Ten Pillars of RSS: A Path for the Rooted & Ready
For any Swayamsevak it is important to understand what the RSS contributes to the society. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is more than the everyday Shakhas. It’s about what the Shakhas represent; developing a way of life for every individual directly or indirectly connected to Sangh. This way of life connects you to something bigger than yourself. For those, looking for purpose and authenticity, RSS offers timeless principles through 10 living pillars that hold this century-old movement together.
- Bharat Mata – The Soul of Our Commitment
While looking at the portrait of ‘Bharat Mata’, one might think that she represents the geographical continuity and land of Bharat. But that’s not just it. Bharat Mata is a living, breathing spirit. She is the mother of Bharatiya civilization.
Sangh believes that serving her people, protecting her environment, and creating a compatible society, is how our endearment can be expressed in the right way. This is where the passion for our motherland begins.
- Bhagwa Dhwaj – The Eternal Flame
The saffron flag represents sacrifice, courage, and spiritual purity. The morally static Bhagwa Dhwaj reminds us to stay grounded and stand tall, to protect the values, ethos and dharma born in this land and the civilization of Bharat.
- Prarthana – The Power of Collective goal
Sung at every Shakha, the Sangh Prarthana begins by paying respect to the motherland and continues to awaken strength, humility, and wisdom within. Each and every word of the prarthana reminds the swayamsevak about his collective identity and the duties they should perform to lead Bharat Mata to the peak of her glory.
- Pratigya – A Promise with Purpose
Every swayamsevak takes a vow to live truthfully with their identity, serve selflessly for the motherland and protect the dignity of the nation. The ‘Pratigya’ motivates the swayamsevaks to channel the energy evoked through the everyday Prarthana selflessly for facilitating the perennial flow of Bharatiya civilization.
- Collective Leadership & Discipline
With RSS, there are no designations, only duties. RSS teaches leadership through action, not position. You grow by leading with humility, following with respect, and showing up every day.
- Tradition of Pracharak – Living for a Cause
Some leave everything to live for the nation. Pracharaks are full-time volunteers who walk the country with nothing but courage and conviction. For us, they’re reminders that idealism can be real.
- Shakha – The Heartbeat
Your local shakha is where you train body, mind, and spirit. All aimed to selflessly serve the nation. Games, group discussions, stories, Shakhas is also where friendships grow and character forms, founded on the bond of ‘nationalism’ that unites all.
- Lok Sangrah – Connecting with Society
The Sangh doesn’t exist in isolation. The work of Sangh begins beyond its daily shakha. It reaches out to the people of this country in every hour of need, helping flood victims, teaching in villages, protecting traditions. Once connected to Sangh, you’re not just a member; you’re a messenger of the Bharatiya tradition.
- Bal Vibhag – Planting Seeds Early
The appropriate age to learn discipline and inculcate pride rooted in culture is ‘childhood’. Sangh strictly exercises this by creating a healthy environment of play and storytelling, that will nurture the character of these children, and not through fear. This is where the next generation begins.
- How We Behave – Character is Everything
Within the Sangh or without, a swayamsevak always lives with integrity. Whether virtually or in the actual world, our values must be visible in our speech, action, and thought.