Understanding the Indian Nationalist Ideology of RSS: An Insider's Perspective

My journey into the world of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) was instigated by my father's insistence on my enrollment in these schools, an action that had been sparked by the aftermath of the Ram Mandir or Babri Mosque incident.

Early Experiences and Culture Shock

My academic journey began as a sixth-grader in RSS schools, and what struck me early on was the stark contrast between the oral English skills of my peers and their exceptional grasp of grammar. This element of the culture was a surprise, as it was not mirrored in the conventional convent schools I had previously attended. My unique proficiency in English often brought subtle appreciation, but it also drew the attention of classmates who jokingly referred to me as Angez ka baccha (son of a devotee).

As I delved deeper into my RSS schooling, indirect lessons were imparted to us about the heroes and villains in Indian history. Figures such as Gandhi and Nehru were portrayed as traitors, while leaders like Subhash Bose, Maharana Pratap, Shivaji Maharaj, Savarkar, and Godse were celebrated as true patriots. The majority of the teachers were from upper castes, and it was apparent that they held upper-caste students in high regard. In fact, only wealthy Agarwals received significant attention, primarily due to their annual contributions to events like Guru-Pooja, which focused on praising their spiritual leaders.

OTC Camps and the Cultivation of Hate

My experience with RSS deepened during the OTC ( instructs: Off Campus Training) camps, a series of brainwashing camps tailored for both junior and senior divisions. These camps were designed to instil a sense of unity and instigate a war-like ethos, preached through the use of danda (a symbol of discipline and force). In these camps, martial arts were purportedly taught, but in reality, most of the instructors had no actual martial arts background. The primary motive was to inculcate hatred towards individuals perceived as enemies, such as Muslims, and to foster a questioning society that operates with less empathy.

Breaking Free and Seeking Truth

It was only as I pursued my higher education that I began to question the veracity of the indoctrinating narratives I had absorbed. Upon joining another convent school, my awareness grew as I studied history and geography alongside my brother, who was preparing for the UPSC (Unceded Public Services Commission). This period of self-discovery revealed that the history I had been taught was often incomplete or outright false. Through extensive reading of historical literature on figures like Gandhi, Subhas Bose, Shivaji Maharaj, Akbar, Tipu Sultan, and others, I came to realize that they were all truly great and dedicated individuals who dedicated their lives to the betterment of our nation.

The deeper I delved into understanding RSS, the more I uncovered its true motives. It became evident to me that RSS is an institution that aims to cultivate a right-minded, obedient Hindu society. To achieve this, they have strategically created a network of budget-friendly schools and political wings like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Bajrang Dal. These sectors are designed to cultivate a leadership structure within BJP and VHP, predominantly from RSS-affiliated schools, to ensure that their vision for a particular type of India is realized.

Reflections and Future Prospects

With my experiences and insights, I have come to understand that whenever right-wing ideologies prevail in any society, they cause significant harm. However, such influences have a short lifespan, providing a glimmer of hope. What is concerning, however, is the deep-seated hatred and mistrust that these ideologies can implant in individuals, which can take years to heal. As a society, we must learn to coexist and move forward from these entrenched influences, ensuring a more tolerant and harmonious future for all.

My focus now is on promoting truth and fostering a society that values all individuals, regardless of their background. With time, I believe that the harmful ideologies of RSS will diminish, and a more balanced and inclusive view of our shared history will emerge.