RSS Chief Reveals Funding Secret: How Volunteers Sacrifice for Sangh

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat made surprising revelations about the organization's funding model during his Bengaluru address. He explained that the Sangh operates entirely on contributions from volunteers, with even poor members making significant sacrifices to donate. Bhagwat emphasized this financial independence prevents external pressure and allows the organization to speak freely. The RSS chief also addressed common misconceptions about the organization while commemorating its centenary year.

Key Points: RSS Chief Bhagwat Says Sangh Takes No External Funds

  • RSS relies entirely on volunteer contributions without external funding sources
  • Poor volunteers sacrifice personal expenses like pulses to donate
  • Self-sufficiency prevents external pressure and ensures independence
  • Organization aims to unite Hindu society without seeking political power
3 min read

'To run Sangh, not a single paisa is taken from external sources': RSS chief Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat reveals Sangh's self-sufficient funding model where volunteers contribute annually, including poor members who sacrifice personal expenses.

"To run the Sangh, not a single paisa is taken from outside. This helps us remain independent - Mohan Bhagwat"

Bengaluru, Nov 8

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday that not a single paisa is taken from external sources to run the organisation.

The RSS Chief made this statement while addressing a large gathering in Bengaluru, as part of a two-day lecture series organised to commemorate the centenary of the Sangh.

"We have never taken any funds from outside. Our volunteers contribute every year, and they try to give more. Even those volunteers who are poor make it a point to contribute. Some of them stop using certain items like pulses for a year, save the money, and dedicate it to the Sangh," he said.

"To run the Sangh, not a single paisa is taken from outside. This helps us remain independent so that no one can exert pressure on us. We speak only the truth, and we express ourselves freely," he underlined.

"Men, money, and ammunition -- these are the three essential factors. In all three, we are self-sufficient," Bhagwat said.

He also added that 100 years ago, things were not easy for the RSS.

"When the Sangh was founded, the idea of Hindutva was not widely accepted. Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, was not well-known across the country. It was his dedication -- and that of the workers committed to the ideology -- that made the Sangh what it is today. Now, the Sangh has earned credibility," the RSS Chief said.

"Another criticism we have faced is that the Sangh is called a menace or poisonous. But this opposition comes only from the lips, not from the hearts. The hearts are with us," he added.

"Our goal is to organise the entire society. We are not here to find faults. The idea of organising the whole Hindu society is often difficult for people to understand. The RSS does not seek power or prominence in society. Our only aim is to unite and organise society for the glory of Bharat Mata," he said.

"The purpose of this congregation is to share information about the Sangh. For at least a decade, the RSS has been a topic of intense discussion. When we hear those discussions, one thing becomes clear -- they are often not based on facts but on hearsay, narratives, or perceptions," he added.

"The Sangh is a unique organisation. There is nothing in the world comparable to it. You cannot understand the Sangh using the usual method of going from the known to the unknown, because there is nothing else like it," he noted.

"When people try to understand the Sangh, they often lack factual information, which leads to misunderstandings. That is what has been happening. Therefore, it was decided in 2018 that authentic information about the Sangh should be shared. The intention is not to convince anyone, but to present the facts. Whether one supports or opposes the Sangh, it should be based on facts, not perceptions," Bhagwat said.

"First, we must understand the Sangh properly. Many well-wishers of the Sangh also claim that it was formed as a reaction to certain situations, but that is not true. The Sangh was not born out of reaction or opposition. It was established because Hindu society needed to be organised. This organisation of society is not against anyone," he emphasised.

"The Sangh was conceived and implemented out of this very need," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the transparency about funding, I wish there was more clarity on how these funds are utilized. Many organizations claim financial independence, but proper auditing and disclosure would build more trust among the public.
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Arjun K
The RSS has come a long way since its inception. From being a small organization to becoming one of the most influential socio-cultural organizations in India - their journey is remarkable. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
As someone who has studied Indian organizations, the RSS model is indeed unique. Their grassroots network and volunteer-driven approach is something that many international NGOs could learn from. The self-sufficiency aspect is particularly impressive.
K
Kavya N
I appreciate that they're trying to share more factual information. For too long, discussions about RSS have been based on perceptions rather than actual knowledge. Let's hope this transparency continues across all aspects of their functioning.
M
Michael C
The mention of "men, money, and ammunition" as essential factors is concerning. While I understand the context of organizational strength, such terminology could be misinterpreted. Perhaps more careful wording would be appropriate for a socio-cultural organization.

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