Bengaluru: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) concluded its three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting in Bengaluru on Sunday (March 23). The meeting, which began on March 21, witnessed the participation of 1,443 RSS workers, achieving an attendance rate of 97.3%.
During the meeting, the RSS passed several resolutions and announced plans for nationwide outreach activities as part of its centenary celebrations, which will begin on Vijayadashami this year.
Tribute to revolutionary martyrs
Addressing a press conference on the final day, RSS Sarakaryavah (general secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale paid tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, who were hanged on March 23, 1931.
He highlighted their contribution to the independence struggle, saying, “Today is March 23. These three revolutionaries, from different states, symbolize the unity of India. Their supreme sacrifice should not only be remembered but should inspire us.”
Hosabale expressed that many Indians honour their memory on this day and emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from their patriotism.
Homage to Karnataka’s freedom fighter
During his address, Hosabale also remembered Rani Abbakka, a legendary freedom fighter from Karnataka, on her 505th birth anniversary. He shared a personal connection, saying, “I studied in Karnataka and my mother tongue is Kannada. There is a lesson about Rani Abbakka in our textbooks. This brave woman fought against foreign invaders. The Government of India has honored her by releasing postal stamps in her name in 2003 and 2013 and by renaming a petrol pump after her. We take pride in saluting this valiant woman freedom fighter.”
RSS’s expansion and relief work
Hosabale highlighted the RSS’s efforts over the past year, particularly its relief work during natural calamities. He mentioned that RSS volunteers rushed to provide assistance and relief in affected areas. He said, “In the last three years, we have been emphasizing the expansion of our groundwork. Our aim is to reach every mandal (administrative unit) in urban areas and villages by Vijayadashami this year.”
The RSS general secretary described the past year as a “preparation year”, focusing on organizational expansion, improving work quality, and reaching various segments of society. He stressed that celebrating anniversaries was not the RSS’s main goal but rather an opportunity to introspect and rededicate themselves to serving the nation.
Launch of Sankalp Patra
As part of its centenary year preparations, the RSS announced the launch of a Sankalp Patra (resolution document). This includes plans for focused activities starting from Vijayadashami this year. The organization aims to organize programs in every mandal of major urban areas as part of its centenary celebration.
Hosabale said, “We are planning to celebrate Vijayadasami Utsav (festival) by launching centenary programs in all mandals. We aim to reach maximum villages and families through large-scale outreach programs planned for July and August.”
Resolution on Bangladesh’s Hindu community
The RSS said that a resolution expressing concern for the Hindu community in Bangladesh has been passed. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha called for global solidarity to support Hindus facing persecution in Bangladesh. The RSS had shared details of this resolution during the previous day’s session.
The three-day meeting concluded with RSS leaders reaffirming their commitment to nation-building through social service, community outreach, and strengthening their organizational base.
