Secrets of RSS – Demystifying The Sangh, is written by Ratan Sharda, who has been a member of the RSS since his childhood.  Due to this background, the author is able to share with his readers, a detailed history of the organization: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

 

Another biographer, Shri Guruji Golwalkar says, "There are two secrets of our work – First is that there is no secret. And second is, Kabaddi..."

 

Big surprise! For many readers, like me, each chapter of the book reveals more and more factual discovery on RSS, and the remarkable work it has been doing in India in the past decades, in terms of reviving a deep sense of self-esteem in the hearts of the villagers and urbanites, alike.

 

At this point, it is also despairing to recall instances, when, RSS was labeled as a 'Hindu Terror' outfit by leaders of Congress. The total letdown of RSS is a thing of the past… only those who knew of the organization from close quarters could see how injustices were being meted out to its members. 

 

An uninformed person will gain a great deal from the book. The chapters give insight into the workings of RSS's famed organizational skills and unification. Because the principles of RSS are strong and noble, its fabric weaves an immense sense of patriotic inspiration in the cadres. India's great Vedic traditions are implemented, directly and indirectly; the daily RSS Prayer in Sanskrit, and its meaning reflects the mission of what is expected from the nation-citizen-relationship, while invoking the Almighty's grace.

 

The style in which the book is written is straight-forward and the manner is simple. The strength of the book is in the way the pages reveal the knowledge on the whole functionality of a unique institution. Indeed, Secrets of RSS by Ratan Sharda is an eye-opener. The book unveils the huge potential energy of RSS, and how it can aid in fighting back, and steering away India's hidden and unhidden foes... foes who are outside and inside the nation.

 

RSS's forum has always been on the side of awakening India for national unity, integrity, security and harmony. Unfortunately, the biased media ignited much fire to destroy RSS, while in the backdrop, political parties spoke a hundred lies to taint the leadership of RSS. It is true, the organization’s reputation was destroyed by several conspiracies, but, as is always the case, truth manages to survive. Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, have been products of RSS, meaning, RSS will serve the nation with greater freedom, now.

 

The author, Ratan Sharda, was jailed as a student leader during the Emergency of Indira Gandhi's time.  The year of Emergency was from 1975 to 1977.  The author was removed from college, and his outstanding academic record came to a jolting halt due to the jail sentence for his pro-democratic activities. It is apt to mention, many people were jailed and tortured during this dark period.  RSS was in a precarious boat amidst very choppy weather, during the state of Emergency.

 

The following review can be useful for the reader to get the synopsis of the book.

 

Shri Ratan Sharda's book is an important study on RSS because it is written with rigor, balance and clarity. For readers like me who are not in the RSS, it provides details that many people do not know. A real eye-opener that I very much benefited from.

Secrets of RSS is published by - Vishwa Adhyayan Kendra, Mumbai, India. 

Geeta Chhabra