RSS coordination meet to focus on demographic change, youth drug abuse

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold its three-day All India Coordination Meeting in Visakhapatnam from August 19 to 21. The RSS, founded in 1925, describes itself as a voluntary, cultural and social organisation. It has a network of affiliated bodies that work in fields such as labour, education, women's welfare, farmers' issues and student affairs. The annual coordination meeting is a platform for these groups to exchange notes and align their priorities.

This year, the discussions will focus on changing demographic patterns, drug abuse among young people, and improving coordination among member bodies. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, and other senior functionaries will attend the meeting.

According to RSS national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar, around 327 delegates from 32 affiliated organisations are expected to participate. These include the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and the Rashtra Sevika Samiti.

Addressing media on Tuesday, Mr. Ambekar said the meeting is not an executive decision-making forum but an opportunity for the organisations to exchange experiences and improve coordination. He said current national developments, social changes and emerging challenges would also be reviewed.

“Changing demographic patterns and their wider implications will be discussed, along with measures to address rising drug abuse among young people. The meeting will consider an action plan for youth de-addiction and wider public awareness on substance abuse,” he said. In recent years, drug abuse among youth has emerged as a serious concern in several Indian states, prompting efforts from both government and civil society to address the issue.

The RSS will also review its “Panch Parivartan” campaign, which covers social harmony, an environment-friendly lifestyle, family values, indigenous consciousness and civic duties. Deliberations will also include the organisation’s proposed “Bharatiya Development Model”, which seeks to view development beyond economic growth and encompass progress across different spheres of society.

Sources in the Sangh said a discussion will also take place on youth-led protests happening across India, especially those at Jantar Mantar and Jharkhand.

On membership, the RSS said registrations through its “Join RSS” website increased from 57,423 between January and July 2025 to 1,23,287 during the corresponding period in 2026. More than 65% of those registering were below 30, while nearly 85% were below 40. The organisation has been reaching out to younger Indians through various initiatives.

The meeting is expected to conclude on August 21 with a review of ongoing projects and possible action points for the affiliated organisations. No formal resolutions have been announced so far.