For many debates, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) appears to be the chief protagonist; in fact, few organisations have as much as this charged organisation contributed to the creation of a nation in India.

Despised by few and unknown to many, the RSS signifies discipline, pride, and service to the nation. Why are we proud to have RSS in India? Now let us try to understand this organisation and the reasons for its significance more in detail.

The RSS has always propagated for a ‘United and ‘Integrated’ India, wherein they emphasise inculcating ‘Patriotism’. This organisation emphasises national pride and the importance of keeping India's cultural heritage intact, and its core value is simple: Bharat first, always.

The RSS (Republican Society of India) is a significant community service organisation that has played a critical role in responding to the needs of the people during natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and pandemics.

The organisation has thousands of volunteers, known as Swayamsevaks, who help in aid work, rebuild damaged homes, distribute food, and provide medical assistance. These Swayamsevaks were heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their silence is louder than any political words they try to say.

The RSS has been a protective wall for Indian civilisation and spirituality, preserving aspects of India's past through programs like Shakhas, celebrating festivals, and retelling history from their perspective. They emphasise the importance of not forgetting the science, learning, culture, and ethics of India, such as the Vedas and Upanishads.

Unlike other organisations that operate and gain from personal or political profiteering, the RSS trains its swayamsevaks to be nationalist, bringing out the trait of obedience and being prepared to serve the nation irrespective of the nation's responses. Many people appreciate the RSS for order and discipline, while others condemn them for the same order and discipline they have been sworn to uphold.

The RSS has produced many politicians in India today, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who owe a major part of their organisational discipline and work culture to the Sangh. The Sangh does not produce leaders alone but shapes personalities and individuals whose primary aim is to work for the upliftment of the country.

The RSS has also played a vital role in social transformation, working against untouchability and caste systems. In their grassroots, they have contributed to reducing tension and conflict between people within villages or urban areas. Their vision of India was one that was united on the basis of caste or creed.

Therefore, there is every reason to be proud of the RSS, not merely for what its forbears have done but more especially for what it is still doing to ensure that India remained united, strong, and is as truly Indian as ever it was. Critics may argue about their ideology, but one thing is clear: The RSS is an institution without which India would not be as vibrant as it is today, which wouldn’t be as strong as it is today.