Guwahati: As part of the centenary year celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Meghalaya unit organised a prominent citizens’ meet in Shillong on 21 March 2026 to facilitate dialogue and exchange of ideas with the distinguished members of society, where the keynote address was delivered by RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale.
Addressing the gathering, Hosabale recalled Shillong’s historical association with eminent national personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, describing the occasion as significant in the centenary year of the RSS. He traced the journey of the RSS since its founding in 1925 at Nagpur by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, noting that the organisation has grown from a single shakha in 1925 to nearly 85,000 daily shakhas across the country.
He stated that Dr Hedgewar, deeply attached with various streams of India’s freedom movement, sought to address the fundamental question of why a culturally rich civilisation lost its independence. Observing that the organised foreign powers ruled over a socially fragmented society Dr Hedgewar emphasised the need for social organisation and national awakening, which led to the establishment of the RSS. “RSS wants to organise the whole society rather than to become just another organisation in the society,” he stressed.
Highlighting Bharat’s civilisational ethos, Hosabale said the country’s cultural identity reflects a shared heritage that values both individual character and national responsibility. He referred to Bharat’s long tradition of inclusiveness, citing historical examples of persecuted communities such as Parsis and Jews finding refuge in the country. India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, he said, does not weaken national unity, which becomes visible during moments of collective achievement, for example, either in sports victory or launching of Chandrayaan-II, but the effort of the RSS is to make such unity enduring through organised social works by character building within individuals.
He explained that the RSS works to strengthen society through swayamsevaks, who are engaged in diverse professions and social sectors. The social transformation must begin with individuals, families, and ethical conducts guided by Dharma. Referring to misconceptions about the Sangh, he said that the centenary year focuses on wider social engagement.
Hosabale outlined the need for both systemic reforms aligned with Bharat’s ethos and continuous social reform. In this context, he highlighted the concept of Panch Parivartan, which includes social harmony beyond caste and tribal divisions, strengthening national selfhood and swadeshi consciousness, preserving family values, and environmental responsibility through daily practices.
He also addressed contemporary concerns including the drug-menace, which Hosabale described as both a lifestyle and security challenge. A strong family value alongside strict vigilance against cross-border trafficking becomes the need of the hour. On women’s empowerment, he noted that Indian traditions historically recognise women’s leadership while emphasising on eliminating social superstitions and harmful customs.
Responding to questions on the Northeast Bharat, Hosabale said that the outreach initiatives and interaction programs have helped reduce misunderstandings about the RSS. He reiterated that the RSS does not support discrimination on the basis of religion and upholds every citizen’s constitutional right to practise their faith, while emphasising Bharat’s shared civilisational culture despite religious diversity. In conclusion, Hosabale said that national progress depends on collective social responsibility and ethical values. The best way to understand the RSS, Hosabale asserted, will be through direct engagement and experience.
Bharat always practices inclusiveness: RSS Sarkaryavah
