While Western thought sees the individual as the smallest unit of the society, Indian culture believes that it is the family. The family is the first step of the journey from “me” to “we”. In the same spirit, every volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) takes an oath, “I have become a constituent (volunteer) of RSS for the all-round progress of the nation.’’
The Sangh expects certain qualities from its swayamsevaks, that they will effectively execute Sangh’s mission in the society; will uphold the Akhil Bharatiya perspective, that this nation from (Ram) Setu to the Himalayas is one and is my own; firmly believe that all members of the society are equal; regularly attend the shakha to place the nation above oneself and lead the movement while remaining in the backdrop; and channelise various character traits gained through shakha.