The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has inaugurated its new headquarters, Keshav Kunj, in Jhandewalan, Delhi. This state-of-the-art facility, built over 3.75 acres, replaces the older RSS office and marks a significant upgrade in infrastructure for the organization. Designed to enhance operational efficiency, the complex seamlessly integrates modern technology with traditional Indian architectural elements, reinforcing the RSS’s commitment to its ideological and organizational expansion.
A Grand Structure with Thoughtful Design
The ₹150 crore facility features three 13-story towers—Sadhana, Prerna, and Archana—which collectively house around 300 rooms, including office spaces, residential areas, and administrative wings. The new headquarters, conceptualized by Gujarat-based architect Anup Dave, incorporates sustainable design principles with an emphasis on natural lighting and ventilation.
The exterior design of Keshav Kunj reflects traditional Indian craftsmanship, particularly drawing inspiration from the architectural styles of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Over 1,000 granite frames have been used for facades and windows, reducing the reliance on wood and enhancing the building’s durability.
Inside, the facility offers three large auditoriums with a total seating capacity exceeding 1,300 people. One of these halls, named after Ashok Singhal, a key figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, is a standout feature. The auditorium is equipped with stadium-style seating and plush sofa chairs, making it suitable for large-scale meetings and events.
Facilities for RSS Functionaries and Public Welfare
Keshav Kunj is designed to serve not just as an administrative center but also as a residential and welfare hub. The complex includes:
- Residential quarters for RSS functionaries and senior members.
- A five-bed hospital offering medical assistance to RSS workers.
- A public dispensary providing free or subsidized medical aid.
- Keshav Pustakalaya, a library and research center located on the 10th floor, equipped with individual study cubicles.
The library aims to provide resources for individuals interested in studying the Sangh’s philosophy and historical evolution.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Features
In line with the RSS’s vision of sustainability, Keshav Kunj incorporates green technology:
- Solar panels installed on the rooftop generate approximately 20% of the building’s energy needs, reducing reliance on conventional electricity.
- A sewage treatment plant (STP) ensures that the complex has zero discharge into the city’s drainage system, promoting environmental conservation.
- Energy-efficient ventilation and lighting systems reduce power consumption.
Funding and Construction Timeline
Unlike government-funded infrastructure projects, Keshav Kunj was built entirely through donations from RSS workers and well-wishers. Around 75,000 donors contributed varying amounts, ranging from small sums to lakhs of rupees, ensuring that the project remained independent of external funding sources.
The construction process, which took nearly a decade, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, RSS functionaries operated from a temporary rented space at the Udaseen Ashram in Jhandewalan. In September 2023, RSS began moving into the new facility, with the transition now fully complete, although some interior work is still ongoing.
Inauguration and Upcoming Events
The formal inauguration of Keshav Kunj will be followed by a karyakarta sammelan (workers’ conference) on February 19, 2024, attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. This gathering will set the stage for the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha Baithak, the RSS’s national council meeting, scheduled for March 21-23 in Bengaluru.
Symbolizing the Growth of RSS
The unveiling of Keshav Kunj is a historic milestone in the RSS’s nearly 100-year journey. Since its inception in 1925, the organization has evolved from a small ideological movement into one of India’s most influential institutions, with a wide network of volunteers, affiliates, and ideological wings.
The new headquarters is expected to enhance coordination among RSS’s various units and affiliates, streamline administrative work, and strengthen outreach programs. It also reinforces the RSS’s strategy of adapting to modern needs while staying deeply rooted in its traditional values.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable design, and enhanced facilities, Keshav Kunj represents a new chapter in the RSS’s history, bolstering its organizational capacity and ideological mission for years to come.
By – Jyothi
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