Paush Krishna 12, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 December, 2025: SM 7018 (For Private Circulation only)
1.
FESTIVALS : SWAMI VIVEKANANDA JAYANTI: Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is
celebrated on January 12 every year. The day holds profound significance as it
marks the birth anniversary of one of the country’s most influential spiritual
leaders and thinkers, Swami Vivekananda. He was born on January 12, 1863, in
Kolkata as Narendra Nath Datta. At a very young age, he became a disciple of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He renounced worldly possessions and dedicated his life
to spiritual practice and the service of humanity. Swami Vivekananda’s address
at the World Parliament of Religions in 1893 in Chicago is still considered as a
historic moment.
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: Speaking
at the “RSS 100 Years of Sangh Journey–New Horizons” event in Tiruchirappalli on
December 10, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that the organisation has
completed a century of its work, yet continues to be widely discussed, often on
the basis of perceptions rather than facts. He said that the Sangh can be
understood only through direct experience.
As part of the series ‘100 years Saga of RSS – Envisioning the Way Forward’, on
December 9 in Tamil Nadu, Dr Bhagwat reaffirmed that the organisation’s core
mission is national development and societal upliftment, not the pursuit of
political power or dominance. 
While addressing the national book festival on November 28 in Nagpur, Dr.
Bhagwat said that Bharat's nature is to avoid disputes, and promote fraternity
and harmony.
3. SWAYAMSEVAKS HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTING SELFLESSLY IN VARIOUS
SPHERES OF SOCIAL LIFE: DATTATREYA HOSABALE: On December 6, while speaking
at the ‘Pramukh Jan Goshthi’ in Jammu, organised on the occasion of centenary
year of the RSS, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said, “In the past hundred
years, the Sangh has attempted to reach every section of society through daily
Shakhas, service activities, educational and social initiatives. The Sangh’s
core vision has always been to build a strong, confident, culturally aware, and
organised Bharat. Swayamsevaks have generally been contributing in various
spheres of social life silently and with a spirit of selflessness.” The theme of
the programme was “100-year Journey of the Sangh and the Direction Ahead”.
On the occasion, retired Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan highlighted the
constructive role of the RSS in society. Swayamsevaks, intellectuals, social
workers, educationists, professionals, and representatives of different sections
of society were present in the event in large number. -GoTop
4. HINDUTVA, HINDU, & HINDU RASHTRA COLLECTIVELY FORM
IDENTITY OF BHARAT: RSS SARKARYAVAH: RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale
addressed a prominent citizens’ gathering on November 30, at Indore, organised
as part of the centenary year of RSS. In the first session, he explained the
background and purpose of the organisation’s founding. To build a society rooted
in personal and national character, the revered Dr Hedgewar established the
Sangh. For this, he developed the organisational and shakha structure. Trained
workers later built organisations grounded in Bharat-centric thought. The Sangh
is the organisation of society itself. One must find solutions within society
and set a personal example, this builds trust.
5. PARLIAMENT CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF VANDE MATARAM:
Bharatiya Parliament organised a special session in both houses on the
occasion of the 150th Anniversary of National Song Vande Mataram. The national
song was written by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1875.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and
parliamentarians from all parties took part in the discussion and expressed
their patriotic feelings about Vande Mataram. As part of the healthy
parliamentary democracy, some political dissidents were also heard during the
debate.
On December 9, while opening the discussion in Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister
Amit Shah said, “The Vande Mataram was the mantra that awakened Bharat’s
cultural nationalism and energised the freedom struggle.” -GoTop
6. VHP MARGDARSHAK MANDAL MEET : The two-day meeting of
the Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad commenced on
December 9 in Delhi. It saw participation of 300 sants from across the country.
Addressing the inaugural session under the chairmanship of Jyotish
Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Pujya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati Ji
Maharaj, VHP International President Alok Kumar spoke about the challenges
before Hindu society and urged the revered sants to guide society on Liberation
of Hindu mandirs from government control; Effective measures to curb the rising
incidents of religious conversions across the country; Uniform implementation of
the Freedom of Religion Act throughout the nation; Rising jihadi mindset,
extremism, and violent incidents in the country; Growing social problems in
border regions and campaigns against drug abuse; and All Hindus should write
their religion as ‘Hindu’ in the upcoming census.
7. ABVP 71ST NATIONAL CONFERENCE CONCLUDED: The 71st
National Conference of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad was held in Dehradun
from November 28 to 30, during which, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh
Dhami conferred the Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Youth Award upon Shrikrishna Pandey
of Gorakhpur. Shrikrishna Pandey ‘Azad’ is the founder of the ‘Smile Roti Bank
Foundation’ and has made remarkable contributions to social service. This award
has been given since 1991 in the memory of Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar, who is
regarded as the architect of ABVP. The award includes Rs 1,00,000/-, a
certificate, and a memento.
In the conference, Abhay Pratap Singh of Kashi, a research scholar in the
Department of Political Science at BHU was appointed as National Secretary of
ABVP. The conference, inaugurated by Dr. S. Somanath, former Chairman of the
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), saw the participation of around 1200
representatives from across all Bharatiya states as well as Nepal. -GoTop
8. SEMINAR ON “BHARATIYA HISTORY, SANSKRITI AND
CONSTITUTION”: A three day national seminar on ‘Bharatiya History, Sanskriti
and Constitution’ was organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana (ABISY)
from December 5 to 7 at Samalkha, (Panipat) Haryana. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan
Bhagwat inaugurated and viewed an exhibition on “Jammu–Kashmir–Ladakh” curated
by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).
Around 1,500 historians from across the country participated in the event. On
the first day, 120 research papers were presented; around 230 more were
presented in the following two days. -GoTop
9. HSS BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL MARKED UK PARLIAMENT WEEK:
HSS Birmingham & Solihull marked UK Parliament Week at Shree Laxminarayan Mandir,
which was attended by more than 85 attendees from 11 to more than 70 years of
age. The session wrapped up a month of activities exploring UK democracy and how
Parliament works. The program began with encouraging words from Saqib Bhatti MP.
He welcomed Cllr Shesh Sheshabatter, who shared his political journey and how
his Hindu faith guides his service.
10. HSS USA COMMEMORATES THE 350TH MARTYRDOM OF SRI GURU
TEGH BAHADUR: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA paid its deepest reverence
to Hind Ki Chaadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of the Sikh faith,
on the 350th anniversary of his supreme sacrifice. In November 1675, at Chandni
Chowk in Delhi, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji gave his life to uphold the universal right
to freedom of faith and conscience, standing firmly against tyranny and
persecution. His unparalleled courage remains an eternal symbol of
righteousness, devotion, and resistance to oppression. The martyrdom of Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji is a glorious chapter in history and a timeless, universal
inspiration for humanity to uphold justice, truth, and Dharma.
The truest tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji lies in spreading his eternal message
of Dharma and freedom of conscience, so that the bonds of mutual cooperation and
harmony remain ever strong. -GoTop
11. SYSTEMIC BIAS AT THE BBC AGAINST HINDUS AND BHARAT: A
CALL FOR EDITORIAL REFORM AND CULTURAL CHANGE: The Hindu and Bharatiya
community in the United Kingdom has long been concerned about the BBC’s coverage
of Bharat and Hindu-related issues. Over the past few years, these concerns have
deepened, revealing a troubling pattern of bias, selective reporting, and lack
of cultural sensitivity.
The follow-up report, “Spotlight on the BBC” (February 2024), documented more
than 380 instances of one-sided or misleading narratives—from the coverage of
Kashmir, Hindu festivals, and mandir attacks to the mischaracterisation of
Bharat’s policies and leaders.
The BBC’s persistent use of reductive labels, its refusal to reflect Hindu
perspectives on key issues, and its tolerance of anti-Hindu bias among
contributors have eroded trust in one of Britain’s most important public
institutions.
In this light, the community believes that addressing these deep-seated issues
will require substantial editorial reform and cultural change at the BBC.
Only through such renewal can trust be restored and the BBC once again serve as
a platform that represents all communities with integrity. (Issued on behalf of
the British Hindu and Bharatiya community in the United Kingdom) -GoTop
12. INTERNATIONAL GITA MAHOTSAV 2025: The 10th
International Gita Mahotsav (IGM-25) in Kurukshetra from November 15,
marking a spiritual celebration of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings with cultural
events, discourses, and exhibitions involving dignitaries and scholars was
concluded on December 1, 2025, with a grand Maha Aarti and Deepotsav led by
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini at Brahma Sarovar. Lakhs of devotees from over
fifteen countries and twenty-five foreign scholars participated. Visits by
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Up-rashtrapati CP
Radhakrishnan and several other ministers made the festival a grand affair.
13. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Teach this triple truth to all: A
generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things
which renew humanity. — Bhagwan Buddha. -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH: FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY, COLLECTIVITY &
NATIONALITY WITH INGENIOUS VOCABULARY OF BELONGING
Prof Suresh Kumar Agrawal
Language is not only a vehicle of
communication, but also a vessel of values, emotions and identities. When a
social or cultural movement seeks to inspire transformation, the first and
foremost instrument it fashions is vocabulary. Since its inception in 1925, the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has stood out not only as an organization of
discipline and social service but also as an innovative linguistic practitioner.
RSS has crafted a distinctive lexicon, where every key-term is imbued with
cultural memory and national spirit. RSS’s vocabulary is more than
organizational terminology—it is a living philosophy encoded in words. Every
term, from swayamsevak to dayitva, reflects inclusiveness, collectivity,
humility and a deep sense of nationality.
Where other organizations may rely on rhetoric of power or authority, the RSS
relies on a lexicon of service and belonging. Words like ‘dayitva’ remind us
that true responsibility is not domination but sensitive custodianship. Terms
like shakha, parivar and sangh embody togetherness. Words like Bharat Mata and
Rashtra bind generations into a single civilizational identity. This linguistic
culture explains why the RSS continues to inspire millions-its vocabulary
creates a consciousness where ego dissolves into service, isolation into
collectivity and nationality rises beyond politics into the realm of the sacred.
It is a vocabulary of belonging and through it, the Sangh nurtures a Rashtra of
shared pride and destiny. As a matter of fact, the unique lexicon of RSS
embodies the linguistic culture of humility, sensibility, collectivity,
nationality and belonging.
Commenting on the nature of RSS lexicon, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said, “RSS
does not speak the language of power; it speaks the language of belonging. Our
words—like seva, parivar, dayitva—are not borrowed. They arise from our culture
and bind us as one family. In the Sangh, words are not labels but living
practices. A swayamsevak is not called so by name alone, but by conduct”. Some
major words of functionality in the lexicon of RSS are:
1. Swayamsevak (स्वयंसेवक):
It means ‘selfless volunteer’. Unlike the term “member”, which suggests
formal affiliation, Swayamsevak is one who willingly dedicates himself to
service without expectation of reward. It carries humility—because a swayamsevak
is never above service and his identity is defined by what he contributes to
society. It carries inclusiveness— anyone can be a swayamsevak; caste, creed or
wealth do not matter. It reflects collectivity also, for each swayamsevak sees
himself as part of a larger mission.
2. Pracharak: Is a person who decides to remain unmarried to be a
full-time propagator of Bharat’s glorious cultural heritage. Unlike a
“propagandist, he leads a life of discipline, celibacy and dedication, moving
from place to place to spread ideas of Bhartiya cultural and national glory. A
Pracharak exemplifies humility because he renounces personal comfort for social
service. The word links to ancient Bhartiya traditions of itinerant monks and
teachers who spread dharma across the land.
3. Sarsanghchalak (सरसंघचालक):
Sarsanghchalak is the word used for the Chief of the entire Sangh. Unlike words
like “President” or “Leader”, Sarsanghchalak literally means the one who steers
(Chalak) the collective (Sangh). It avoids authoritarian connotations. The
Sarsanghchalak is not a ruler but a guide, a navigator who directs the
collective will. The word embodies humility as he is also one among the
swayamsevaks, simply entrusted with more responsibility.
4. Shakha (शाखा
): Shakha (Branch) is not “unit” or “cell” but a branch, symbolizing growth,
rootedness and life. A shakha is where swayamsevaks assemble, train and bond,
much like branches connected to the same trunk. It conveys inclusiveness,
because each branch contributes to the flourishing of the whole tree.
5. Guru Dakshina (गुरु-दक्षिणा):
It is traditional offering to the Guru. In RSS, this is a collective annual
ritual, not a fee or tax. It symbolizes gratitude, humility, and remembrance of
our eternal teacher—the Rastra and its culture. By giving guru dakshina,
swayamsevaks reinforce their bond with their cultural roots.
6. Rashtra (राष्ट्र):
In Euro terminology, the word Rashtra stands for Nation(in the civilizational
sense). Distinct from “nation-state,” Rashtra encompasses shared culture,
history and collective memory. This word reminds swayamsevaks that nationality
is not bureaucratic but spiritual, an inheritance and a responsibility.
7. Sangathan (संगठन):
Derived from sanghati (union, togetherness), Sangathan (Organisation) emphasizes
the collective, not the individual. In RSS lexicon, sangathan means weaving
society into a harmonious whole, beyond narrow divisions.
8. Balidan (बलिदान):
Balidan is not forced or tragic—it is glorious, inspired by the heroes of Bharat
who laid down their lives for dharma. It teaches swayamsevaks that sacrifice is
the highest form of service.
9. Parivar (परिवार):
The Sangh often describes itself as a Parivar (family). This reduces formality,
creating intimacy and emotional warmth. It ensures inclusiveness, because in a
family, no one is left behind. Further, every Swayamsevak in the Sangh like a
family member has the right to assert within the given limitations.
10. Dayitva (दायित्व):
This word deserves special attention because of its unique meaning and place in
RSS vocabulary. It means responsibility, duty or entrusted role. Unlike the
Western concept of “power” or “authority,” dayitva is not about command. It is
about being entrusted with a role that must be carried out with humility and
sensitivity.
In the Sangh, one does not hold power; one carries dayitva. A karyakarta
(worker) is given dayitva for a task, not to assert ego, but to serve. Dayitva
carries humility because the responsibility is received, not seized or captured.
It reminds the worker that he is a custodian (not an owner) of the assignment
given to him. It carries sensibility because it demands awareness of collective
needs. A person with dayitva must listen, cooperate and harmonize. This subtle
shift of vocabulary transforms leadership from a position of dominance to that
of service. In this way, the worddayitva becomes a shining example of how the
RSS uses language to nurture collective spirit and dissolve ego.
A comparative perspective
No language is neutral—it carries the worldview of the system that generates it.
The RSS vocabulary emerges from the soil of the land, i.e. Bharat, while
political and colonial words often form part of the systems of power, control
and division.
When we compare them, the uniqueness of the RSS linguistic traditions becomes
strikingly clear. Guruji reiterated “Our vocabulary must awaken the soul of
Bharat, not merely address the mind. Words must inspire, not just instruct”.
1. Membership vs. Swayamsevak: In Political Parties, members are
enrolled, often with a fee or formality. The word “member” suggests a
transactional belonging—linked to rights, privileges and sometimes patronage.
The term swayamsevak is entirely different. It implies voluntary participation,
selfless service and humility. There are no privileges—only duties. Where
membership creates entitlement, the word Swayamsevak nurtures service and
humility. Defining a Swayamsevak, Hedgewar ji said, “The Sangh does not create
members; it creates swayamsevaks—men who live not for themselves but for the
Rastra”. Guruji, the Second Sarsanghchalak M S Golwalkar ji asserted, “In the
Sangh, no one holds authority; each hold dayitva. It is a trust from the
collective, to be carried with humility”.
2. Leader vs. Sarsanghchalak: The word “leader” implies authority,
charisma or command over followers. It often elevates one above the rest. The
term Sarsanghchalak means “the one who steers the collective”. He is not a
superior but a guide, entrusted with the responsibility to keep the Sangh on
course whether literally (like navigating a route) or figuratively (like staying
focused on a goal or plan). Thus, leadership in the RSS lexicon is custodianship
(not domination).
3. Power vs. Dayitva: The language of governance uses “power”,
“authority”, and “position”. These terms place the individual above others,
creating vertical hierarchies. The word dayitva emphasizes responsibility,
humility and sensibility. It reminds one that the role is a trust from society,
not a personal privilege. Dayitva transforms authority into sensitive service,
dissolving ego in collective duty. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar ji asserted, “The
task before us is not of power, but of responsibility (dayitva). Power divides,
but responsibility unites.”
4. Office vs. Karyalaya: “Office” denotes a place of administration,
often impersonal and hierarchical in Bureaucracy and Politics. The Karyalaya
(place of work) is simple, open and collective. It is not a power center but a
functional hub for activity. The word effectively shifts the focus from status
to function.
5. Committee vs. Shakha: Political parties and administration organize
activities through “committees” and “cells”, which sound bureaucratic and
transactional. The shakha (branch) is organic, alive and deeply symbolic. It is
not a meeting room but a living practice of training, prayer, play and
discussion. Shakha fosters fraternity and emotional connection, unlike
committees which often breed politics. The third Sarsanghchalak Balasaheb Deoras
defined, “Shakha is not a meeting or a committee; it is a branch of the national
tree, where every leaf and twig grows together”.
6. Nation vs. Rashtra: The “nation” is often defined territorially and
politically, bound by constitutions and laws. The word Rashtra is civilizational,
rooted in shared culture, heritage and sacred geography. It emphasizes
continuity across millennia. Thus, nationality becomes a spiritual bond, not
just a legal contract. Guruji, the Second Sarsanghchalak M.S. Golwalkar, also
cautioned “We must understand the word ‘Rashtra’ not in the political sense of a
State but in the cultural sense of a living people bound by common heritage”.
7. Campaign vs. Seva: “Campaigns” are short-term drives, often linked to
elections or publicity or propagation of an idea or activity with certain aim.
The word Seva (service) is continuous, selfless and unconditional. Flood relief,
health work, or education projects are done not for votes but for dharma. Seva-based
vocabulary sustains long-term trust in society, unlike campaigns that end with
elections or the fulfilment of specified objective/s.
8. Party vs. Parivar: “Party” implies division—usually one party against
another. The language of parties is adversarial, confrontational, conflictual,
contending, disputatious etc. Parivar (family) implies unity and warmth. The
Sangh sees itself not as a party but as a family of Swayamsevaks, each with a
role in collective life. “Party” divides and disunites, but parivar unites and
consolidates.
The colonial contrast
Colonial administrators introduced words like “subject”, “law and order”,
“loyalty”, and “census” to describe Indians. These terms reduced people (who
constitute the core of democracy) to objects of governance and control. The RSS
overturned this vocabulary. Instead of “subjects”, it used swayamsevaks. Instead
of “law and order”, it spoke of dharma. Instead of “loyalty”, it invoked
shraddha (devotion). Instead of “census categories”, it used parivar and sangh.
Where colonial language dehumanized, RSS language rehumanized, restoring dignity
and agency to individuals as a human being.
The RSS Vocabulary is deeply rooted in Culture. The use of abundant Sanskritic
and vernacular idioms make it resonate with Indian memory. Secondly, it is
emotionally charged, for the words like Matrubhumi or Balidan stir the heart.
Thirdly, it is non-bureaucratic, simple, warm and human, not dry or legalistic.
Fourth, it is a language of the collective over individualism or Ego: Words
avoid glorifying individuals, focusing on the collective mission. Fifth, it is
the vocabulary of spiritual dimensions and links patriotism with dharma, making
service sacred.
The linguistic philosophy of RSS Lexicon
The linguistic philosophy of RSS lexicon underlines the following:
Humility over Ego: Terms like swayamsevak and dayitva avoid
self-aggrandizement.
Collectivity over Individuality: Words like Sangh, Shakha, Parivar highlight
shared identity.
Spiritual Rastriyata: Terms like Rashtra, Matrubhumi, Bharat Mata elevate
nationality to a sacred relationship.
Continuity with Traditions: Use of Sanskrit-derived words ensures that
modern activism is linked with ancient heritage.
When viewed against the backdrop of political and colonial vocabularies, the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s linguistic culture appears not just unique but
trailblazing. It consciously avoids the language of domination, power, division
and authority, replacing it with the lexicon of humility, service and
togetherness. Where politics speaks of leaders and members, the Sangh speaks of
swayamsevaks and dayitva. Where colonial rulers saw Subjects, the Sangh saw
Parivar. Where bureaucracies create workers, offices and committees, the Sangh
nurtures Karyakartas, Shakhas and Karyalayas. Where modern States speak of
nationhood, the Sangh revives the deeper cultural and civilizational idea of
Rashtra.
This conscious shift in vocabulary is not cosmetic; it is instrumental in
transforming psychology. It dissolves hierarchies, promotes inclusiveness and
elevates nationality to a spiritual experience. Words like dayitva epitomize
this transformation—showing that responsibility is not power, but humble
service. Thus, the vocabulary of RSS is not only a tool of communication but
also a moral compass, guiding millions towards a collective vision of unity and
national resurgence. It is, in essence, the language of Bharatiya belonging.
Balasaheb Deoras (Third Sarsanghchalak) said “The Sangh is not an organization
of commands, but a family of responsibilities. Each swayamsevak is entrusted
with a role—this is our language of duty”.
https://organiser.org/2025/12/08/329375/bharat/rashtriya-swayamsevak-sangh-fostering-inclusivity-collectivity-nationality-with-ingenious-vocabulary-of-belonging/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
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