Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh: Commitment to Personality Development and Service Work
Raipur >>
The Honorable Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is on a visit to Chhattisgarh. On December 28, he held discussions with RSS workers and officials on organizational topics, providing special guidance on service activities. Several service projects are being implemented in Chhattisgarh with the collaboration of RSS and its ideological affiliates, aimed at various sections of society.
Service: The Core of RSS’s Functionality
The service philosophy of RSS can be understood through the following verse:
“Sarva Dharma Sama Vrittih, Sarva Jati Sama Matih, Sarva Seva Paraneeti Reetih Sanghasya Paddhati.”
This means the RSS maintains equality towards all religions and castes while adopting service to humanity as its guiding principle. Service is considered the duty of humanity. In Indian tradition, service has always been of utmost importance, reflecting the belief that true dharma lies in ensuring the happiness, welfare, and safety of all.
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS, was deeply pained by the plight of the nation. He resolved to bring about a sense of unity and fraternity through service. Shortly after its inception, RSS began its service activities, starting with participation in service work during the Ram Navami celebrations in 1926.
Expansion of Service Projects in Chhattisgarh
RSS and its affiliated organizations have undertaken several service projects in Chhattisgarh. Among them, Seva Bharati plays a prominent role, running 99 service projects across the state.
Matru Chhaya Centers
- Centers are operational in Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, Ambikapur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, and Jagdalpur.
- These centers provide shelter to children who are orphaned or abandoned.
- With the help of society, these centers ensure excellent arrangements for the children’s food, clothing, accommodation, healthcare, education, and recreation.
Other Projects
- Girls’ Hostels and Shelters:
- Seven girls’ hostels and two shelter homes are operational across the state.
- Sanskar Kendras:
- Fifty-nine Sanskar Kendras in Chhattisgarh train children in cleanliness, good conduct, patriotism, and collective living.
- Kishori Vikas Kendras:
- Eleven Kishori Vikas Kendras focus on skill and personality development for girls.
- Other Services:
- English-medium schools, tailoring centers, computer training centers, and health services like pathology labs and polyclinics are operational at various locations.
Service Education Initiatives: An Overview of Five Programs
RSS has established five programs to strengthen service activities through education:
1. Seva Sanskar-1
- Weekly service days are held in branches to practice Subhashitas, motivational quotes, and songs.
2. Seva Sanskar-2
- Activities include sharing information about service projects, service stories, recalling the lives of great personalities, and intellectual discussions.
3. Service in Settlements
- Programs involve outreach to underserved communities to build connections and provide support.
4. Branches Conducting Permanent Service Work
- Branches actively conduct daily and weekly service programs. Raipur division alone has 61 such branches.
5. Service-Focused Branches
- These branches undertake at least two service projects annually.
- There are 54 such branches in Raipur, 82 in Raigarh, and 77 in Durg, organizing health camps, distributing educational materials, community meals, commemorations of great personalities, and devotional singing programs.
The Broader Impact of Service
RSS’s service activities are not just about providing assistance. These initiatives aim to foster fraternity, unity, and values within society. RSS workers engage with all sections of society with a spirit of equality and dedication.
Message of RSS
The Honorable Sarsanghchalak emphasized that service is not merely an activity but a duty of humanity. Through service, RSS workers are tirelessly working to unite and empower society. The service projects in Chhattisgarh stand as a testament to the fact that RSS’s ideology extends beyond organizational goals to encompass social and moral upliftment.
Through its service activities, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has reinforced trust, dedication, and the values of humanity within society. The diverse projects being implemented in Chhattisgarh reflect the organization’s commitment to service and selflessness. The core message of RSS remains clear: Service is Dharma, and through Dharma, the upliftment of society is achievable.
