AT TIMES I feel is it apt for some of the political parties, intellectuals, and organizations to call great nationalist organization, R.S.S a communal organization. Is R.S.S. really a communal organization? Why some organizations and vested interests want to malign its image? There are such questions galore?

My endeavor was to find answers to these and many other identical and controversial questions during my stint at the Secundrabad Vibhag’s Hemant Shivir.             

In this article, I have captured my experience at the recently concluded Hemant Shivir. The pivotal annual event was organized in Chiriyala village, Keesara Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, A.P, 45 km from the IT hub and state capital, Hyderabad.

A vast area spreading 5 acres of land was marked for the purpose. Assembly area, residential area, kitchen were erected using tent and canopy. A ground for physical training and exercise was also earmarked. The whole planning, arrangement, management reminded me of an army scenario. At every entry and exit gate sentry was deployed to keep a watch on participants called as Swayamsevaks.

In the centre of the premises and squarely opposite to the main gate was statue of legendary personality, Swami Vivekananda, the man who took world by storm with his awestruck speech at the Chicago World Religious conference in 1893. The legacy he left behind is inspiring generations and will keep on inspiring the generations to come. His stature in Indian civilization can be gauged from the fact that two legendary figures of modern India, the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi and the great Netaji Subahash Chandra Bose drew inspiration from his philosophy and teachings.                                 

The discipline was amazing; many a time left some of the Swayamsevaks spellbound and thinking whether they are attending a civilian organization’s camp or Armed Forces’ training camp. Having said that there was not even an iota of regret in any of the Swayamsevak’s mind as was visible in the vibrancy and optimism in the whole environment.

Swayamsevaks from Secunderabad Bhag converged for the camp organized during the season which experiences severe cold. About 1500 Swayamsevaks attended the camp.

The hectic two day schedule focused on a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from physical training to intellectual discussions, character building to nation building, physical competitions to R.S.S’s songs’ group rendition.  

The whole environment within the premises was awesome and inspiring. Positive vibes, self pride, and nationalistic fervor filled the air. Swayamsevaks cutting across various social stratums were seen enjoying every bit of the wonderful camp. There was no specific caste, creed, or religion to boast of, it was nationalism and Hindu Philosophy that brought Swayamsevaks together and the only binding thread.

The Swayamsevaks comprised of engineers, students, lawyers, doctors, lecturers, professors, writers, retired government personnel, political leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers and host of others. For two days they lived in tents erected in open air during severe cold without the luxuries of home. Why?

The cause was lucidly reflected in Swayamsevaks discipline, communication, they converged here for nationalism. Determined Swayamsevaks were seen enjoying every bit of the Hemant Shivir. That resolution was exhibiting from their body language, come what may they are ready for their mother land. They are ready to bear pain and sacrifice for the honor of the motherland.

Countering chilling cold conditions Swayamsevaks performed all the tasks with flying colors, be it a yoga session or a wand martial art. Without fail they assembled sharp at 0600 am for physical training and drill involving many a stiff task like Dand Yudh (Wand war), Yoga and Martial art. Physical training instructor for Secunderabad Vihbag, Naveen and his support staff imparted physical training and drill with élan to Swayamsevaks.

Competitive events were organized among varied Bhag that falls under Secunderabad Vibhag like Quiz, Surya Namashkar, Subhashit, Geet, Speech, and Wand Skill. Malkajgiri and Kokatpally Bhag were the notable performers. Bharat and Prassana from IT Milan clinched the competition in speech.

Is it worth participating in such camps? Do we really inculcate anything from such camps? These were some of the questions consciously or subconsciously erupting in my mind? Also, some of the Swayamsevaks who were students and teenagers, do they comprehend something during such camps or are they blindly being made scapegoats in the name of propagating cultural heritage among youths.

“I am with RSS since the last one year, am from Malkajgiri and a student of class IXth. Here I am learning about Country, discipline and our rich history” said Madhu.

Venkatesh, a class XI student from Alvis praised R.S.S for inculcating patriotism among youths.

Another student Narendra from Malkajgiri said “I am with the R.S.S since the last five years and learning about unity and diversity of the nation.”

To delve further into the issue, I took an opportunity that came my way to have a formal discussion with Ayush and Jagan. Ayush is heading Intellectual section of Secunderabad Bhag while Jagan is a pracharak. Many of the apprehensions about the camp, its objectives were resolved during the group discussion.

Emphasizing on the objectives of the camp, Jagan shared: “The objective of the camp is to inculcate the habit of community living among the Swayamsevaks. The hardship they tolerated by living like a common man for two days, sleeping on ground, standing in queue for food etc  will make them strong and determined to do national service as and when required.”

The highlight of the first day, December 24, 2011 was a speech from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (H.S.S) head, Ravi Ayyar in the central hall. To readers, I would like to share that H.S.S is one of the affiliates of R.S.S, which is responsible for propagating R.S.S Ideology overseas.

The programme began with senior Swayamsevaks paying their obeisance to the idols of R.S.S founder Dr. Hedgewar, Mother, India and Gowalkar popularly known as Guruiji. Durga Reddy, Vibhag Sangh Chalak, Secunderabad was also present on the occasion.  

The speech was inspiring, insightful and thought provoking. Addressing the Swayamsevaks, Ayyar emphasized on the need of Hindu philosophy, and its importance in contemporary World.   Vinay, a budding entrepreneur from Rajasthan and based in Hyderabad is a proud Swayamsevak, he told me his family has been associated with the R.S.S since the last three generations, his grandfather too was a Swayamsevak.

Utsav, an IT engineer from Bihar and presently working with Kony Labs in Hyderabad enjoyed the two day Hemant Shivir. He was of the opinion that such camps inculcate Indian culture, values and heritage among youth.   

Arun, an IT engineer with R.S.S presented different side of his experience, he said: “I like Sangh’s philosophy and the role it is playing in nation building but we should do something concrete on ground also like the way N.G.Os do. For example, spreading IT education in an interior village and skill development centre for youth.”   

Mangesh a senior Swayamsevak who is working with Wipro stressed the need for nation’s development, he said, “Think about country, society also. Time hardly permits us to do these things, but if you love social and nation development, you can easily spare some time. We should spare time for nation development, the R.S.S ideology will be further proliferated through IT Milans. From 20 IT Milan in the days to come we will put our efforts to reach 50.” The two-day Hemant Shivir culminated at Nagaram town in a public ground with grand march-past by the Swayamsevaks. Skills of Swayamsevaks were up for public exhibition. Local people, students, businessmen, senior leaders from BJP, V.H.P and influential people flocked the ground to witness the grand ceremony. Swayamsevaks exhibited their skills in full public view. Music Band won the hearts of audience with heart touching compositions. Martial arts, Wand War, Yoga were also performed. They were all dressed up in traditional R.S.S costume (Ganvesh).     

All India Social Activities Head, Subhash Rao addressed the audience and Swayamsevaks. He emphasized on the need of character building as only an individual with character intact can play a role in nation building. Rao shared an inspiring story from the life of great, Viveknanda, he said: “If you want to usher in prosperous time, be ready to endure pain, Vivekananda encountered huge problems before becoming a legendary figure. He slept in a wooden box to better the Chicago’s chilling winter. Be ready to bear pain for the country and draw inspiration from Vivekananda. R.S.S is a great organization dedicated towards the proliferation and salvage of Hinduism.” Rao invoked youth to play role in nation building.