RSS goes global, leaning on diaspora networks for outreach

New Delhi: As the RSS steps up its global engagement, it is increasingly leveraging independent platforms set up by NRIs and others to expand its outreach abroad.

Organisations such as American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) in the US and Integral in the UK are emerging as key facilitators of this engagement, a model the Sangh is expected to replicate in other countries.

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The strategy is on display during RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's ongoing tour of the US, Canada and the UK.

The highlight of the US leg will be his address at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden's Infosys Theatre in New York on Saturday. Organised by AHEAD, the event is expected to bring together invitees from social, religious and community organisations.

Bhagwat will then travel to Toronto before visiting London from September 2 to 7, where, apart from interacting with the Indian diaspora, he is expected to hold interfaith meetings with representatives of the Jewish, Christian, Sikh and Muslim communities.

The outreach marks a significant evolution in the Sangh's international strategy.

With the RSS increasingly drawing global attention because of its role as the BJP's ideological mentor and its growing visibility in India's public life, the organisation is seeking to engage directly with opinion-makers, governments, academics and faith leaders rather than allowing others to define its image.

RSS functionaries say the objective is to address what they describe as "misgivings" about the organisation and Hindutva, while presenting the Sangh's worldview through India's civilisational ethos and philosophical traditions.

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According to them, the dialogue seeks to offer Indian perspectives on social harmony and contemporary global challenges.

The outreach has gathered momentum over the past year. RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has visited Germany, while Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar travelled to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and is expected to accompany Bhagwat during the UK leg. Sources said RSS functionaries have also remained in regular touch with Indian missions in the UK and across the European Union.

At the centre of this strategy is an expanding network of organisations created by sympathisers and members of the Indian diaspora.

Alongside the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, platforms such as AHEAD and Integral function independently but can be described as 'Friends of RSS'.