New Delhi: In a landmark achievement, the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has expanded its wings to 39 countries by estabhishing its overseas unit - Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) - in these nations.
According to a report in TOI, USA is one of 39 countries where HSS runs shakhas. By and large, most overseas shakhas are held once a week. While , in London, HSS hold shakhas twice a week.
Interestingly, the 39 countries where shakhas are held include five in the Middle East too; where outdoor shakhas are not permitted, hence in these five Middle East countries shakhas are replaced by gatherings at people's homes.
Nepal has the largest number of shakhas outside India, US comes second with 146.
According to Ramesh Subramaniam, Mumbai coordinator of RSS' overseas work, the HSS is now bigger than its affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Why overseas Indians send their children to HSS' shakhas
People send their children there so that they can socialise with other Indian children and learn about Indian culture.
HSS works closely with other Hindu cultural organisations abroad including the Chinmaya and Ramakrishna missions.
Dress code
The uniform of HSS includes black pants and a white shirt.
'Vishwa Dharma Ki Jay' is the chant
Unlike 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' in shakhas in India, 'Vishwa Dharma Ki Jai' is the chant at shakhas in these 39 countries
Why HSS, not RSS
RSS doesn't call it Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh overseas as it's not on Indian soil. They call it Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh as they believe it unites Hindus worldwide.
