Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a prominent Hindu centric movement in Bharat, has consistently championed the concept of “Swa” or self-reliance. This principle is a cornerstone of the RSS’s five-fold transformation agenda, emphasizing a self-sufficient and sovereign nation. The roots of this idea are deeply embedded in ancient Bharatiya wisdom and philosophy, which played a significant role during the Indian freedom struggle.
Dr. Shailendra Kumar Pathak
The concept of Swa, or self-reliance, is not new to Bharatiya thought. It finds its origins in ancient Hindu scriptures and philosophies, which emphasize the importance of self-sufficiency and inner strength. Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita all advocate for self-dependence and personal growth as a means to achieve higher state of being.
In the realm of education, Swa emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge and learning systems that are rooted in Bharat’s rich cultural heritage. Traditionally, Bharatiya education was imparted through Gurukuls, where students received holistic education including Vedic scriptures, mathematics, science, philosophy, and arts. This system fostered self-discipline, ethical values, and a deep connection with nature and society. Reviving this model, modern initiatives have focused on integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary education. For instance, Gurukul system is being adapted to contemporary contexts, promoting a balanced education that nurtures intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Philosophy of Swa in healthcare is reflected in the prominence on Ayurveda and other traditional healing practices. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, focuses on the balance between body, mind, and spirit. It advocates self-care and preventive measures through natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. This approach aligns with the global shift towards holistic health and wellness. Institutions like All India Institute of Ayurveda are working towards integration of traditional practices with modern medical science, highlighting the relevance of Swa in promoting a comprehensive healthcare system.
Agriculture in Bharat also embodies the principle of Swa, particularly through sustainable farming practices. Traditional Bharatiya agriculture emphasized harmony with nature, using techniques like crop rotation, organic farming, and water conservation. These practices are being revived to address modern challenges viz., soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change. Movements like organic farming and natural farming, inspired by traditional knowledge, are gaining momentum, promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and farmer self-reliance.
Idea of Swa is reflected in a large treasury of arts, crafts, and literature that are part of the Bharatiya knowledge system. Classical dance, music, and painting are examples of traditional art forms that represent the cultural identity and spiritual ethos of Bharat. These artistic endeavours are essential to the social and cultural fabric and go beyond simple modes of amusement. In order to keep these customs alive and relevant, organisations and cultural institutions are actively working to promote and maintain them.
The significance of self-governance and community-driven development is implied by Swa in the context of governance and social organisation. Decentralised government, like the Panchayati Raj system, gives local groups the authority to manage resources and make decisions. This system promotes local accountability and participatory democracy by mirroring the age-old Bharatiya practice of village self-governance.
Moreover, the principle of Swa in Bharatiya knowledge system extends to spiritual and philosophical realms. Bharatiya philosophy, particularly Vedanta, emphasizes self-realization and self-awareness as paths to ultimate truth. Teachings of sages like Adi Shankaracharya, Ramana Maharshi, and Swami Vivekananda focus on understanding the self and achieving inner peace and enlightenment. These teachings have universal appeal and continue to influence global thought on spirituality and human consciousness.
RSS’s conception of Swa is largely based on these archaic writings and customs, which see self-reliance as a complex idea with elements of the social, cultural, spiritual, and economic spheres. It advances the notion that real independence and prosperity can only be attained by a country, just like by an individual.
Swa and Bharatiya Freedom Struggle
Concept of “Swa” (स्व), was crucial to India’s freedom movement emphasising self-determination, and self-governance. Deeply ingrained in Indian philosophy, the idea of “Swa” impacted numerous leaders and movements working to free India from British colonial rule.
Mahatma Gandhi and Swaraj
Swaraj: Literally meaning “self-rule,” this was one of Gandhi’s main points of contention. Gandhi saw Swaraj to be self-governance and self-sufficiency on a personal and communal level in addition to political independence.
Swadeshi Movement: Gandhi used the word “Swa” directly when he called for an Indian industrial boycott and a boycott of British goods. He promoted the use of hand-spun khadi as a symbol of independence.
Khadi & Village Industries: Traditional crafts and small-scale industries were to be revived as part of Gandhi’s vision of self-sufficient villages. This was viewed as a means of empowering nearby communities and achieving economic independence.
Non-Cooperation Movement: This movement, which took place between 1920 and 1922, encouraged Indians to adopt self-reliance and disengage from British institutions in order to reject British control peacefully.
Gangadhar Bal Tilak: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.” This well-known statement of Tilak emphasised Indians’ entitlement to self-governance. He was a fervent supporter of gaining independence by self-help and education.
RSS’s Five-Fold Transformation Agenda
RSS’s five-fold transformation agenda, known as Panchamukhi Vikas, aims at holistic national development. Swa, or self-reliance, is a key component of this agenda, which also includes the revitalization of education, health, economy, and spiritual and cultural values.
Components of Panchamukhi Vikas (Five Faceted Development)
- Swa (Self-Reliance): Promoting economic self-sufficiency, indigenous industries, and local entrepreneurship.
- Shiksha (Education): Revamping the education system to include traditional Bharatiya knowledge and values alongside modern education.
- Swasthya (Health): Enhancing healthcare infrastructure and promoting traditional Bharatiya medicine systems like Ayurveda and Yoga.
- Artha (Economy): Encouraging sustainable economic practices, self-employment, and rural development.
- Sanskar (Culture): Revitalizing Bharatiya cultural values and traditions to foster national unity and pride.
Implementation of Swa
The concept of “Swa” by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) emphasizes self-reliance, self-respect, and a commitment to cultural and social development rooted in indigenous values. This philosophy has been implemented through extensive work across various sectors in Bharat, leveraging statistics, examples, and case studies to illustrate its impact.
In the realm of education, the RSS has promoted self-reliance by establishing numerous educational institutions through its inspired organizations like Vidya Bharati, which runs around 13,000 schools with over 3 million students enrolled. These schools focus on holistic development, integrating modern education with traditional Bharatiya values. A case study of Saraswati Shishu Mandir schools reveals a significant improvement in student performance and community involvement. These institutions not only emphasize academic excellence but also instill a sense of national pride and cultural awareness among students, preparing them to be responsible citizens.
Healthcare is another sector where the RSS has made substantial contributions. Seva Bharati, inspired by RSS, operates hundreds of healthcare initiatives across Bharat, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to a report, Seva Bharati’s mobile medical units have provided healthcare services to millions of people in remote regions, significantly improving health outcomes. For example, in the tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh, these mobile units have drastically reduced infant and maternal mortality rates by providing timely medical care and health education.
RSS’s Swa ideology has also helped the agricultural sector, which is the foundation of the Bharatiya economy. Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), another organisation influenced by RSS, works towards farmer welfare advancement and sustainable farming methods. BKS has played a significant role in organizing farmers, their rights advocacy, and introduction of cutting-edge agricultural practices. One noteworthy instance is the adoption of organic farming methods in Gujarat, where BKS’s initiatives have raised agricultural yields and decreased reliance on artificial fertilisers. This strategy not only guarantees farmers’ financial stability but also improves soil health.
In the realm of social welfare, RSS’s efforts to uplift marginalized communities are noteworthy. Through initiatives like Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, RSS has established single-teacher schools in remote tribal areas. These schools aim to provide basic education and vocational training, fostering self-reliance and economic independence. A study conducted in Jharkhand showed that Ekal Vidyalayas have significantly improved literacy rates and employment opportunities in tribal communities, demonstrating the effectiveness of this model.
Disaster relief and management is another area where RSS’s Swa philosophy is evident. Organization has been at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters, providing immediate aid and long-term rehabilitation. During 2018 Kerala floods, RSS mobilized thousands of volunteers who provided rescue operations, medical aid, and food supplies to affected areas. Post-disaster, focus of the organization was on infrastructure rebuilding and restoring livelihoods, highlighting a comprehensive approach to disaster management.
Furthermore, RSS’s emphasis on cultural revival is reflected in its efforts to promote traditional arts, crafts, and heritage. RSS-inspired cultural organization, Sanskar Bharati has been instrumental in reviving and preserving Bharat’s rich cultural heritage. Through workshops, exhibitions, and festivals, Sanskar Bharati has provided a platform for artisans and artists, ensuring the continuity of traditional crafts and performing arts. A successful example is the revival of Madhubani painting tradition in Bihar, where local artists have found new markets and recognition through these initiatives.
Future Implications of Swa for Bharat
Idea of Swa has significant implications for the future of Bharat, particularly in the context of globalization and economic interdependence. As Bharat strives to become a global economic powerhouse, principles of self-reliance can play a crucial role in shaping its development trajectory.
By promoting indigenous industries and local production, Bharat can reduce its dependency on imports, thereby strengthening its economy. This move towards economic independence not only fosters growth but also creates a robust foundation for future resilience. Empowering local communities through self-reliance initiatives can lead to balanced regional development, mitigating economic disparities and fostering a more equitable society.
Furthermore, emphasizing self-reliance can encourage adoption of sustainable practices and technologies, reducing the environmental impact of economic activities. This alignment with environmentally sustainable practices ensures that Bharat’s progress does not come at the expense of its natural resources. Additionally, self-reliance initiatives can guarantee that economic growth is inclusive, benefiting all sections of society, particularly marginalized communities, thus promoting inclusive growth.
On cultural and social fronts, idea of self-reliance holds promise for the preservation of Bharat’s rich cultural heritage. By revitalizing traditional industries and crafts, nation can maintain its cultural identity while adapting to modern economic demands. Moreover, pursuit of self-reliance fosters a sense of national pride and unity, which is essential for social cohesion and stability. In essence, the principles of Swa are not just about economic independence but also about building a sustainable, inclusive, and cohesive future for Bharat.
RSS’s idea of Swa, deeply rooted in ancient Bharatiya wisdom and significantly influenced by the Bharatiya freedom struggle, continues to be a guiding principle for national development. As Bharat navigates the complexities of the 21st century, principles of self-reliance can play a pivotal role in shaping its future. By addressing challenges and criticisms associated with this concept, Bharat can leverage its strengths and achieve holistic, sustainable, and inclusive growth, paving the way for a prosperous and self-reliant nation.
(Author is a Delhi based researcher & formerly an Assistant Professor of Political Science. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author)
References
- Gandhi, M. K. (1921). Young Bharat. Navjivan Publishing House.
- Tilak, B. G. (1916). Gita Rahasya. Tilak Brothers.
- Sharma, R. S. (1991). Aspects of Political Ideas and Institutions in Ancient Bharat. Motilal Banarsidass.
- Kautilya. (1992). Arthashastra (L. N. Rangarajan, Trans.). Penguin Books.
- Bhagavad Gita. (1984). (Eknath Easwaran, Trans.). Nilgiri Press.
- RSS. (2018). Panchamukhi Vikas: A Holistic Development Model. RSS Publications.