logo
Tribals and the Hindutva framework: New book explores RSS's evolving views

Tribals and the Hindutva framework: New book explores RSS's evolving views

From Sarna to Ghar Wapsi, this book breaks new ground on the evolution of RSS's thinking on tribals and complex questions such as their treatment after conversion to Christianity
premium
Aditi Phadnis
Listen to This Article
Adivasi or Vanvasi: Tribal India and the Politics of Hindutva
by Kamal Nayan Choubey
Published by Penguin Random House India
281 pages ₹799
Academic research in this area is sparse, as the book itself reveals. There are many scholarly works on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) but hardly any attention has been paid to the organisation's outreach to tribals, with the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) being treated as just another Sangh affiliate. And so, though there is little by way of comparison or competition, it would not be faint praise to say that the book is outstanding, for it breaks new
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No invite for Pak, Bangladesh, Turkey as RSS gears up for centenary celebrations
No invite for Pak, Bangladesh, Turkey as RSS gears up for centenary celebrations

India Today

timean hour ago

  • India Today

No invite for Pak, Bangladesh, Turkey as RSS gears up for centenary celebrations

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) prepares to kick off its centenary celebrations later this month, some notable absences from the guest list are drawing attention. Pakistan and Bangladesh haven't been invited, and Turkey also appears unlikely to receive an the event is expected to be grand, inclusive and wide-ranging with participation from intellectuals, politicians, journalists, influencers, entrepreneurs and community leaders, however, the diplomatic invitations are being handled with caution. Sources told India Today that the 'atmosphere isn't right' for inviting to sources aware of the matter, the decision is unsurprising given the current geopolitical climate. Relations with Islamabad and Dhaka remain strained, while Ankara's recent defence collaborations with Pakistan have further complicated matters. Though the RSS is engaging with various embassies, the consensus is that the environment isn't conducive to extending an invitation to Pakistan or, by extension, to Turkey and DAYS, BIG VOICESThe flagship event will take place from August 26 to 28 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The final day is expected to be particularly impactful, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat taking questions from the audience.'This is more than a celebration,' said RSS pracharak and national executive member Sunil Ambekar. 'It's a platform to reflect on the past, explain the ideology, and chart a roadmap for the future. We've had in-depth discussions on where RSS stands, where it's going, and what kind of energy we want to harness.'WHY TURKEY, BANGLADESH MAY BE LEFT OUTThe diplomatic exclusions extend beyond Pakistan. Turkey, due to its growing defense ties with Islamabad, is also likely to be sidelined. Earlier this year, the RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagaran Manch even called for economic sanctions against exclusion is also under consideration, largely due to rising concerns over attacks on minorities under Dhaka's interim regime. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has raised repeated alarms, and until the situation stabiliSes, an invitation seems the Sangh plans to reach across the political and social spectrum—extending invites to members of opposition parties and representatives from Muslim and Christian the single-location event held in 2018, the centenary celebrations are being scaled nationwide. After Delhi, major events are planned in Bengaluru (November), Kolkata and Mumbai (February). The aim: to broaden engagement, spark dialogue and reflect on the RSS's the heart of it all is a central theme: '100 Years of RSS: New Horizons.'The celebration will explore the Sangh's legacy, its evolving role in Indian society, and its vision for the future. But this time, the focus isn't just on swayamsevaks. The invite list spans a diverse array of voices: politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, media personalities, industrialists and social influencers.'There's a need to question inherited colonial structures, especially in fields like medicine and economics,' Ambekar said. 'It's time to explore an Indian way forward.'- Ends

PM Modis Muslim Sister Prepares Om, Lord Ganesha Rakhis, Awaits PMO Invitation
PM Modis Muslim Sister Prepares Om, Lord Ganesha Rakhis, Awaits PMO Invitation

India.com

time5 hours ago

  • India.com

PM Modis Muslim Sister Prepares Om, Lord Ganesha Rakhis, Awaits PMO Invitation

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Muslim sister Qamar Mohsin Sheikh has once again prepared rakhis for him. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Qamar Mohsin Sheikh has been tying rakhi to PM Modi for the last 30 years. This year, she has handcrafted four rakhis featuring Om and Lord Ganesha designs, and is now waiting for an invitation from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Qamar Mohsin Sheikh says she makes the rakhis herself every year and selects the one she likes the most to tie on Modi's wrist. She recalls knowing Modi since the time he was a worker in the RSS. Once, when Modi asked her how she was doing and addressed her as 'sister,' she began tying him rakhi from that moment onward. Kamar shares that she once prayed for Modi to become the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and he smiled in response. When that wish came true, she later wished for him to become the Prime Minister of India and bring glory to the country. She says her sisterly prayers have now come true for the third time. Though she couldn't travel to Delhi last year, she hopes to receive an invitation from the PMO this year and celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhi to the Prime Minister. Who Is Qamar Mohsin Sheikh? Born into a Muslim family in Karachi, Sheikh moved to Ahmedabad after marrying Mohsin Sheikh in 1981. She first met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his time as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She recalled their first meeting in 1990 at the airport, where she was accompanied by Dr. Swaroop Singh, then the Governor of Gujarat. When Is Rakhi/Raksha Bandhan 2025? Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, 2025. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Rakhi falls on the Purnima (Full Moon Day) of the Shravan month.

Bhagwat's Lecture Series: RSS Opens Doors To Oppn, Muslims, Christians, Tech Leaders, Foreign Envoys
Bhagwat's Lecture Series: RSS Opens Doors To Oppn, Muslims, Christians, Tech Leaders, Foreign Envoys

News18

time5 hours ago

  • News18

Bhagwat's Lecture Series: RSS Opens Doors To Oppn, Muslims, Christians, Tech Leaders, Foreign Envoys

Last Updated: The series will begin in Delhi, followed by Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with sessions extending into NCR and several northern states to ensure broader regional participation In an inclusive initiative and part of its outreach programme, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will invite opposition party leaders, foreign diplomats, eminent personalities, startup founders, youth influencers, defence experts, and members of Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and other minority communities to participate in its centenary-year lecture series. A senior RSS functionary confirmed that the organisation is reaching out to leaders from opposition parties. The list of foreign embassies has been finalised, excluding Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been excluded for now, as it currently lacks an elected government. The lecture series, titled Vyakhyanmala, will span three days and be headlined by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He will deliver speeches on the RSS's journey over 100 years and future horizons. On the final day, Bhagwat will also take live questions from the audience, which will include esteemed personalities from various sections of society, foreign diplomats, and politicians. The series will commence in Delhi, followed by Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai, with sessions extending into NCR and several north Indian states to ensure broader regional participation. 'Covering 17 thematic categories and 138 sub-categories, the invitation list will focus on individuals, achievers, and their social-professional-cultural contributions to the nation," said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh (national spokesperson) of the RSS. 'The lecture series will address ideas central to India's new generation, youth and entrepreneurship, women's empowerment and leadership, national security, cultural identity, decolonisation of institutions and practices, along with social harmony," he added. Significantly, this platform is not just for allies but an open intellectual space. Members of the Muslim community and other minorities, including Christians and Buddhists, will be invited as equal contributors to the dialogue. The RSS has even decided to include critics and ideological opponents from across the political spectrum. The presence of diplomats from foreign embassies highlights growing global interest in India's ideological and cultural currents. Including influencers, tech innovators, and young changemakers reflects the Sangh's focus on shaping and listening to 'Young India". This lecture series is happening after seven years, as the last one took place in 2018 in Delhi. This time, the Sangh will extend the programme to three additional metro cities and continue until February in phases. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store