{
  "id": 18654423,
  "title": "Why RSS’s ‘social harmony’ is not the annihilation of caste",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/why-rsss-social-harmony-is-not-the-annihilation-of-caste",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T06:30:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-rsss-social-harmony-is-not-the-annihilation-of-caste-10953774/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aditi Narayani Paswan's article discusses the RSS's efforts to reach out to various castes and communities, highlighting a key distinction between acknowledging the removal or rejection of caste-based prejudices and the annihilation of the caste system itself. The author emphasizes that the RSS is not an organization representing all castes and communities, but is actively engaging with broader segments. The notion of \"Samajik Samrasta\" (social harmony) raises questions about who this harmony serves, on what terms, and who holds the power.\n\nThe article points out that caste is not merely about social distance or interpersonal prejudice, but rather a system of inequality where different caste groups possess unequal access to resources, dignity, authority, and power. Ambedkar's critique went beyond mere benevolence from upper castes towards Dalits; he questioned the religious and social foundations that legitimized caste hierarchy. For Ambedkar, annihilation of caste required transformative changes beyond superficial reforms.\n\nPaswan's article celebrates the RSS's emphasis on equal access to resources such as temples, wells, and cremation grounds. However, the author questions whether these symbolic actions are sufficient, considering the underlying power dynamics in land ownership, village economies, wage determination, village governance, religious institutions, and authority figures. These are central issues in understanding caste dynamics.\n\nThe author also criticizes the piece's attempt to integrate Ambedkar's writings into the RSS's ideological narrative. While acknowledging Ambedkar's contributions, the author emphasizes the difference between appreciating his ideas and adopting his political project. Ambedkar's radical critique of the caste system extended to religious foundations and power structures, rejecting both.\n\nPaswan's article raises concerns about the language of \"Samrasta,\" suggesting that it may serve to discourage conflict and suppress legitimate demands from oppressed communities. The author notes that appeals for harmony can become a mechanism for maintaining the status quo, especially in deeply unequal societies. The article emphasizes that true fraternity should rest upon principles of liberty and equality, rather than merely asking oppressed communities to accept social terms imposed upon them.\n\nIn conclusion, the article argues that a genuine solution to caste-based inequality cannot be achieved through superficial harmony or inclusion alone. It requires redistributive measures, political empowerment, and challenging entrenched power structures to dismantle the very foundations of the caste system.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}