RSS drops shorts for pants

GANDHINAGAR: On Vijaya Dashmi day on Tuesday, the 90th foundation day of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its volunteers - donning the new uniform in which pants have supplanted shorts - vowed to end discrimination against dalits and adivasis. The volunteers pledged to strive for social harmony in Hindu society. Around 5,000 volunteers across Ahmedabad participated in seven sthapana-din (foundation day) pathsanchalan (parades), wearing the new dark-brown trousers that have replaced the flared khaki shorts.Brown-green socks and brown belts are part of the kit. White shirts and black caps have been retained from the traditional uniform.
Drawing inspiration from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech delivered in Nagpur, RSS volunteers in Ahmedabad, and across Gujarat, affirmed the new goals of the RSS. Vijay Thakkar, 45, a senior bank officer and prant prachar pramukh (state publicity in-charge) said: "Barring fundamental ideas such as Hindu Rashtra, bhagwa (saffron) flag, and unity in the country, all traditions can be changed in the sangh with changing times."
Thakkar said many youths who were not comfortable in shorts have embraced the new uniform. "The sangh has been working for samajik samrasta (social harmony) for years," he said. "But in the context of current priorities, the sangh will focus on removing discrimination in villages against dalits and tribals." He said the sangh's basic philosophy was harmony and unity in Hindu society, and nationalism.
Pratik Agrawal, 30, a software engineer who is in charge of the Naranpura RSS baudhik prabhag (intellectual unit), said: "The sangh is part of society and always adopts positive change." Agrawal also pointed out that young members of the sangh wanted pants to replace shorts. "The RSS always worked for social harmony in society and we will work to enhance social harmony, heeding the call given by sarsanghchalkji," Agrawal said.
Rohit Thakkar, 19, a TY BCom student, said: "I was comfortable with the old uniform but while going to sakhas, pants are more comfortable." Tanmay Shastri, a 36-year-old marketing executive who is an RSS worker, said: "Change is always necessary." He said there were six main celebrations in the sangh every year. "So, for all festivals, pants will be donned; while for physical activities in shakhas, half-pants will be worn," he said. He went on to say: "The sangh's initiative to work against discrimination faced by our own Hindu brothers is a welcome move."
Parag Shah, 49, of the Karnavati (Ahmedabad) RSS family wing, said: "From time to time, top leaders of the sangh review the needs of society and make changes accordingly."