The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expanded its daily shakhas to 1,01,151 across India during its centenary year, with overall organisational activities now reaching 1,10,849 locations nationwide, the organisation's Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar announced on Saturday, 31 October. The figures were disclosed at a press conference in Indore, held ahead of the RSS's annual Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal meeting.

Key Organisational Figures

Ambekar confirmed that the milestone encompasses not just daily shakhas but also weekly shakhas and monthly gatherings. 'Briefly, the number of daily RSS shakhas across the country has now increased to 1,01,151. Including weekly shakhas and monthly gatherings, the Sangh's activities have expanded to approximately 1,10,849 locations across the country,' he said. The centenary year, which concluded with the recent Vijayadashami celebrations, has been marked by sustained outreach and expansion programmes.

Annual Karyakari Mandal Meeting: What's on the Agenda

The RSS's annual Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal meeting is scheduled to be held at Daly College, Indore, from 2 to 4 November. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, all six joint general secretaries, senior office-bearers, and representatives from the organisation's 46 provinces and 11 regions are set to participate. A detailed assessment of the centenary year's expansion will be shared on the final day of the meeting, Ambekar indicated.

The agenda includes a review of programmes conducted during the centenary year. It will also take up follow-up action on issues raised by Bhagwat in his Vijayadashami address. Among the subjects listed for discussion are challenges posed by content on new media platforms, growing concerns over drug abuse, external interference in India's internal affairs, and the evolving global situation.

Madhya Pradesh's Historical Ties with the RSS

Ambekar highlighted Madhya Pradesh's significance in the RSS's organisational history, noting that the state was the first region outside Maharashtra where the organisation began its activities after its founding in Nagpur. 'The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has a long history in Madhya Pradesh. After its work began in Nagpur, this region was the first outside Maharashtra where the Sangh started its activities. We have continuously received cooperation and support from the people here,' he said.

Entering the Second Century

The RSS was founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925, making 2025 its centenary year. Ambekar expressed hope for continued public and media engagement as the organisation transitions into its second century of operations. He thanked the media for helping communicate the Sangh's activities and programmes to a wider audience, adding: 'We hope to receive the same cooperation in the years ahead as the Sangh enters its second century.'

With the Karyakari Mandal meeting set to conclude on 4 November, a comprehensive review of the centenary year's milestones — and the roadmap for the RSS's next chapter — is expected to be made public shortly thereafter.