RSS on Education Policy and Cultural Identity:

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), one of India's most influential socio-cultural organizations, has consistently emphasized the significance of cultural identity in shaping national consciousness. Education, according to the RSS, is not merely about imparting information but about nurturing values, roots, and heritage. Over the years, the organization has been vocal about aligning India's education system with its civilizational ethos—and the latest statement further solidifies that position.

Recently, the RSS reiterated its support for mother tongue-based education, highlighting it as a fundamental right and a practical necessity. While its views have sometimes been labeled ideological or politically charged, this particular stance resonated with educators and linguists alike. The emphasis is on preserving linguistic diversity while promoting inclusive learning—a balance often hard to achieve in a country as multilingual as India.

In the same breath, the RSS also addressed the sensitive issue of Manipur, where ethnic unrest and language-linked identity crises have shaken peace and stability. The organization’s take—urging dialogue, mutual respect, and the safeguarding of linguistic and cultural identity—marks an attempt to bridge divides rather than deepen them.

The Context of Its Latest Statement

The RSS made its views public during a recent annual meeting, where senior functionaries, including educationists and social thinkers, gathered to discuss national issues. While mother tongue education has long been part of the RSS discourse, its reiteration now gains significance in the context of both the National Education Policy (NEP) rollout and regional unrest in areas like Manipur.

Manipur, with its complex web of tribal identities, linguistic groups, and socio-political tensions, has become a flashpoint. Amidst this, the RSS’s stance signals a careful navigation—one that respects cultural uniqueness while promoting unity through shared national goals. The dual focus on education reform and peace-building in Manipur is being viewed as both timely and strategic.

The Importance of Mother Tongue in Education

Why RSS Advocates for Regional Languages

For decades, the RSS has promoted the idea that India’s development must be rooted in its indigenous culture and traditions. A key part of that is language. To the RSS, using the mother tongue in early education is not just a pedagogical choice, but a cultural commitment. They believe that children learn better when taught in the language they speak at home—this fosters deeper understanding, emotional connection, and faster cognitive development.

The push is not against English or Hindi, but for balance. While English can be useful in global contexts, and Hindi serves as a unifying link language, the RSS argues that ignoring mother tongues creates educational inequity. Children from non-English backgrounds often struggle to catch up, creating invisible barriers that can last a lifetime.

RSS leaders often quote global examples where nations like Germany, Japan, and South Korea use native languages for schooling without compromising on innovation or competitiveness. For them, the issue isn’t just about language—it's about equity, dignity, and national pride.

Educational Benefits of Learning in One’s Native Language

The scientific consensus supports the idea that children grasp concepts faster and more thoroughly in their mother tongue. Early education in a familiar language reduces dropout rates, enhances participation, and builds confidence. It allows students to learn without the extra burden of first translating unfamiliar words in their heads before understanding concepts.

Studies by UNESCO and other global education bodies reveal that multilingual education leads to better academic performance and emotional well-being. In India, this is especially relevant, as a large chunk of the population lives in rural or semi-urban areas where English proficiency remains low. For these students, learning in their native language could mean the difference between success and failure.

The RSS sees this as a way to democratize education. When access to knowledge becomes truly inclusive, more children can dream bigger and aim higher. And when education is tied to cultural roots, it doesn’t just produce graduates—it nurtures responsible, aware citizens.

RSS and the National Education Policy (NEP)

Alignment of NEP with RSS Ideology

The National Education Policy 2020 has been a turning point for India’s academic landscape, and the RSS has been a vocal supporter of its foundational principles. One of NEP’s key features is the emphasis on multilingualism and the use of the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction till at least Grade 5—and preferably till Grade 8.

This move aligns almost perfectly with the RSS’s longstanding demand. For years, the RSS-affiliated education wing, Vidya Bharati, has run schools that prioritize local languages, cultural heritage, and value-based education. The NEP’s language policy is seen as a validation of their grassroots model.

RSS functionaries believe this alignment can lead to better implementation of NEP across states. They argue that when policies reflect public sentiment and cultural wisdom, they gain natural traction. However, they also warn against half-hearted execution, urging the government to ensure adequate teacher training, resource development, and curriculum adaptation in various languages.