Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is entering the final phase of its centenary year, is witnessing a sharp increase among youths interested in joining the organisation. Over 1.23 lakh persons have registered through an online initiative ‘Join RSS’ between January and July 2026. As per Sangh, 65% of those registering are below 30 years, while nearly 85% are below 40 years.The overall registrations in the first seven months this year are more than twice the number recorded during the corresponding period last year.As per RSS functionaries, the figures represent people who expressed interest in associating with Sangh through its online platform and do not, by themselves, establish formal membership or participation in organisational activities.The figures were released by RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar as senior functionaries of 32 Sangh-inspired organisations gathered for the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak at Vignan Vihar in Gudilova, Andhra Pradesh, from Aug 19-21. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale are attending the meeting, along with Sah Sarkaryavahs and other senior functionaries.The age profile is particularly important for the Nagpur-headquartered organisation seeking to expand its social reach among a new generation. Registrations increased from 55,423 between January and July 2025 to 1,23,287 during the same period in 2026. In July alone, 24,086 persons had registered, while the number was 9,718 in 2025.In its centenary year, RSS is trying to expand engagement across different sections of society. The three-day coordination meeting provides a broader organisational backdrop to that effort, bringing together national-level representatives of organisations working in labour, agriculture, education, politics, social and cultural fields.Ambekar stressed that Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak is “neither an executive meeting nor a decision-making forum.” Instead, it is intended as a platform for the participating organisations to exchange information about their activities, experiences, achievements and challenges over the past year and discuss ways to strengthen coordination.BJP, VHP, ABVP, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Rashtra Sevika Samiti are among the organisations represented at the meeting.About 253 representatives, including 49 women, from the organisations are expected to attend. The overall participation, including senior RSS functionaries, is expected to be around 327.The meeting is also taking up issues with wider national and social implications, including demographic changes, drug abuse among young people and the contours of an Indian development model. Discussions on drug abuse are expected to cover its impact on youth, de-addiction and coordinated awareness efforts.Another focus is Panch Parivartan, the five themes being emphasised by RSS during its centenary year: social harmony, family awareness, environmental protection, Swa or selfhood, and civic duties. The participating organisations are expected to discuss how these themes can be carried into wider social initiatives as the centenary year draws towards completion.
