The RSS is the most influential cultural organisation in India today, with affiliates in fields as varied as politics, education and trade. This book addresses three key questions: Why has the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates expanded so rapidly over the past 25 years? How have they evolved in response to India's new socio-economic milieu? How does their rapid growth impact the country's politics and policy? With unprecedented access, Walter K. Andersen and Shridhar D. Damle lift the curtains to help us understand the inner workings of the Sangh. Backed by deep research and case studies, this book explores the evolution of the Sangh into its present form, its relationship with the ruling party, the BJP, their overseas affiliates and more.
Walter Andersen is professor of South Asia studies, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining the SAIS, he served as chief of the US State Department's South Asia Division in the Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia.
Shridhar D. Damle is a freelance journalist and scholar of Indian politics based in the US.
Abhinav Prakash, Assistant Professor, Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi
Harsh V. Pant, Director of Studies and Head of Strategic Studies Programme, ORF
Roshan Kishore, Data and Political Editor, Hindustan Times
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Registration
3:30 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. | Remarks by the chair, Harsh V. Pant
3:35 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. | Presentation by Walter Andersen
3:55 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. | Remarks by Roshan Kishore
4:10 p.m. – 4:25 p.m. | Remarks by Abhinav Prakash
4:25 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. | Q&A
5:00 p.m. | High tea
