Ahmedabad: The Gujarat unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to organise ‘Sajjan Shakti Sangam‘, a gathering of prominent citizens from different walks of life, at Gujarat Vidyapith on Dec 22. The event aims to facilitate discussions on social harmony, environmental conservation and the promotion of locally manufactured products.
However, the choice of venue has sparked a debate, with Gandhian scholar and former vice-chancellor Sudarshan Iyengar expressing strong reservations about RSS hosting the event at the varsity founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
Iyengar, who served as VC from 2005 to 2014 and also as a trustee from 2000 to 2022, said holding an RSS event at Gujarat Vidyapith was “improper”.
“It is a known fact that the RSS ideology is totally opposite to the Gandhian philosophy. There are many places where the RSS could have organised this event. Yet, just to prove that Vidyapith is now under their dominance, they are organising this event in this institute founded by Gandhiji,” he told PTI when contacted for a comment on the row.
Iyengar further said that no RSS event was held on the varsity premises during his tenure as VC and trustee. “Is it that the RSS will now start following Gandhiji’s ideology by organising its event at the Vidyapith? It does not seem so,” said Iyengar.
Meanwhile, the deemed university stated that it rents its premises for events and is not involved in activities organised by external groups. “Our estate department records show that our buildings and spaces have been rented out to various organisations, including political parties, in the past. We have no link with those holding events here,” said current vice-chancellor Harshad Patel.
Meanwhile, state RSS spokesperson Vijay Thakar said it was an unnecessary controversy. “On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of RSS, we are organising events in every district, and Vidyapith is like any other venue. In the past, we organised an event at a cafe run by Navajivan Trust, which was also founded by Gandhiji,” he said.
“The subjects on which deliberations will take place at the event are in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology, such as social harmony and encouraging the use of domestic or Swadeshi products. So how is this event against Gandhiji’s values?” he added.