A book by Sanjeev Kelkar traces the origins of the RSS, events that shaped its ideology and what lies ahead

Is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded 85 years ago, out of synch with modern India? A panel of eminent writers and academics in Mumbai, seems to suggest the organisation, which once actively worked for modernising and unifying various Hindu factions, needs an urgent self-appraisal. The panel, which sat to discuss a former RSS member, Sanjeev Kelkar's new book, 'Lost years of the RSS', believes the men in khaki shorts need to tweak their ideology keeping in mind the changing times.


Protest: Youth Congress leader Charanjit Singh Sapra and other
activists protest demanding ban on RSS

The book was launched by Kumar Ketkar, ex-editor of Loksatta on April 23, at 6 pm at the Y B Chavan Centre, Near Mantralaya. This was followed by a panel discussion and an interactive session with the audience. The audience which had gathered to hear the panellists speak on 'a controversial subject' were quite enthusiastic as they were already flipping through the pages of the book, even before the panellists arrived.

Purpose
The RSS has been regarded as a major force in the growth of Hindu nationalism, which seeks to revive and glorify ancient India's cultural heritage. But Kelkar's, 'Lost Years of the RSS' claims the organisation is glorifying individuals rather than the Hindutva ideology, as an excerpt in his book reads, "Publicity today is an accepted norm in the RSS and the Parivar. But it has assumed a most detestable form. In yesteryears, the deeds were publicised. Today, the individuals are publicised.


Vision: Balasaheb Deoras(in a wheelchair), former RSS Chief