In a significant public address, India Today Group Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie has urged the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to increase the representation of women in its leadership structure. Speaking at the launch of “Tan Samarpit, Man Samarpit,” a biography of swayamsevak Ramesh Prakash, Purie also used the platform to highlight the need to address and not normalize corruption.
Purie shared her observations on the RSS, praising its simplicity, discipline, and long-term planning, particularly its centennial blueprint. She mentioned the Panch Parivartan vision and introduced the India Today Group’s Gross Domestic Behaviour (GDB) initiative, a metric designed to measure public attitudes on civic discipline, inclusivity, gender, and corruption.
In a direct and detailed response, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat addressed Purie’s points.
On the topic of social transformation, he emphasized that change must begin with the individual swayamsevak through discipline, example, and practice, not just knowledge.
Regarding women’s representation, he stated that women work alongside swayamsevaks and that the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, an all-women’s organization founded in 1936, runs parallel to the RSS. He acknowledged the importance of gender inclusion, noting, “Fifty percent of society cannot be kept outside.” Bhagwat explained that in many regions, women are already part of decision-making, invited into core meetings, and their proposals are included. He described the varying processes across different states as a sign of the Sangh’s adaptive nature.
Finally, he stressed the need for balance, stating that “Rashtra seva should never come at the cost of family duties.”
Key Highlights:
- Kalli Purie of India Today Group called for greater women representation in the RSS leadership.
- She also introduced the India Today Group’s “Gross Domestic Behaviour (GDB)” initiative, which measures attitudes on civic discipline, inclusivity, gender, and corruption.
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat responded by highlighting the parallel women’s organization, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, and stated that in many regions, women are already involved in decision-making within the Sangh.
- He also underlined that service to the nation should not come at the expense of family duties.