate in politics without the banner of RSS. At the last, the author called many youths who want to do something for their beloved nation to join or help the Sangh Parivar.
As the author is a Swayamsevak himself, many can accuse this book for hegemony. But there are many fiction books which spread misconceptions to vilify the RSS. So, a non-fiction with proves is better than these non-sense fictions with the other side theory. So, I am requesting everyone, in spite of their opinion about RSS to give a try to this book before making any opinion about the Sangh.
August 19, 2021
Reading this book was a very unique experience and to tell the truth a much needed one. I was on the look out for a book that talked about the vision, idealogy and the structure of RSS. I think Sunil Ambekar has quite succinctly placed it all in front of the reader.
The writer has encompassed different facets of the Indian society when talking about the impact RSS is leaving on them. I would say it's a good book to gain initial exposure to the organisation. I found the author's writings on social upliftment to be very interesting.
If I have to criticize the book, it would be for its hurried explanation of the vision of RSS on changes Indian society. The second point at which I would cross my swords, is its weird proclivity to parade itself as a secular organisation and at the same time ask for a Hindu rashtra. Though the book does try to explain the secular feature in Hindu way of living, I am not very convinced.
Finally, I honestly believe that every organisation is imperfect. But the way the book decides to pomp about the organisation is slightly off putting.
Considering Sunil Ambekar's membership at RSS, it gives him a first hand understanding of the organisation and its thought process. But it also places the author in the clutches of biased writing. This is my first book that I have read on RSS, that speaks majorly for the organisation. I would suggest the next reader to read multiple books and relate then with the on ground workings of RSS.
The writer has encompassed different facets of the Indian society when talking about the impact RSS is leaving on them. I would say it's a good book to gain initial exposure to the organisation. I found the author's writings on social upliftment to be very interesting.
If I have to criticize the book, it would be for its hurried explanation of the vision of RSS on changes Indian society. The second point at which I would cross my swords, is its weird proclivity to parade itself as a secular organisation and at the same time ask for a Hindu rashtra. Though the book does try to explain the secular feature in Hindu way of living, I am not very convinced.
Finally, I honestly believe that every organisation is imperfect. But the way the book decides to pomp about the organisation is slightly off putting.
Considering Sunil Ambekar's membership at RSS, it gives him a first hand understanding of the organisation and its thought process. But it also places the author in the clutches of biased writing. This is my first book that I have read on RSS, that speaks majorly for the organisation. I would suggest the next reader to read multiple books and relate then with the on ground workings of RSS.
August 1, 2020
audible version. It's an in-house book by of and for the hindutva faithful. If you read it without a critical perspective, it is a thoroughly decent read(which is ironically also a microcosm of the organisation itself, as long as you are a staunch conformist to the hindutva ideology it makes sense). despite that there are enough intriguing and surprising perspectives amid the generic patronizing ideological bashing of the other worldviews.
recommend for reading!
recommend for reading!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews