Guwahati: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) stated that there should be no compromise when it comes to women’s safety. The issue was extensively discussed during the three-day RSS Samanvay Baithak held at Palakkad of Kerala. The discussion was particularly in the context of the recent rape and murder case involving a young female doctor in West Bengal, said Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, during a press conference on the concluding day of the coordination meeting of 32 RSS-inspired organizations on 2 September.
Ambekar said there is a need for swift and time-bound justice in crimes against women. The legal system and the government must be vigilant and proactive, and the law should be strengthened, if necessary. The meeting emphasised the need for strengthening the legal framework, raising awareness in society, promoting values at the family level and through education, and self-defense programmes and addressing issues related to digital content, especially on OTT platforms to ensure women’s safety.
He said women’s participation is crucial in the progress of society. Last year, aiming to empower women and increase their participation in social life, Mahila Samanvay, women working in the RSS-inspired organisations, collectively organised women’s conferences at district centres in all the States. Around 6,00,000 women participated in 472 conferences. Reports from these conferences were presented at the meeting, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of women in national life.
Activities related to Ahilyabai tri-centenary year celebrations were also reviewed in the meeting. It was also decided to celebrate the 500-year birth centenary celebrations of Rani Durgavati. Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram will take the initiative here and all other organisations will support it, added Ambekar.
Replying to the questions on caste census and reservation, he made it clear that RSS has always supported the provisions of Constitutional reservations. He made it clear that data, including the caste census, intended to ensure the welfare of all sections of society. He also said that the caste census issue should not be used merely for electoral gains.
The meeting also discussed the prevalent issue of persecution of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Various organisations expressed their concern over this issue. In the meeting, the expectation was also raised from the Union government to pursue the matter diplomatically, given the international nature of the issue.
Issues related to border security in Kutch and concerns over religious conversion attempts in Tamil Nadu were also discussed. In connection with the RSS centenary, a five-point action plan for social transformation has been prepared. All RSS inspired organisations will be taking up some ground activities related to the issues of Panch-Parivartan—Samajik Samarasata (social harmony), Kutumb Prabodhan (family empowerment), Paryavaran (environmental protection), establishing Swa-selfhood in every walk of life and inculcating civic duties. The plan aims to be an all-inclusive initiative that reaches every section of society.
The RSS along with other Vividh Kshetra organisations work with ‘nation first’ as the fundamental principle. If there are different opinions on any issue, they will be resolved based on national interest, Ambekar said in response to a question from journalists.
Regarding a question on the Manipur issue, he replied that the RSS Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat had already expressed his opinion. The organisation’s stance is that government mechanisms should control violence and restore peace.
There have been numerous complaints, including from some Muslim organisations regarding the functioning of Waqf Boards. In such a context, there is nothing wrong with reviewing the law. The consideration of the issue by a joint parliamentary committee is a welcome step and various organisations may give their representations in this regard, Ambekar said in response to another query from journalists.
North Kerala Prant Sanghachalak KK Balaram, Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukhs Pradeep Joshi and Narendra Kumar were also present during the press conference. The three-day Samanvay Baithak at Ahilya campus in Palakkad concluded with the valedictory speech by the RSS chief Bhagwat.
