"Fifty per cent of society cannot be kept outside": RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on women's representation in RSS

Addressing a gathering during the launch of a book "Tan Samarpit, Man Samarpit", Mohan Bhagwat said, "Wherever there are swayamsevaks, women are alongside. For women, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, an all-women organisation started in 1936, runs parallel. In many regions, women are part of decision-making, invited into core meetings, and their proposals are included. Fifty per cent of society cannot be kept outside."

He added that processes differ across states, but described this as a mark of the Sangh's adaptive and evolving nature.

The RSS chief also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between national service and family responsibilities. "Rashtra seva should never come at the cost of family duties. The two are complementary, not contradictory," he said.

Commenting on social transformation, Bhagwat said, "Change in society will come only when it comes in the life of the swayamsewak. Knowledge alone is not enough. Transformation requires discipline, example, and practice."

At the launch of "Tan Samarpit, Man Samarpit", a biography of swayamsevak Ramesh Prakash published by Suruchi Prakashan, two perspectives came together, one from the Sangh's leadership and one from a journalist's world.

India Today Group Vice-Chairperson Kalli Purie, who also spoke at the event, shared her reflections on engaging with the RSS. She noted its simplicity, discipline and long-term planning through a centennial vision.

She also introduced India Today's initiative on Gross Domestic Behaviour (GDB), a metric designed to measure civic attitudes, inclusivity, gender equity, and integrity. Purie said corruption should not be normalised as a way of life and called for increased representation of women in the Sangh's leadership structures.

With the Sangh nearing its centenary, the evening set the stage for constructive conversations between independent perspectives, resonating particularly on civic conduct and the role of women in shaping India's future.

Mohan Bhagwat's speech is seen as a precursor to the RSS centenary symposium, to be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, from 26 - 28 August under his guidance. (ANI)