Palakkad, the almost secluded and calm corner in Kerala, is currently hosting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak, a ritual steeped in discipline and absolute regimentation.
The Baithak, which began on Saturday saw 320 Swayamsevak (volunteers) attendees, from septuagenarians to fresh, young joinees. Among the seniors were national presidents of organisations, veteran office-bearers and those holding crucial positions in the government, who were seen leaving behind the clout attached to their position as they submitted their phones to stay inside the venue for 72 hours.
The Baithak sees discussions, deliberation on issues and later directions by the organisation’s chief Mohan Bhagwat for the course of action.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE BAITHAK?
They eat together, stay together, pray together, and focus as one. This is not merely a meeting, but is also symbolic of the organisational rules which resemble a world of regimentation that sets the RSS apart from any political party.
The rules are strict, routines precise for the organisation, which people still struggle to understand.
During the Samanvay Baithak, the usual RSS routine of physical activities and shakhas remains temporarily suspended. The day begins with prayers to ground the participants before they assemble in the auditorium for the meeting. The works include cooking, cleaning and serving – all done by RSS volunteers and no work is outsourced.
This story was originally published in news18.com. Read the full story here.
