Why RSS changes dress code?
RSS thought about changing the dress code because it was felt that youths were not getting attracted because of “old fashioned” uniform.
You will no more see swayamsevaks (volunteers) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – arguably India’s largest non-governmental organization and ruling BJP’s ideological patron – wearing khaki shorts in their sakhas (daily gathering) as it has changed its dress code to keep pace with the changing time.
RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi on Sunday said in Nagaur in Rajasthan that the traditional khaki shorts worn by RSS swayamsevaks for the last 90 years will be replaced by grey coloured full pants.
The organisation has made the change after almost a decade of debate and survey. He said although there was no specific thought behind the change, the steps show that RSS is an organisation of people which move with time.
Here are the things you may want to know about RSS and its dress code:
1. The RSS cadres were in khaki uniform (khaki shorts and shirts, cap and bamboo stick) since it was founded in 1925. The dress code was designed by its founder and first chief Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
2. The Sangha replaced the khaki cap with a black cap in 1930. White shirt replaced khaki shirts ten years later after the British banned the RSS “ganvesh” (uniform) and its route marches.
3. RSS cadres stopped using military style long boots and instead wore black shoes around the time of emergency. Leather belts were replaced with canvas belts in 2011.
4. RSS thought about changing the dress code because it was felt that youths were not getting attracted because of “old fashioned” uniform. The top brass looked out for a unique dress code that would attract the youth.
You may like to read!
Things you may want to know about the RSS!
5. Volunteers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS’ international wing, have been wearing trousers instead of shorts for decades.
As trousers are more common and most people feel comfortable wearing it, the parent organization decided in its favour thereby sending across a message that it can also change with time.
6. Change in the dress code was proposed for long but it was resisted by many old guards in the RSS. In 2010, such a change was discussed in the Pratinidhi Sabha but did not receive consensus.
But this time, it was decided to replace the khaki knickers with brown full pant.
7. Other items in the uniform like full sleeve white shirt, black cap, whistle chord, brown belt (cotton or leather) and black shoes with socks will continue as earlier.
8. Wearing brown trouser has several advantages:
a) Boys above 12 years of age will not be hesitant to come to daily ‘sakha’ because they will not have to wear of half pants anymore.
b) Brown will act as a camouflage colour for the surroundings and during exercise in the sakha, the pants will not look dirty even if soiled with dust.
c) It will be more supportive during winter and can be stitched easily by any tailor, unlikely the outdated knickers.
(Ashok Sahu is associated with RSS as a swayamsevak since 1966. He is a former IPS officer.)
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
