Bloomsbury to Publish RSS 360 Demystifying Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by Ratan Sharda
RSS 360 shares details about RSS as an organization and how is it completely different from what people think about it. It also elaborates ideology that the organisation follows, highs and lows of its working and organizational structure.
About the book: This book is an attempt to open up the supposedly secret world of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by someone with an insider’s knowledge of the philosophy, organisational structure and working of this huge cadre-based organisation. As a senior member who has managed various responsibilities in the RSS over the years, Ratan Sharda has achieved his intent ably in this book. It has long been acknowledged that the best way to know the RSS (or the National Volunteer Organisation) is to join it. Perhaps this is why there is very little literature on how the RSS functions. This vacuum has been skilfully filled by the author through his book, RSS 360º — Demystifying Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. There is generally a set format for writing about organisations, especially national level ones such as the RSS. Ratan Sharda has not, however, followed the beaten path. The intent behind his book is to lift the alleged veil of secrecy from the organisation. He presents a comprehensive view of the Sangh’s philosophy, its workings and its humungous reach through various affiliate organisations across India, in a simple and easy flowing manner.
About the author: Ratan Sharda has been an RSS member since his childhood, working across various levels of the organisation over the years. He also worked as an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) member during the Emergency period of 1975-77 and was an active student leader. Sharda was jailed during the Emergency, when he was the General Secretary of his College Students’ Union. During his days as a senior activist, he worked closely with nearly all major RSS-affiliated organisations. He, hence, enjoys a wide exposure to the working style of not only the RSS, but of its affiliated organisations as well. Sharda is a founder member of the Vishwa Adhyayan Kendra (Centre for International Studies), Mumbai, having acted as its General Secretary for eight years. He is a managing committee member / advisor of two schools as well as a trustee of various voluntary organisations. Born in Mumbai in December 1954, he graduated from St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, and went on to complete his post-graduation from Mumbai University in 1982. Sharda also holds a Diploma in Textile Chemistry, and has had varied business experiences. He is currently an information technology consultant, specialising in Enterprise Resource Planning. Ratan Sharda is a well-known face on TV panels as commentator on national issues. As a political analyst and columnist, he contributes to the Organiser, Newbharati and merinews.com, among other magazines and newzines.