Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday outlined a calibrated shift in the organisation’s functioning, emphasising outreach to younger generations and responsible use of social media while retaining its ideological core. Bhagwat was speaking at an interaction at Suresh Bhat Auditorium here.Highlighting how RSS has evolved in response to changing societal challenges, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the organisation continues to adapt its approach while remaining rooted in its core ideology. Bhagwat noted that at the time of its inception, the country was grappling with subjugation, invasions and communal unrest, which shaped the Sangh’s early expression and functioning. “Today, the challenges are different, and accordingly, the approach must change,” he said, adding this transformation is expected to percolate from the top leadership down to swayamsevaks at the grassroots.Addressing digital influence, Bhagwat said the organisation has begun engaging with social media creators to communicate its perspective. Stressing caution, he said, “Clarity of thought, appropriate language, and credibility should be maintained while communicating,” adding training initiatives have been introduced to equip volunteers with technological skills.He emphasised that social-media activism will need to grow alongside organisational strengthening. “Technology is available, and it must be used constructively,” Bhagwat said, adding even swayamsevaks are now on social media. “Some memes and reels are already in circulation. The content is being disseminated through our prachar vibhag, and our volunteers are also using social media. This will gain acceptance. I won’t call it an expectation, but we will have to increase our activism there.”Focusing on Gen Z, the RSS chief said the younger generation shows “natural ideological resonance” with the Sangh, particularly around aspirations of national growth. However, he acknowledged the challenge of sustaining engagement, adding efforts are underway to expand participation through technology, targeted communication, and outreach in urban spaces such as high-rise buildings and gated communities.He also underscored the need for restraint. “We need to ensure that we should not become publicity-oriented, even in favourable times,” he said, describing the current phase as a “real test” requiring internal discipline to prevent deviation from core principles.Bhagwat said rising public expectations have expanded the demand for volunteers, prompting decentralisation. Smaller operational units and a new “pradesh-level” coordination mechanism are being developed to streamline engagement with govt and administration. He added the organisation plans to restructure its framework from 46 regions to 86 divisions while maintaining its core functioning.On ideological initiatives, Bhagwat referred to “Panch Parivartan” as a broader effort aimed at societal transformation through changes in lifestyle, noting that while the concept has gained acceptance, its implementation will require sustained behavioural change.Responding to questions on public discourse about his remarks sometimes being misinterpreted, he said, “Statements are sometimes taken out of context and presented differently,” adding such instances have shaped more careful communication.As part of its centenary initiatives, the Sangh has directed its units to document publications and reports related to its work, with plans to archive and later analyse the material at the national level.On a lighter note, Mohan Bhagwat shared that he once enjoyed watching English films, though his schedule now rarely allows time for it. He added the last English film he watched was over a decade ago — The Lord of the Rings.Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the interaction.
