BENGALURU, 21 MARCH

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has reaffirmed its commitment to using mother tongues for education and daily communication, amidst ongoing discussions regarding the Hindi language and the three-language formula under the National Education Policy. CR Mukunda, the joint general secretary of RSS, stated that the current debates surrounding delimitation are "politically motivated".

During a press conference at the start of the RSS's three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting, Mukunda expressed concern over forces that threaten national unity, implicitly referencing the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Party's opposition to the proposed language policy. He remarked that the meeting would address various contemporary issues, including the socio-political turmoil in Manipur and the perceived 'North-South divide' in India.

Mukunda clarified that the RSS would not be passing any resolutions regarding the three-language policy, but reiterated the organisation's preference for mother tongue usage in education and everyday life. He acknowledged the ongoing strife in Manipur, which has persisted for 20 months, but expressed hope that recent government decisions provide a path forward for the region.

Efforts to unite the warring tribal communities of Meitis and Kukis are underway, with Mukunda emphasising the importance of political solutions alongside community efforts to foster harmony.

In response to concerns over the National Register of Citizens, Mukunda stated the RSS supports a clear identification for residents of India but refrained from making specific resolutions on the matter. He acknowledged the resistance to RSS activities in some areas, attributing it more to political motivations than to cultural or religious opposition.

With the RSS approaching its 100-year anniversary, Mukunda highlighted a shift in focus towards expansion and consolidation rather than celebration. He noted a significant increase in RSS activities, with the number of Shakhas in Tamil Nadu exceeding 4,000 this year, alongside a larger national presence with over 83,000 active Shakhas across the country.