In Photos: Ahead of 2019 Polls, a Look At RSS’ Mega Training Camp

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat launched a training camp named ‘Rashtriyaday’ in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

Ahead of the 2019 elections, the RSS has laid the foundation stone of its first congregation – the mega training camp named Rashtriyaday.

(Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

Months before the 2019 general elections, the RSS has laid the foundation stone of its first congregation – a mega training camp.

Name: Rashtriyaday, meaning the upliftment of the country.

Place: Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh.

This is the same region of Uttar Pradesh that has recently seen a spate of atrocities against Dalits. And, from the stage, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke about brotherhood. “All Hindus are brothers,” he said.

However, one wonders whether the event was merely a concern for societal matters or whether it had a strong political undertone to it.

The Quint brings you some candid shots from the event.

An RSS swayamsevak being issued an identity card, which includes a bar code and a phone number. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

More than 3 lakh participants had registered at the training camp, of which around 2.25 lakh participants were below the age of 40. Around a lakh were students. The Sangh’s mega training camp proved to be the right platform to spread its message among the youth. 

Volunteers reciting prayers at the event.(Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

RSS volunteers from 14 districts of western Uttar Pradesh participated in the programme. For the first time, the right-wing body campaigned door-to-door to bring more people in, many of whom who came for the first time.

Enthusiastic volunteers seen playing the conch shell at the camp in Meerut. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

Eleven-year-old Rudra has been volunteering at the RSS shakha since three years. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

During the day-long event, blazing heat shot up the temperature by afternoon. Around 1 pm, the temperature was around 28 degrees Celsius. Participants brought their own bottles of water, but the Sangh had also arranged for the same.

However, it wasn’t enough to quench the thirst of those present at the camp.

A knackered swayamsevak takes rest after a tiring activity. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

A fellow volunteer fell unconscious due to excessive heat and exhaustion.(Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

Empty plastic bottles assembled at the ground in one corner. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

RSS volunteers picking up the empty plastic bottles outside the ground. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

A member of the RSS in full uniform is seen holding a heavy stick to take charge of the security of the stage.(Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

The RSS camp cut across age barriers, with children and the elderly participating with equal zeal. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

Mohan Bhagwat arrived at the event at 3 pm. The RSS chief addressed the gathering from a stage which was 182-feet wide and 35-feet tall. Bhagwat said the event was not a show of strength but a platform where the RSS’ strength would be evaluated.

Before the public address, the RSS chief inspected the preparations in a car. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivering a welcome address against the backdrop of a colossal image of Bharat Mata. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

Volunteers displaying their physical prowess.(Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

The flag of the RSS was unfurled on a101-feet high flagpole, and is reportedly the highest flag to have been unfurled at any RSS event. (Photo: Neeraj Gupta/ The Quint)

The question is, will the Sangh be able to evaluate its strength and be able to tap the pulse of voters for the 2019 general elections?

(The story was initially published on Quint Hindi.)

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