Is the era of khakhi knickers over for RSS?

The 91-year-old RSS is getting set to discuss whether it should drop its ubiquitous khakhi shorts and replace it with trousers.

 

 

The 91-year-old RSS is getting set to discuss whether it should drop its ubiquitous khakhi shorts and replace it with trousers. For decades, the ganvesh or uniform worn by RSS pracharaks has been a symbol of discipline and pride for the organisation. But as time moves, many youngsters have started feeling embarrassed at having to wear loose fitting khaki shorts.

As the Sangh parivar's highest decision-making body - Akhil Bharatiya Pratindhi Sabha - starts its three-day meeting in Nagpur, it's getting set to discuss whether the time has come to go in for a makeover. This afternoon there's likely to be a first round of deliberations in Nagpur on whether the change should be implemented right away or held back for a while.

RSS prachar pramukh Manmohan Vaidya confirmed that the issue is being discussed in Nagpur. He added, "It's too early to say whether a final decision will be taken or the issue will be put to vote. At the most it would be a gradual process. In the absence of unanimity, the topic may be put to rest for another five years."

A large section of the RSS feels that the time has come to move on from the khakhi shorts but some old timers continue to hold out saying that there is no need to be swayed by fashion trends.

Suggestions have come for changing the trademark khaki to blue or grey, keeping in the mind sensibilities of the new generation, which RSS says is flocking to its shakhas. RSS sources said the issue has been discussed since last year's annual conference in Nagpur. RSS has allowed track pants in its shakhas for IT professionals.

The event will have over 1,200 representatives of its frontal organisations and will be inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

All eyes will be on the conference in the backdrop of the current national debate over the alleged 'anti-nationalism' in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Sangh sources said that political happenings will be discussed and resolutions on socio-political issues will be adopted to give clarity of the thought to the larger saffron family, BJP, and the government. BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah, will attend the meeting.

RSS' reach has increased after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government took over in 2014, with the number of shakhas jumping to over 51,000 in 2015.

Vaidya said that the meet will also witness innovative work done by RSS units, which will be replicated across the country. During the last meet, RSS had focussed on Dalits, harmony in families and expanding its reach to all mandals and village levels.

Among the key groups that will participate will be the Sangh's frontal bodies such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh, Vidya Bharati, Rashtra Sevika Samithi, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and Bharat Vikas Parishad. Other groups with special focus such as Sakshama (that work for the blind), Seema Suraksha Parishat (committed to boosting confidence among people of border districts) and Poorva Sainika Parishat (working for retired soldiers) will be represented in the meet.