Shorts-to-trousers change to be examined at RSS meet in Rajastha

Mangalore Today News Network

Feb 19, 2016: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is expected to discuss the possibility of changing over from the customary ‘ganvesh’ of khaki shorts during the three-day Prathinidhi Sabha — a meeting of all executives of the organisation from the county — to be held in March in Rajasthan.

There has been a demand for change from khaki shorts to blue trousers, said T.S. Venkatesh, the RSS Kshetra Sampark Pramukh for Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The all-India Pratinidhi Sabha is the highest decision-making body of the RSS.

“There is mixed reaction to this demand. While feelings have been expressed to retain shorts, which has been the identity for an RSS volunteer, there are also opinions expressed of the need to move forward to change the costume as sought by young volunteers,” he said. “This issue is likely to be discussed during the three-day sabha in which representatives from different parts of the country will be participating,”  Venkatesh said.

He argued that over the years there have been changes in what RSS volunteers wear during shakas (classes). For instance, the volunteers began wearing a fabric belt instead of a leather belt in 2011, which was the last change carried out. The first ganvesh was all khakhi, until white shirt replaced the khaki one. Already, the members of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, the international body of the RSS, wear trousers instead of shorts.

 Venkatesh said youngsters continue to be associated with the RSS and they have not been weaned away. On an average, around 15 turn up for shakas held every day. Nearly 35 IT professionals turn up for “IT Milans” held on a weekly basis. Of the 55,000 shakas, the RSS conducts nearly 3,000 shakas in Karnataka. Every month, nearly 4,500 people evince interest in joining the RSS by clicking on the icon ‘Join RSS’ on the website, he claimed.