 |
|
The unexpected recital of an RSS prayer in the Karnataka state Assembly by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has brought renewed attention to the prayer's history, significance, and the role it plays within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This event, marked by the silence of Congress benches and the welcoming applause from BJP MLAs, underscores the deeply entrenched political and ideological divides within Indian society. The 13-line Sanskrit prayer, known as Prarthana, is a core element of RSS gatherings and encapsulates the organization's vision of a unified, strong, and culturally rooted India. Understanding the prayer's origins, its message, and its consistent use within the RSS provides valuable insight into the organization's ideology and its broader impact on Indian politics and society. The prayer, beginning with “Namaste sada vatsale matribhume (O sacred Motherland, I always bow you)…”, and ending with “Bharat Mata ki jai,” reflects a deep reverence for the nation and a commitment to its cultural and spiritual heritage. The central lines of the prayer, emphasizing the importance of organized work for the protection of dharma (religion or righteousness) and the aspiration to lead the nation to supreme glory, encapsulate the RSS's core objectives and guiding principles. The very act of reciting this prayer, particularly in a political setting like the state Assembly, carries significant weight, highlighting the ongoing influence and presence of the RSS in Indian political discourse. This event serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between religion, culture, and politics in India and the ways in which these factors shape political identities and alliances. The incident also prompts questions about the role of secularism in Indian politics and the extent to which religious and cultural practices should be integrated into the public sphere. Shivakumar's actions, while perhaps intended to bridge divides, have instead served to further highlight the ideological fault lines that characterize Indian politics. This necessitates a deeper examination of the historical context of the RSS, its ideology, and its impact on Indian society.
The history of the RSS prayer dates back to the late 1930s, a period of significant social and political upheaval in India. Founded in 1925 by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the RSS sought to unite and organize Hindu society, promoting a vision of a strong and culturally vibrant India. As the organization grew, Hedgewar recognized the need for a unifying prayer that could be recited at all RSS gatherings, regardless of location or language. In 1939, a week-long meeting of swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers) was held in Wardha district, during which Hedgewar tasked participants with creating a prayer that would capture the essence of the RSS's work. Professor Narahari Narayan Bhide, a Nagpur-based educator and friend of Hedgewar, took on the challenge. Despite being an English teacher, Bhide possessed a deep understanding of Sanskrit and drew upon his knowledge of Hindu philosophy and cultural traditions to craft the prayer. The resulting Prarthana, with its Sanskrit verses and emphasis on national devotion, quickly became an integral part of RSS rituals and gatherings. The prayer was first publicly sung on May 18, 1940, by veteran RSS pracharak Yadavrao Joshi at a Sangh Shiksha Varg in Nagpur. Since then, it has been consistently sung at RSS shakhas (daily meetings) and public events, serving as a unifying force and a reminder of the organization's core values. The adoption of a Sanskrit prayer was a deliberate choice, reflecting the RSS's emphasis on Hindu culture and its belief in the importance of preserving and promoting India's ancient traditions. The use of Sanskrit, a language considered sacred by many Hindus, added a sense of reverence and solemnity to the prayer, further reinforcing its significance within the RSS framework. The tradition of commencing the day’s activities by saluting the Bhagwa Dhwaj (Saffron Flag) and concluding with a prayer highlights the disciplined and structured nature of RSS activities. The earlier practice of using prayers in Hindi and Marathi, which included invocations to Samarth Guru Ramdas, eventually gave way to the uniform Sanskrit Prarthana to ensure consistency and unity across the expanding organization.
The significance of the RSS prayer extends beyond its mere recitation at gatherings. It serves as a powerful tool for instilling a sense of national identity, cultural pride, and collective purpose among RSS members. The prayer's emphasis on the motherland, the protection of dharma, and the pursuit of national glory resonates deeply with RSS ideology, which seeks to promote a Hindu-centric vision of India. The prayer's call for organized action and collective effort reinforces the RSS's commitment to social service, nation-building, and the preservation of Hindu culture. The act of standing in unison, with the right hand raised to the chest in a specific gesture, further enhances the sense of unity and shared purpose among participants. The prayer's consistent use over decades has solidified its place as a cornerstone of RSS identity, shaping the beliefs and values of generations of RSS members. The prayer also serves as a reminder of the RSS's historical roots and its commitment to the vision of its founders. The emphasis on dharma, often interpreted as a code of righteous conduct, has been a source of both strength and controversy for the RSS. Critics argue that the RSS's interpretation of dharma is often exclusionary and discriminatory, particularly towards religious minorities. However, RSS supporters maintain that their understanding of dharma is inclusive and promotes social harmony. The prayer's invocation of Bharat Mata (Mother India) reflects the RSS's deep reverence for the nation and its cultural heritage. This reverence is often expressed through a strong sense of nationalism and a commitment to defending India's interests. However, critics argue that the RSS's brand of nationalism can be overly aggressive and exclusionary, leading to intolerance and discrimination. The inclusion of the line “Vijetree cha nah sanhata karyashaktir, Vidhayasya dharmasya sanrakshanam, Param vaibhavam netumetat swarashtram, Samartha vabatwashisha te bhrisham (May our victorious organisational work for the protection of this religion through your blessings be successful in taking our nation to supreme glory)” clearly outlines the organization's ambition for national dominance and the perceived need to protect a specific interpretation of religious principles. This ambition, while viewed positively by supporters, raises concerns among those who fear the erosion of secular values and the marginalization of minority groups.
The recitation of the RSS prayer by D K Shivakumar in the Karnataka state Assembly is a complex and multifaceted event with far-reaching implications. While the motives behind Shivakumar's actions remain unclear, the incident has undoubtedly sparked debate and controversy. Some observers suggest that Shivakumar may have been attempting to reach out to Hindu voters or to demonstrate his commitment to Indian culture. Others believe that he may have been trying to embarrass the BJP or to create a diversion from other political issues. Regardless of his intentions, Shivakumar's actions have highlighted the delicate balance between religion, politics, and secularism in India. The incident has also raised questions about the role of political leaders in promoting religious and cultural practices. Critics argue that Shivakumar's actions may have violated the principles of secularism and could potentially alienate minority groups. Supporters, on the other hand, claim that he was simply expressing his cultural identity and that there is nothing wrong with a political leader participating in religious or cultural activities. The silence of Congress benches during the recital underscores the internal divisions within the party regarding the issue of religious identity and its relationship to politics. The BJP's welcoming applause, on the other hand, reflects the party's consistent advocacy for Hindu cultural values and its willingness to embrace religious symbolism in the political arena. The incident also highlights the challenges faced by political parties in navigating the complex landscape of Indian identity politics. With a diverse population representing a multitude of religions, cultures, and languages, political leaders must carefully balance the need to appeal to different groups while upholding the principles of secularism and inclusivity. The ongoing debate surrounding the RSS prayer and its place in Indian society reflects the broader tensions between tradition and modernity, religious identity and national unity, and secularism and cultural expression. As India continues to grapple with these complex issues, it is essential to foster open dialogue, mutual understanding, and a commitment to upholding the principles of equality and justice for all its citizens. Shivakumar’s action is a stark reminder of how deeply intertwined religious and political identities are in the Indian landscape and the potential for these identities to be used, deliberately or not, to influence political discourse and public opinion.