‘Nobody knows what I know’: how a loyal RSS member abandoned Hindu nationalism
Sep 2, 2024
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Partha Banerjee, a former senior member of the RSS, shares his incredible journey from staunch Hindu nationalist to a critical observer of the movement. He discusses the emotional turmoil and family conflicts that led to his departure from the organization. Partha reflects on the growing political tensions in India under Modi's leadership, warning about the rise of fascism. He highlights the public's ignorance regarding the RSS's history and urges awareness of the potential erosion of freedoms in contemporary India.
Partha Banerjee's journey reveals how deep community ties within the RSS initially obscured personal contradictions and ideological conflicts.
His eventual departure from the RSS was a transformative act of cleansing, driven by a need to reconcile his identity with his past affiliations.
Deep dives
Partho's Journey from RSS Insider to Critic
Partho Banerjee, a former member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recounts his deep-rooted connections to the organization and the eventual disillusionment that led him to abandon Hindu nationalism. Initially immersed in the RSS's ideology, Partho highlights the strong sense of community and familial ties that kept members loyal, even when confronted with personal contradictions, such as his father's extremist views. After decades of involvement, including leadership roles and fostering a recruitment network among youth, his departure was catalyzed by a combination of personal and ideological shifts, particularly influenced by his mother’s skepticism towards the RSS. This transformation was profound enough for him to describe it as a cleansing act, essential for reconciling his identity and beliefs with his past affiliations.
The RSS's Role in Promoting Nationalism
The RSS positions itself as a crucial player in promoting Hindu nationalism, with its political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), at the forefront of India's current governance. Partho notes that the organization's deep-rooted connections and historical significance enable it to mobilize millions, blurring lines between social and political spheres to advance a singular nationalist agenda. He reflects on the RSS’s strategies of indoctrination and community engagement that foster loyalty, often underpinned by ideologies steeped in hate towards minorities. The group's ability to maintain a façade of respectability while inciting division illustrates how the RSS has succeeded in embedding itself within the fabric of Indian society over the decades.
Legacy of Isolation and Regret
Partho's reflections on his father's life within the RSS reveal a complicated legacy marked by sacrifice and regret. Jitendra Banerjee dedicated his life to the RSS, often at the expense of his family's well-being, illustrating the organization's demand for unwavering loyalty. As Partho distanced himself from the RSS, he grappled with the pain of realizing his father’s steadfast beliefs were rooted in racism and extremism, causing a rift between them. After Jitendra's passing, Partho witnessed the stark contrast between his father's sacrifices and the limited acknowledgment of his contributions within the RSS, highlighting a disillusionment with an organization that disregards the personal cost of its ideological pursuits.
As a young man, Partha Banerjee was on course to become a senior member of the RSS, the organisation that has pushed Indian politics towards extreme religious nationalism. Then, after decades within its ranks, he quit. Why? By Rahul Bhatia. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
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