2017

Since 1925 the Sangh has come a long way to become the only ever-growing movement of Bharat. However this epic journey is not without its ups and downs. Sangh has subdued many challenges by silently working at the grass root level, by person to person contact and heart to heart dialogue. The initiatives of different times were different, ranging from struggle to save democracy in emergency period to a very strong initiative of social service projects in last few decades, but the impact was cumulative. Because of the unique working style of Sangh the milestones of achievements are also noticeable only with a birds eye view.

2016

The first ever Shrung Shivir “ Swaranjali” took place in Bengaluru in January 2016. A total of 2195 Swayamsevaks from every region of the country participated in the event .

It is decided in the ABPS 2016 that the 90 year old Sangh Ganvesh “Khaki Knicker” is to be replaced by “Full Brown pants”.

2013

Sangh extended its full pledged support to Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations that took the message of Swami Vivekananda to the every nook and corner of the country. Working actively with Vivekananda Kendra, Sangh coordinated the momentous efforts made by spiritual organizations such as Ramakrishna Mission, Gayatri Parivar, Sharada Matham, Chinmaya Mission, Swaminaryan Order, Jain institutions in nation building and ably carried the message of Swami Vivekananda to all sections of the society including eminent academicians, scientists, educationists, Defence personnel, retired judges among many others.

In the worst ever natural calamity that hit the Uttarakhand during Char Dhaam Yatra, RSS Swayamsevaks were first to engage in relief activities and actively cooperated the Indian Army in its rescue operations.

2012

Ma. Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi re-elected as the Sarkaryavaha of the Sangh.

2011

Maa Narmada Samajik Kumbh took place in February 2011 in Mandla. This Kumbh has manifested extra-ordinary power of the society. Maa Narmada Samajik Kumbh was organized to awaken the people against social problems and efforts to weaken the Hindu society. This festival saw participation of 415 different scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and 400 other social groups from 4000 villages of 1179 tehsils from 336 districts. It is estimated that nearly 30lac pilgrims took part in the Kumbh during these three days.

2010

Sangh deployed relief material for 180 villages and 2400 Swayamsevaks during the floods that hit the North Karnataka. Sangh resolved to build 1680 houses in 9 villages under the auspices of “Sewa Bharati” as part of its rehabilitation activity.

Pujaniya Sarsanghachalak ji’s tour across the country received mammoth response especially in few programs where the number of uniform clad Swayamsevaks attended the event touched 90000 in places like Kerala, Mangalore and Mahakaushal.

2009

• Pujaniya Sarsanghachalak K.S. Sudershan ji named Dr. Mohan Bhagwat as the next Sarsanghchalak of the Sangh.

Ma. Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi elected as the Sarkaryavaha of the Sangh.

‘Vishwa Mangal Gau Grama Yatra’ was launched by prominent Saints and supported by the Sangh in order to create extensive awareness amongst the people about the importance of cow protection, village centric agriculture.

Signatures of 8.34 crore citizens in support of the cause including those of 75,668 Christians and 10,73,142 Muslims were collected, contact programs in 23,300 villages were held and participated by 11,32,117 people. 201 MPs and 867 MLAs signed in support of the cause.Supporting ‘Local Yatras’ were conducted at 1,23,796 centers attended by 1,48,46,274 citizens. The Yatra covered a distance of 26000 Km. 9271 full time activists and 141035 others, a total of 150306 participants made the yatra successful. This Yatra was launched on 28 September 2009 from Kurukshetra concluded on 17 January 2010 at Nagpur.

2007

150th Year of 1857 was celebrated by Swayamsevaks.

Third World Hindu Conference.
Concluding ceremony of Shri Guruji Janmashatabdi in Delhi. 1 Crore 60 lakh people, 13,000 saints and 1,80,000 social activists participated in Hindu Sammelans throughout the year.

1999

Four full time workers - Dinendranath Day, Shayamalkanti Sen, Shubhankar Chakravarti and Sudhayamay Datta - Pracharaksof Sangh were abducted in Tripura by NLFT militants on August 6 demanding a ransom of Rs.2 crores. Later all the four pracharaks were killed.

The most devastating cyclone of the century hit the Coast of Orissa on October 28 causing a human loss of 10,000 and Rs.1800 crore property loss. Sangh played the lead role under the banner of Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti in relief and rehabilitation activities.

 

1998

Sarsangh Chalak Shri Rajju Bhayya visited Japan and performed bhumi puja for the construction of Indo-Japan Cultural Centre on April 17.।

Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ABVP were inaugurated in Mumbai on December 25.

1997

Sarsangchalak Sri Rajju Bhayya toured Kenya on the invitation of Hindu Council of Kenya from January 10th to 17th. During his visit Shri Rajju Bhayya addressed many gatherings of Indian familities, university students and met many government officials.

Golden Jubilee Sangh Samagam, Ludhiyana 21,000 Swayamsevaks gathering for one day.

1996

Sri Balasheb Deoras passed away on June 17.

Severe Cyclone hit the Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh in November causing 900 deaths and massive property loss. Sangh participated actively in the relief operations under the banner of Jana Sankshema Samiti.


Plane crash in Chakri Dadri, Haryana leaving 350 dead. Sangh"s remarkable role in the relief operations were praised by the international press particularly the Gulf press.

1994

Prof. Rajendra Singh - Rajju Bhayya - was designated as 4th Sarsangh Chalak of Sangh on March 11.

A.B. Seva Vibhag Started.
Laghu Udyog Bharati was founded.

1993

Bahri Tribunal found the ban on Sangh unjustified and the ban was lifted on June 4.

A.B.Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad was founded.

1992

Sri Bhavu Rao Desoras passed away on May 14.

Sri Yadavrao Joshi passed away on August 20.
Babri structure on Ram Janmabhoomi was removed by karsevaks on December 6.
Government banned Sangh for the third time on December 10.

1990

Karseva was held in Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on October 30 daring all kinds of restrictions imposed by Mulayam Singh government.

1989

On June 25 the terrorist attack on an RSS Shakha in Moga Town, Punjab resulted in loss of lives of 18 Swayamsevaks and 6 others. 28 others were injured.

1988

Jana Samparka Abhiyan was launched on the eve of Centeary Celbrations of Dr.Hedgewar. Syawaymsevaks contacted 1,50,000 famililies, conducted 76,000 meetings and collected 11 crore rupess towards Seva Nidhi.

1987

Sheshadriji was elected Sarkaryavah.

Sri Balasaheb Deoras, Sarsanghchalak visited Chaitya Bhoomi On 6th December to pay his homage to the memory of late Dr. Ambedkar.

1985

Sangh completed 60 years. Nation-wide awareness programmes were conducted.

1984

Massive human and property loss to Sikhs in Delhi in the wake of the assassination of Smt.Indira Gandhi in October. Hundreds of Sikh families were given protection in Swayamsevaks" homes; relief camps were set up for the needy and necessary service rendered at their homes in Delhi and other parts of the country.

Reconstruction of Golden Temple after Operation Blue-Star. Swayamsevaks in large number participatated in the Karseva at Golden Temple in Amritsar.

1983

Ekatmata Yajna was launched by Vishwa Hindu Parishad with active support of Swyamseveks for rousing the peoples" faith and devotion to Bharat Mata and Ganga Mata.

Maharashtra Prantik Shibir held at Pune. Attendance more than 35,000.

1982

1982 Karnataka Prantik Shibir was held at Bangalore. Attendance more than 25000.

 

1981

Islamic mass conversion of about 800 Hindus in February in Meenakshipuram in Tamilnadu. Sangh along with other Hindu organisations protested these conversions in Meenakshipuram and other parts of Tamilnadu, and held an awareness campaign against religious conversions.

Sanskar Bharati was founded.

1980

Sangh launched mass public contact programme - Jana samparka abhiyan - covering 95000 villages and 1 crore families.

Janata party leaders insisted that no RSS member can become a Janata party member at the same time. Bharatiya Janata Party was formed over this dual membership issue.

1979

Second VHP vishwa Sammelan. Dalai Lama and many prominent religious leaders all over the world participated.
In August month, Machhu dam near Morvi, Gujarath, burst causing floods. Swayamsevaks helped 12,000 families in distress.

1978

Sri Madhava Rao Moole, Sarkayavaha, passed away on September 30.

Sri Rajendra Singh was elected as Sarkayavaha.
Deen Dayal Sodh Sanstan was launched.
Madhya Bharat prant shibir Indore 1978.Attendance 6000.

1977

Bharatiya Jana Sangh was merged in newly formed Janta Party which came to power.

Government lifted ban on Sangh on March 22.
Jayprakash Narayan addressed the RSS meeting in Patna on November 3.
Cyclone hit coastal areas of AP in December resuting massive human loss. Swayamsevaks worked in relief operations under adverse conditions. 2,40,000 clothes and 32000 utensils were distributed.
Sri Rajendra Sinh was designated as Saha Sarkaryavaha - Joint General Secretary.

1975

Emergency was imposed in the country by Smt.Indira Gandhi on June 25.

Sangh was banned for the second time on July 4.
Akhil Bharatiya Lok Sangharshana Samiti was launched to fight against Emergency.
Balasaheb was arrested. Many sangh leaders worked underground.

1974

Tri-Centenary Celebrations of coronation of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

1973

Memoir of Shri Guruji in front of Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir

Sri Guruji passed away on June 5.
Sri Balasaheb Deoras was designated as 3rd Sarsangh Chalak on June 6.
Shri. Mahavrao Muley was elected as Sarkaryavah.

1972

Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari was inaugurated by the then President of India, Sri V.V.Giri.

1971

Vidarbha-Nagpur Prantik Shibir was held, attended by More than 10000 Swayamsevaks.

War with Pakistan broke out for the third time. Swayamsevaks took active part in hepling the armed forces.

1968

Madhya Bharat Prantik Shibir in Shajapur.

1967

Maharashtra Prantik Shibir was attended by more than 10000 Swayamsevaks.

1966

Drought in Bihar. Jayprakash Narayan was impressed with the selfless service of Swayamsevaks in relief opearions.

1st Vishwa Hindu Sammelan at Prayag.

1965

Pakistan attacked Bharat. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minister, invited shri Guruji to attend the All-Leaders Conference in New Delhi. At the conference, Shri Guruji extended complete co-operation on behalf of the Sangh.

Sri Madhukar Dattatreya Deoras - Balasahebji - was elected as General Secretary - Sarkaryavaha - of Sangh.
Nagpur- Vidarbha Prantik Shibir was attended by more than 5000 Swayamsevaks.

1964

Viswa Hindu Parishad - VHP - was launched.

1963

RSS was invited to participate in the Republic Day Parade on January 26 in Delhi. 3000 swayamsevaks with full uniform and band participated in this parade within a short notice.

Vivekananda Centenary celebrations started. Sangh passed resolution to construct a grand memorial for Swami Vivekananda in Kanyakumari.

1956

Shri Eknathji Ranade was elected Sarkaryavah.

1955

Swayamsevaks took leading part in the all-party struggle for the liberation of Goa from the control of Portugese.

Bharatiya Mazdoor sangh was founded.

1954

Swayamsevaks liberated the Dadra and Nagar Haveli from Portugese control on August 2 and handed over the region to Central Government.

1953

Sudden demise of Sri Syama Prasada Mukherjee in Kashmir on June 23.

1952

Cow Protection Movement - Goraksha Andolan - was launched demanding prohibition of cow slaughter in the country. Swayamsevaks collected 1,75,39,813 signatures covering every part of the country from 85,000 cities and villages. All these signatures were presented to The President of Bharat, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on 8 December.

Vanvasi Kalayan Asharam Started.
Bharatiya Jansangh was formed by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukharjee and many Swayamsevaks joined it.

 

Shri Guruji participated in the concluding ceremony of ‘Abhinav Bharat’ an organization which was founded by Swatantraya Veer Savarkar for the freedom of Bharat.

1950

India became Republic on January 26. Shri Guruji instructed swayamsevaks to celebrate this occasion.

 

March 1950. The first Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha was held. Bhaiyyaji Dani was elected Sarkaryavah [generalsecretary].
Vastuhara Sahayata Samiti was started to help Hindu refugees from Pakistan.
Earth quake and floods in Assam.Swayamsevaks swung into action.

1949

Sangh constitution was drafted.

Government lifted the ban unconditionally on July 12.


Shri Guruji was released from Jail on July 13. A rousing welcome was given to him All over Bharat in his whirl wind tour.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyardhi Parishad - ABVP - was launched for nation building through student power.

1948

Gandhiji was assassinated on January 30. Sangh expressed its deep condolences.
Shri Guruji was arrested on February 1 in Nagpur.
Interim Government blamed sangh for Gandhiji"s murder, banned Sangh and arrested 17000 swayamsevaks on February 4.
Shri Guruji announced the closure of Sangh shakhas on February 5.
After the failure of talks with government, Swayamsevaks launched satyagraha demanding the removal of ban on Sangh on December 9.

1947

Congress accepted Partition on 3rd June which was a stunning blow to the Hindu people, and more so to the Sangh Swayamsevaks. Hindus were killed massively in Punjab and Bengal. Sangh organized 3000 relief camps.
Bharat achieved independence on August 15.
Gandhiji addressed a gathering of 500 swayamsevaks in Bhangi colony of Delhi on Sept.14.
Shri Guruji flew to Srinagar on 17th October to advise the Maharaja of Kashmir to accede Kashmir into Bharat.
In Kenya,Swayamsevaks started an organisation with the name"Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh".


Organizer and Panchajanya weeklies were launched

1946

Muslim League declared "Direct Action" on August 16. 5000 Hindus were killed and 15000 thousand injured in Calcutta.

1942

Congress launched Quit India agitation demanding Britishers to leave the country. Several Sangh workers took active part in it. In Ashti - Chimur region of Maharashtra, some Swayamsevaks sacrified their lives in the agitation.

Ramtek "Nagar karyavah" of RSS Shri. Balashaeb Deshpande was sentenced to death. Later, this sentence was revoked by british Government.

1942

Congress launched "Quit India" agitation demanding Britishers to leave the country. Several Sangh workers took active part in it.

1940

Veer Savarkar visited RSS prantik Baithak in pune.

Doctor Shyama Prasada Mukherjee met Doctorji to express his concern over the plight of Hindus in Bengal.
British Government banned the Sangh uniform -ganavesh - and route march.
Sanskrit prayer - Prardhana - was introduced in place of Hindi&Marathi prayer.
Sanskrit instructions - ajnas -introduced in place of English instructions.
Subhas Bose visited Doctorji on his deathbed on June 20.

 

Doctor Ji’s samadhi 1940

Doctorji passed away on June 21 at 9.27 am.
Madhav Sadasiva Golwalkar - Shri Guruji - was designated as Second Sarsangh Chalak on July 3.

1930

Congress passed a resolution proclaiming complete independence - purna Swaraj. Doctorji instructed all

Shakhas to celebrate 26 January as Independence day.

Doctorji with several Swayamsevaks participated in Jungle Satyagraha and was jailed. He designated Dr. L.

V. Paranjape as Sarasnahgachalak beofore participating in the Satyagraha.

Black cap was introduced as apart of uniform in place of Khaki cap.

1929

In a meeting on 9,10 November, held at Doke Math, Nagpur, Doctorji was deignated as chief
[Sarsanghachalak], Balaji Huddar as general secretary [ Sarkaryavah] and martandrao Jog as chief trainer
[Sarsenapati].

1928

First Guru Dakshina Utsava held with a total contribution - Samarpana - of 84 Rs.

Shri Vitthalbhai Patel, elder brother of Sardar Patel visited the Mohitewada Shakha in Nagpur.

March 1928 - first ceremony of initiation - Pratignya - was conducted. A selected group of 99 Swayamsevaks participated.

18 Shakhas in Nagpur at year end.

First winter camp was held. First Route March with band -Ghosh - was conducted.

Meeting between Doctorji and Subhas Bose took place in Calcutta.

1927

Special training camp with the name O.T.C. - officer"s training camp - held in May with 17 Participants - Shiksharthis.

1926

The name "Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh" was selected for Sangh on April 17 in a meeting called for this purpose at Dr. Hedgewar"s house,from a list of four names Jaripatka Mandal, Bharat Uddharak Mandal, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

 

Daily meetings - Nitya Shakhas - were started at Mohitewada ground in Nagpur on 28th May. Lathi -"Danda" - was introduced in the Shakha. New commands - Dakhsa, Aaram - were used for the first time in Shakhas. The tradition of commencing the daily activities with salutation to the Bhagwa Dhwaj and concluding with the prayer - Prarthana- in Hindi and Marathi was instituted.

First route march - Patha Sanchalan - was held with 30 Participants.

1925

Doctor Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (Doctorji), the founder of Sangh announced on Vijayadashami day September 27 that "We are inaugurating Sangh today"."All of us must train ourselves physically,intelectually and in every way so as to be capable of achieving our cherished goal." Formal beginning of Sangh took place in Doctor Hedgewar"s house in "Sukravari" in Nagpur. Training in drill, march etc. was imparted on sundays. On Thursdays and Sundays there were discourses on national affairs.