RSS was seen as political rival during Partition, leading to first ban: Ambekar

RSS functionary Sunil Ambekar claimed on Friday that the first ban imposed on the organisation came because political circles viewed its growing public support during Partition as ''political competition''.

He further said the Partition of India ''might not have happened'' had the Sangh been stronger at the time.

The Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was speaking at the launch of a documentary titled ''Delhi Mein Sangh Yatra'' at the organisation's headquarters, Keshav Kunj, here.

Referring to the first ban imposed on the RSS after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948, Ambekar claimed that the decision was linked to ''political competition'' over the Sangh's growing social influence.

''Today, after so many years, it is extremely important to view all this objectively,'' he said.

''The point to understand is that if Dr (Keshav Baliram) Hedgewar wanted to do politics, he could simply have started a political party. But his aim was to awaken the society culturally and therefore, he founded the RSS. The goal was social uplift -- to strengthen the society and enable the country to stand confidently on its own strength,'' Ambekar said.

''But perhaps, politics could not accept this. As often happens, once the country was partitioned, those responsible for Partition were being seen as villains at that time. On the other hand, RSS workers, who were helping the society and serving people, were being appreciated for their work.

''The Sangh was simply carrying on with its work, but in political circles, it began to be viewed as gaining popularity and a competitive challenge. As a result, taking advantage of the situation, the first ban was imposed on the Sangh. But ultimately, the truth prevailed. The Sangh opposed it through democratic means and a non-violent manner. Eventually, the ban on the Sangh was lifted,'' he added.

Recalling the events surrounding Independence and Partition, Ambekar said the RSS expanded rapidly across Delhi and northern India between 1942 and 1946.

''During that period, a large-scale expansion of the Sangh's work took place. Between 1942 and 1946, the Sangh's work spread extensively across Delhi and the entire north,'' he said.

''In those days, across the entire region stretching from Delhi to the then undivided Punjab, the Sangh's work expanded greatly. The number of shakhas and volunteers increased manifold,'' Ambekar added.

He said RSS volunteers worked for refugees during Partition and many sacrificed their lives.

''And perhaps because the Sangh did not have enough strength at that time; otherwise, the partition of the country may not have happened,'' Ambekar said.

He also referred to the Emergency period, saying RSS volunteers faced persecution while working to protect democracy.

''The same happened during the Emergency. Whatever strength the Sangh had was fully devoted to protecting democracy. Volunteers endured great persecution,'' he said.

''Yet after both these episodes, Guruji (M S) Golwalkar and later, Balasaheb Deoras after the Emergency, all gave the same message -- do not keep hatred or feelings of revenge in your hearts. Forgive, because this is our own society,'' Ambekar said.

Addressing the gathering, he said the documentary is meant for both RSS volunteers and the society at large, so that people can understand the organisation's role beyond politics.

The documentary chronicles the RSS' journey in Delhi from its early years to the present and covers episodes including Partition, the Emergency, the relief efforts during and after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the history of the Sangh's office in the capital.

Calling the RSS' journey a continuing process rather than a completed milestone, Ambekar said the organisation will continue to expand its social outreach during its centenary year.

''This journey has now completed 100 years. I would not say the journey is complete, because the journey is continuous. This is merely a small milestone in an ongoing journey,'' he said.

Ambekar said RSS volunteers reached lakhs of homes during the centenary outreach campaign, carrying the message of ''panch parivartan'' or ''five transformations'', aimed at social transformation.

He also announced that a major centenary function of the organisation will be held in Delhi on November 29.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)