Exploring the Differences Between RSS Nationalism and Bhagat Singh’s Nationalism

Contrasting Foundations and Struggles

The roots of RSS and Bhagat Singh’s stance on nationalism are fundamentally different. RSS, or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, is rooted in Hindutva, focusing on the unification and protection of Hindus across the country. This organization has a clear agenda to promote Hindu superiority and unity. In contrast, Bhagat Singh’s ideology was entirely antithetical; he was an atheist and his primary goal was the unity of India against British rule for a genuine independence.

Divergent Ideologies

Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary activities were inspired by the global struggles for people’s liberties, aiming for a secular nation with equal rights for all. His organization, the Hindustan Republican Association, emphasized secular principles and equality. On the other hand, RSS follows an extreme right-wing ideology and openly admires concepts like racial purity, reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s theories. These stark differences highlight the contrasting ideologies of these two influential figures in Indian history.

Polar Opposites

While Bhagat Singh advocated for a secular nation, RSS aspires to create a Hindu rashtra, rejecting the tricolor as the national flag and preferring the saffron as the symbol of nationhood. RSS went as far as funding actions against Muslim enemies, whereas Bhagat Singh believed religion should not be a factor in his revolutionary movement. The initiation process in Naujawan Bharat Sabha, one of Bhagat Singh’s organizations, even included a symbolic ritual of eating both pork and beef together to demonstrate his stance against religious divisions.

Positive Contributions

Despite their stark differences, RSS has contributed positively to the social fabric of India, particularly after the partition, by aiding refugees and taking action against the British. These actions highlight that even in organizations advocating for certain ideologies, there can be meaningful contributions towards the betterment of society. However, the core principles and goals remain vastly different, reflecting the deep division between RSS’s Hindutva principles and Bhagat Singh’s secular ideals.

Final Thoughts

While both RSS and Bhagat Singh made significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, their approaches and beliefs diverged dramatically. Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending the complex history of Indian nationalism and the varied paths to freedom and unity. Whether through RSS’s Hindutva or Bhagat Singh’s secularism, the quest for an independent and unified India continues to be at the heart of Indian political discourse.