Since before independence, the political climate of India has always been a heated and complicated one. With each governmental organisation adhering to a different school of thought, the debate over the ideologies and foundational principles followed by these groups, and their social impact has always seemed to widen the gap between their respective supporters. In a highly diversified country like ours, where public opinions can make or break a fundamental system of diplomacy, education plays a crucial role in enlightening the masses about influences that various political leaders and associations have had on history, and how they continue to affect the lives of laymen at every threshold.
Recently the Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University decided to include the history of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, abbreviated as RSS, in their BA history textbooks. The section talks about the Sangh’s role in nation building, as well as the establishment of the Indian National Congress and the nature of politics. It also dwells on the popular movements that took place post-independence, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement. What is slightly surprising is the fact that the topic on the RSS and its role has replaced a section on ‘Rise and Growth of Communalism’, that was originally part of the old syllabus.
While the decision taken by the university has sparked a series of controversial opinions, Satish Chafle, a member of the Board of Studies of the University, justified the action by stating that the introduction of the RSS and their contribution in nation building allows students to know more about the new trends that took place in history. “Nationalist schools of thought (including leaders like) Lokmanya Tilak is also part of the Indian history. Similarly, history of the Sangh is a part of the nationalist school. Hence, introduction to RSS was included in the course,” he told PTI.
This change in syllabus is being opposed by many for being partial to the RSS, including Maharashtra’s former chief minister and president of the Congress state unit Ashok Chavan, who pointed out that the section failed to mention the opposition of the Sangh to the 1942 Quit India Movement and the Constitution, as well as their hostility towards the National Flag. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Swant also tweeted in response to this modification, which referenced that the syllabus was holding back complete information about the workings of the RSS, and was being used as a medium to propagate the agenda of the Sangh.
The RSS is the largest voluntary organisation as well as NGO in the world. Although it has been credited for establishing numerous schools, charities, and clubs across the country, some of its ideologies and values do not sit well with a significant population. Its inclusion in the university’s syllabus has created a flutter at a national level, and the intent of this action is being debated on by different sections of the society.
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