From banned to behemoth: Unpacking the 100-year legacy of the RSS | Let's Talk About RSS

#rss #rashtriyaswayamsevaksangh #shatak Learn the full story of the RSS: https://www.newslaundry.com/podcast/lets-talk-about/lets-talk-about-rss In an era of high-octane Bollywood hagiographies, such as Shatak featuring Ajay Devgn, and endorsements from influential figures like Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, and Sanjay Dutt, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is often presented through the lens of “selfless service”. However, behind the “khaki knickers” and nationalist fervour lies a complex, century-old evolution. Newslaundry’s three-part Let’s Talk About series cuts through the propaganda to offer a factual, nuanced exploration of this cultural behemoth. We explore the roots, structure, ideology, journey, misconceptions, and various conflicting opinions from people inside and outside the Sangh ecosystem. The series begins with former members like Shardool, Rajsekhar, and Indreneel on their journey from childhood indoctrination to disillusionment. Parallely, this episode explores the birth of the RSS under Keshav Hedgewar in British India, its early challenges and the formative years that set the stage for its future growth. Tune into Episode 1: https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/07/05/lets-talk-about-rss-ep-1 In Part 2, we delve into the chaos following Independence. Just as MS Golwalkar sought to scale the RSS amid the chaos of Partition, the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi threw the organisation into an existential crisis. We tackle the contentious truth behind Nathuram Godse’s ties to the Sangh and the transition to the Golwalkar era, featuring panellists like renowned academic Walter K. Andersen, scholar Arun Anand, and seasoned journalist Hartosh Singh Bal. Tune into Episode 2: https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/07/12/lets-talk-about-rashtriya-swayamsevak-sangh-ep-2 In Part 3, we follow the Sangh’s shift under the leadership of Balasaheb Deoras, who embraced politics as a tool for expansion. From the Emergency to the Babri Masjid demolition and the rise of Narendra Modi, the episode tracks how the RSS consolidated the Hindutva establishment. Tune into Episode 3: https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/07/12/lets-talk-about-rashtriya-swayamsevak-sangh-ep-2 Besides, we also hear stories of internal friction. We speak to Bhanwar Meghvanshi, a former member of the Dalit community, who left the organisation because members of the Sangh refused to eat food made in his home. Are they nationalists tirelessly working for the glory of the country? Or are they an organisation lighting the fires of communal discord in khaki knickers? This series invites you to move beyond the noise and decide for yourself. Tune into Episode 3: https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/07/19/lets-talk-about-rashtriya-swayamsevak-sangh-ep-3 Come build the future of news: https://rzp.io/rzp/NL14 Join the #FightToBreathe: https://rzp.io/rzp/T4Ob0FCb Download the accessible Newslaundry app: https://www.newslaundry.com/download-app Join us on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va61PEo0QeacOqU9vr2k Follow and engage with us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/newslaundry Twitter: https://twitter.com/newslaundry Instagram: https://instagram.com/newslaundry