By Jayanth R / The Hindu
The Karnataka government’s decision to allow Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold training camps on the premises of State-run residential schools in some districts has been met with opposition. This comes after a speech by RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar found its way into school textbook in Karnataka, stoking controversy.
Following a recommendation by Kota Srinivasa Poojary, Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare, Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS), a government-run body, has given permission to an organisation affiliated to RSS to conduct training camps in Morarji Desai Residential School in Kolar and Uttara Kannada districts “without disturbing students.”
While a camp at Kalli, Shirasi taluk, Uttara Kannada district, began in October 7 and will end on October 15, a camp will be conducted at Kootandlahalli village, Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, from October 9 to 17.
The note from KREIS says that “boys and youth” can join the training programme which will involve physical activities, personality development programmes, yoga and initiatives to promote nationalist thought. In a separate note circulated in Kolar, RSS, district division, said the participants should come with complete ‘Ganavesha’ (the RSS uniform) along with ‘danda’ (staff) for this training camp.