Namaste all,
I know RSS as a social service organization, an organization that inculcates patriotism, discipline, selflessness in the minds of its Swayamsevaks. I have seen it as an organization that extends its service at the times of crises. The situation may be an earthquake, flood or any other natural calamity. I have seen Swayamsevaks helping the victims with full heart. I have seen them reaching the remotest areas, where even the govt. officials don’t (rather can’t) reach.

But it is disheartening not to see much of it in the recent times. I have seen RSS serving the affected in the last year’s floods in Bihar. In the current crisis of floods (in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh), there is nothing I am hearing from either the Sangh or Swayamsevaks. Is RSS busy in influencing the politics of the country? I am being asked by others (non-Swayamsevaks). I understand that being a Swayamsevak even I can take initiatives. I hail from Raichur, Karnataka. I am living in Chennai. My reach is short. If at all something is being done to help the affected, at least we Swayamsevaks should know. The RSS websites update any event so swiftly, why the websites have not been updated on Floods in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (with an exception or two). Why hasn’t there been a call for support to Swayamsevaks? I am unable to understand. The reason could be that the Swayamsevaks are indifferent in volunteering and hence the Sangh is weakening or the Sangh is shifting its focus. In fact, Sangh should have been very active and effective in Karnataka, where BJP is in power.

Many say if RSS is heard, it is heard when a political crisis arises in the BJP and not when there are natural calamities. Sometimes, it seems correct to me, especially in the current situation. However, I have constant and unwavering belief in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s ideology, principles and goals.

Suggestions:
• Deploy Pracharaks who are completely selfless in all regions of the country
• Give more stress on Shakhas, which are not to be seen in many cities/towns
• Let people (at least Swayamsevaks) know the service done at the time of natural calamities; this will unite the Swayamsevaks and kindle the spirit of Swayam-Seva
• Do not focus too much on modernizing the Sangh; Sangh is at the best in its usual format
• Reach out to areas that have been out of Sangh’s reach so far; try constantly to increase strength in (current) strongholds

Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

-Vasudev Kulkarni
Chennai