The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has come out in full support of the demand to end restriction on entry of women in some temples and also disapproved of the clamours by “affluent” castes to seek a pie of reservation in educational institutions and Government jobs. They described as a “serious matter” the raising of anti-national slogans in JNU and slammed Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad for comparing the RSS with the dreaded terrorist outfit ISIS, saying it exposes his “lack of knowledge” and “intellectual bankruptcy”.
The three-day conclave of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest decision-making body of the RSS, which ended here on Sunday also decided to replace Khaki shorts, the trademark RSS dress for 91 years, with brown trousers as part of the organisation’s landmark endeavour to “move with the times” and demonstrate that it is “not rigid”.
Asking the managements of the temples imposing restriction on the entry of women to change their mentality, RSS general secretary Suresh Bhayyaji Joshi said, “Because of some unfair traditions at certain places, there has been a lack of consensus on the question of temple entry. Such sensitive issues should be resolved through discussion and dialogue and not through agitations.” Joshi was addressing a Press conference here.
“Women go to thousands of temple across the country but in reference to some, where their entry is an issue, there is a need to change the mentality. Management of such temples should also understand this,” he said.
In recent times, some women groups have been agitating for ending the practice of disallowing women to certain temples like Shani Shingnapur Temple and sanctum sanctorum of Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik in Maharashtra. “Women have been learning the Vedas and also performing religious practices,” the RSS leader said.
On the controversy over Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s World Culture Festival in Delhi, Joshi said if there was an issue of environment, rules should be followed by all, be it anyone or any organisation. However, at the same time, he said systems which bring about change in the society will get weakened if only penal measures are used.
In a veiled reference to the recent Jat agitation, the RSS disapproved of reservation demands by the “affluent” sections and favoured a study to ascertain whether the deserving backward classes are actually getting the quota benefits.
Pitching for social harmony, the Sangh fountainhead said members of the “Hindu community are responsible” for caste-based discrimination and “we need to eradicate it” for social justice, regarding which he invoked BR Ambedkar.
Disapproving of demands for quota by “affluent” sections, Bhaiyyaji Joshi said the provisions of reservation made by Bhimrao Ambedkar were for social justice and that concept should be kept in mind by those demanding reservation today.
“It is felt that this thinking (demand by affluent class) is not in the right direction. People of such (affluent) class should give up their right and should help the weaker section of the society. But instead of that, they are demanding reservation for themselves which is not a thinking in the right direction,” he said.
He said there should be a proper study to ascertain whether the backward classes which really need reservation are actually getting the benefits. “Baba Ambedkar gave the provision of reservation. It was for social justice. Today, the level of education of Dalit class has improved,” he said.
“There are many backward castes today. It should be studied and discussed whether the deserving castes are getting reservation benefits. This issue should be studied,” he said, adding “it is also a matter of detailed discussion whether or not creamy layer system should be there in all categories.”
On the issue of anti-national slogans raised in JNU, the RSS general secretary said it was a “serious matter for all patriotic citizens” and it should not be politicised. “law will take its own course but who allowed this environment to grow in universitiesIJ If such universities become the centres of anti-national activities, it is a matter of grave concern and not that of politics,” he said.
“The thought which takes care of integrity and security of the country should be considered best in the interest of the nation. The reaction against the incident came from all over the country and it is welcoming. It shows that the society is aware,” said Joshi.
On the significant `makeover’ decision, Jhosi said, “We always move with the times. We are not rigid. Any organisation which is not flexible cannot progress.”
“We have decided to replace ‘khaki’ shorts, which are also known as ‘khaki half pants’, with brown color full pant,” he said about the loose shorts which have been the trademark of RSS cadres since the organisation’s inception in 1925.
He said “small changes” have been taking place in the RSS but “this is the change which is noticeable”. Even though other parts of the uniform have been changed from time to time, khaki shorts remained in vogue till now.
Initially till 1940, the uniform of RSS was khaki shirt and shorts before white shirts were introduced. leather shoes replaced long boots in 1973 and later rexine shoes were allowed.
“Pants are a regular feature in today’s social life, so we took our decision accordingly... We are not orthodox. We realise the importance of time. We have changed many things from time to time. But this time, a major change has come,” said Joshi, the second in-command of RSS. The pants will be designed in such a manner that these are comfortable in physical exercise, he said. The decision is seen as part of attempt to increase the organisation’s membership as khaki shorts is believed to have been a hindrance in this regard. Replying to questions, Joshi said, “We decided on brown colour though there is no specific reason for it but is commonly available and looks good.”