Nagpur, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday recalled an episode from the organisation’s early history, saying a Muslim man named Ibrahim had spoken in its defence during an attempt to ban the RSS in the Central Provinces Legislative Assembly in the 1930s.
Speaking at the inauguration of a newly constructed auditorium at the Nagpur Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited headquarters, Bhagwat said there were no RSS volunteers in the Assembly at the time to defend the organisation or its ideology.
“At that time, a person named Ibrahim raised his voice in support of the RSS, stating that the organisation should not be shut down as it is not communal,” Bhagwat said.
Quoting Ibrahim’s address, he added, “I believe that those who say Hindustan is a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ should be sent to a mental hospital. However, I know Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar personally. He is not insane; he is a good person. Therefore, the RSS can never be communal.”
Bhagwat said that although the RSS was relatively unknown in the 1930s, its founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, was widely respected. He said the organisation’s identity had been shaped by its swayamsevaks since its inception and that they continued to represent the Sangh even after 100 years.
Speaking about the lives of full-time RSS workers, or pracharaks, Bhagwat said they came from different backgrounds and possessed different abilities, but were united by complete dedication to the organisation and society.
“I am a Pracharak myself. I have observed Pracharaks closely over the years, and their lifestyle has become second nature to me,” he said.
He added that people write about pracharaks out of affection and respect, as RSS work offers no material benefits. Bhagwat said that of the approximately 7 to 7.5 million people identifying as swayamsevaks, around 4,000 full-time workers had set aside personal aspirations to dedicate their lives to the nation’s future.
Describing the life of a swayamsevak as “swimming against the tide,” Bhagwat emphasised living without ego, selfishness or personal expectations and working for the welfare of society.
He said the RSS’s journey over a century had been driven by the dedication, character and selfless service of its workers rather than external support. He also stressed the need for a strong, disciplined and united society, saying the world was looking towards India with high expectations amid changing global developments.
FOLLOW NOW
