Understanding the Rise of the R.S.S.
An hour's drive north of Mumbai, the Keshav Srushti complex stands as a striking symbol of the R.S.S. (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), India's far-right movement. With its roots dating back to 1925, founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the R.S.S. began as a gymnasium for young men filled with resentment towards perceived threats against Hindu identity. Today, it operates as one of the world's largest and least understood far-right organizations.
The R.S.S. has been described as an incubator for Hindu nationalism, advocating beliefs that have persisted across generations—chiefly the conviction that India's Muslim minority poses a fundamental threat to the Hindu majority. This ideology isn't merely confined within the borders of India; it has expanded internationally, knitting itself into a tapestry of civil society organizations across over 40 countries that share its vision.
The Global Web of Influence
Recent research shows the R.S.S. at the heart of a vast international network comprising schools, charities, temples, and think tanks. By embedding Hindu nationalism in daily life, it influences not just politics but also education and culture within the diaspora. It's essential to understand how this effective network has infiltrated ordinary institutions, leveraging popular support and cultural dynamics to propel its agenda.
"Far-right mobilization is not a spontaneous reaction—it emerges from an orchestrated, top-down network."
Far-Right Mobilization: A Devious Dialectic
Insights from research reveal a crucial lesson: the ascent of far-right movements is not a natural evolution of societal discontent but rather an intentional cultivation of civil society networks. Contrary to the R.S.S.'s proclamations of being a grassroots movement, the evidence suggests an elaborate orchestration designed to manipulate public sentiment.
During my visit to Keshav Srushti in 2024, the calm facade belied the underlying tensions associated with the organization. The complex hosts innocent activities, from agricultural research to youth education. However, lurking within this guise is a carefully crafted framework designed to cultivate loyalty and infuse ideology in the hearts and minds of young Indians.
A Multifaceted Strategy
This sprawling web includes blood banks, yoga schools, and training centers, which may seem benign but serve a more insidious purpose. Each establishment becomes a channel through which R.S.S. ideology is disseminated and normalized. By providing alternatives to state-run institutions, they subtly introduce a sense of belonging and identity aligned with Hindu supremacy.
With more than 400 hostels in operation aimed at marginalized youth, many are gently guided into adopting specific religious and political beliefs, positioning them as future advocates for the Hindu nationalist agenda. Their educational environments rarely overtly express extremist views but instead linguistically and culturally indoctrinate students, embedding them within a larger, strategic framework.
Global Implications
The implications of these findings resonate beyond India. As we observe similar patterns of organization in far-right movements elsewhere—be it Myanmar's Buddhist militancy or the Fidesz party in Hungary—we witness a troubling global trend of the far right employing civil society structures to gain and maintain power.
In today's interconnected world, understanding the nuanced methodologies of such movements is pivotal. The struggle against antidemocratic forces is not only about confronting violent actions but also about dismantling the elaborate organizational strategies that allow these ideologies to take root in political and social institutions.
Democracy Under Siege
As far-right groups solidify their influence through these methods, they complicate the task of defending democratic values. The challenge lies in addressing these civil society movements that shape public consent and convert civic space into avenues for far-right ideologies.
Yet, recognizing the structured approach that the far right employs allows for the development of counter-strategies. As we dissect these complex networks and expose their operations, we arm ourselves with the tools necessary to reclaim public discourse and inject democratic values back into the conversation.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Narrative
To effectively counter this increasingly sophisticated global far-right mobilization, we must cultivate our networks that promote unity, peace, and inclusivity. The battle for our democratic ideals will not simply rely on idealistic beliefs; it necessitates a sophisticated understanding of how these dangerous ideologies spread and how they can be challenged. This reflects a profound reality—if the far right manages to orchestrate its path to power through systematic organization, then we too can organize for a future steeped in the principles of democracy and equity.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/opinion/india-far-right-rss-hindu.html
