The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has stated that there should be no compromise when it comes to women's safety. This issue was extensively discussed during the three-day RSS Samanwaya baithak held at Palakkad. The discussion was particularly in the context of the recent rape and murder case involving a young female doctor in Bengal, said Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhila Bharatheeya Prachar Pramukh, during a press conference on September 2, 2024, the concluding day of the Samanvaya Baithak (coordination meeting) of 32 RSS-inspired organisations. National Presidents, organising Secretaries and other important office bearers take part in the coordination related consultations.
He mentioned that the sentiments of all the representatives of the organisations There is a need for a 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 emphasized the need for strengthening legal framework, raising awareness in the society , promoting values at the family level and through education, self-defense programs and addressing issues related to the digital content, especially on OTT platforms to ensure women's safety.
In his press briefing on the mast day of Women's participation is crucial in the progress of society. Last year, aiming to empower women and increase their participation in social life, Mahila Samanvaya, women working in the RSS inspired organisations collectively organized women's conferences at district centers in all 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 yrs birth centenary celebrations of the Tribal Queen Rani Durgavati. Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram will take the initiative in this and all other organisations will support, informed by Shri Ambekar.
While replying to the question on caste-census and reservation, Shri Ambekar made it clear that RSS has always supported the provisions of Constitutional reservations. He also made it clear that data, including the caste census, intended to ensure the welfare of all sections of the 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 Government of India to pursue the matter diplomatically, given the international nature of the issue.
Issues related to border security in Kutch, Gujarat, 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 inspired organizations will be taking up some ground activities related to the issues of Panch-Parivartan that is Samajik Samarasata (social harmony), Kutumba 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 to the every section of society.
The RSS along with other vividha kshetra organizations work with ‘nation first' as the fundamental principle. If there are differing opinions on any issue, they will be resolved based on national interest, Sunil Ambekar said in response to a question from journalists.
Regarding the question on Manipur issue, he replied that the RSS Sarsanghachalak had already expressed his opinion. The organization's stance is that government mechanisms should control violence and restore peace. We are watching the progress has been made in that regard, and it is hoped that lasting peace will prevail soon.
There have been numerous complaints, including from some Muslim organisations regarding the functioning of the Waqf Boards. In such a context, there is nothing wrong in reviewing the law. The consideration of the issue by a joint parliamentary committee is welcome step and various organisations may give their representations in this regard, Sunil Ambekar said in response to another query.
North Kerala Pranth Sanghchalak Adv. KK Balaram, Akhil Bharatiya Sakha prachar pramukhs Pradeep Joshi and Narendra Kumar also were present during the press conference. The three-day All-India RSS Samanwaya baitak at the Ahalia Campus in Palakkad concluded with the valedictory speech of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
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