Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat  clarified who can attend RSS’s Shakhas. Bhagwat asserted that people who say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and show respect to the ‘saffron flag’ are welcome to the Sangh Shakhas. He added that people from all sects, communities and castes of India will be welcomed in the Shakha. Bhagwat stressed that there is no discrimination on the basis of the worship method in the ideology of the Sangh.

Doors Of Shakhas Open For All Except…

However, he clarified that those who consider themselves descendants of Aurangzeb would not be allowed in the Sangh Shakhas. “Except those who consider themselves descendants of Aurangzeb, all Indians are welcome to the Sangh Shakhas because the worship methods of Panth, Jaati and Sampraday are different, but the culture is one,” he said.

His statement came while answering a question by a RSS volunteer during a question-answer session at a morning shakha at Lajpat Nagar Park in Maldahiya area. Bhagwat was on his four-day visit to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The questioned asked by the volunteer (Swayamsevak) pertained to whether he could bring his neighbours, who are Muslims, to shakhas.

To this, Bhagwat said, “The doors of shakhas are open for all those who say Bharat Mata Ki Jai and show respect to the saffron flag. In the ideology of the Sangh, there is no discrimination on the basis of the worship method.”

What Is Shakha?

‘Shakha’ is a Hindi word and when translated into English, it means ‘branch’. The concept of RSS Shakha was conceived by its founder Dr. Hedgewar. A Shakha is held in an open ground for about an hour. A Shakha is held in the morning or evening. Underlining the importance of the Shakha, the RSS said, “The Shakha is the most effective and time- tested instrument for the moulding of men on patriotic lines – outreaching by far its physical dimension. The Sangh’s method of working is of the simplest kind, and there is hardly anything esoteric about it. Coming together everyday for an hour is the heart of the technique, and the Sangh has always grown only by personal contact. This is a self-contained mechanism; hence its success.”

During his visit in Varanasi, Bhagwat planted a Neem sapling at Lajpat Nagar Park. He also held discussions about city with municipal commissioner and other officers.

Sangh’s Work Is Not Personal: Bhagwat

Earlier, speaking at the ‘Yugandhar’ book launch event, the RSS Chief said that the Sangh’s work is not personal.

“Dr. Hedgewar, Golwalkar Guruji and Balasaheb Deoras ji had said at different times that the work of the Sangh (RSS) is in principle, the work of the Sangh is not personal. We are always on the move; people keep coming and going, and that is why Nirgun worship is difficult. If a tangible ideal is needed, then Hanumanji in ancient times and Shivaji Maharaj in modern times are ourideals; even after 250 y rs, Shivaji Maharaj is still our ideal,” Bhagwat said.

Speaking about RSS’s journey during gathering in Nagpur, Bhagwat said that society has seen, tested, and accepted the Sangh volunteers due to such a long journey.