RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says organization is misunderstood

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was the largest voluntary organisation in the world but also "the most misunderstood". Addressing an event held as part of the RSS centenary celebrations, Bhagwat said the programme had been organised to help people gain a better understanding of the organisation, which he said was often viewed incorrectly from the outside. "This programme has been organised to provide an opportunity to understand an organisation that is often misunderstood. People say it is the largest voluntary organisation in the world, and at the same time, one of the most misunderstood.” The chief further added, “As we entered the 100th year of our work, it was decided that we should once again reach out to people and tell them about the Sangh," he said. Bhagwat said that those observing the RSS from outside could perceive it in different ways. According to him, the organisation might appear to some as a paramilitary body because of the route marches conducted by swayamsevaks in uniform, while others may see it as an all-India gymnasium owing to its encouragement of Bharatiya games and martial arts. "But it is not all that. It is difficult to understand the Sangh from the outside," he stated. Emphasising the need for direct engagement, Bhagwat said, "The best way to understand the RSS is to engage with it and experience it from within. However, to do so, one must first be assured that it is safe to test and understand it. A lecture or a book can provide at least that much understanding of the Sangh." He further said that the RSS was neither formed as a reaction to any particular situation nor stood in opposition to any section of society or any political party. "People say it is the largest voluntary organisation in the world, but it is also the most misunderstood," the RSS chief said. Bhagwat said that the organisation had decided to connect with people and explain its work as part of its centenary year because of the misconceptions surrounding it. He added that the Sangh had emerged with the objective of contributing to the nation's welfare and continuing efforts aimed at serving the country.