The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has launched a sweeping "Dhwaj Yatra" (flag march) from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The stated aim? To "clear misgivings" about the organization and present its version of "real history" to the nation. But as this powerful symbol traverses the country, a critical eye must be cast: Whose history are we being told, and what unspoken narratives are being amplified or silenced in the process? This investigation probes the underlying currents and historical echoes of this extensive march.
A Journey's Start: From Lal Chowk to National Canvas
The RSS's 'Dhwaj Yatra' commenced from the iconic Lal Chowk in Srinagar, a location steeped in its own complex history. Participants, after a symbolic start, boarded vehicles to fan out across the country. The timing of this nationwide endeavor, particularly its commencement from Kashmir, carries significant weight. It's framed as an effort to counter distorted narratives, with participants like Veer Kapoor explicitly stating the goal is to address the perception that the RSS is "against some people."
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Key Takeaway: The RSS is initiating a highly visible, nationwide campaign under the guise of historical correction and dispelling negative perceptions, starting from a symbolically charged location.
The accompanying announcement of a film, 'Shatak,' slated for release on February 19, celebrating the RSS's centenary, appears strategically timed. This cinematic offering is presented as a tool to illustrate the organization's history and achievements, adding a layer of visual and emotional storytelling to the broader narrative being pushed by the 'Dhwaj Yatra'.
Echoes of Connectivity: Kashmir to Kanyakumari as a National Project
It's crucial to understand that the phrase "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" has recently gained new traction in national discourse, primarily through infrastructure development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly highlighted the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), culminating in the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge. This achievement has been celebrated as realizing the "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" vision for the Indian railway network, symbolizing enhanced connectivity and national integration.
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| Infrastructure Project | Significance | Link to "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" |
|—-|—-|—-|| Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Line (USBRL) | Connects the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail. | The final piece of the puzzle, making a seamless rail journey possible. || Chenab Bridge | India's highest railway bridge, a marvel of engineering. | An iconic structure enabling the critical Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari rail link. || Anji Khad Bridge | India's first cable-stayed railway bridge on Indian Railways. | Part of the challenging USBRL project, pushing the boundaries of railway construction. |
"The Chenab and Anji bridges will serve as gateways to prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. India won't bow to terrorism, PM Modi reiterated, vowing that his government would not let development stop in Jammu and Kashmir at any cost." (PM Modi, quoted in NDTV, June 6, 2025)
This infrastructure narrative, emphasizing national unity and economic progress, provides a stark contrast to the RSS's ideological march. While the railway connects geographically, the 'Dhwaj Yatra' aims to connect ideologically. But what kind of connection is being forged?
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Dissent on the March: Farmers' Yatra and the Clash of Narratives
The "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" route has also been a canvas for other significant movements. Notably, farmer organizations have utilized this very path for their own yatras. In January 2026, a farm body delegation announced plans for a march from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to press for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops.
"SKM (Non Political) leaders said they had decided to undertake a yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari from the 1st week of February, and at the end of this yatra, a Kisan Mahapanchayat would be organised at Ramlila grounds in Delhi on March 19." (Times of India, Jan 10, 2026)
This juxtaposition is critical. While the RSS aims to "clear misgivings" and present its historical narrative, farmers have marched to demand economic justice and policy changes. Does the RSS's historical narrative acknowledge the grievances and aspirations of such movements, or does it seek to override them? The timing of the RSS march, potentially overlapping with or following such other national movements, raises questions about whether it is an attempt to capture the national narrative or preempt dissenting voices.
The Ideological Core: What "Real History" Means for the RSS
The RSS, an influential Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925, has a long and often controversial history. Its stated ideology emphasizes Hindutva – the concept of Hindu cultural and national identity. Over the decades, the RSS has been both praised for its social service and criticized for its perceived role in fostering communal tensions.
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Founding Principles: To unite the Hindu community and promote a strong, unified Hindu nation.
Ideological Influence: Hindutva, as a political and cultural ideology.
Past Controversies: Accusations of contributing to the atmosphere preceding events like the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the Mahatma Gandhi assassination.
Recent Actions: Expansion of its shakha (branch) network, increased engagement in social and cultural spheres, and influencing educational curricula.
The 'Dhwaj Yatra' explicitly aims to counter what it terms "distorted versions" of history. This suggests a deliberate effort to rewrite or reframe historical events and national narratives in line with the RSS's interpretation. But who decides what is "distorted" and what is "real" history? When an organization with a specific ideological agenda embarks on a mission to present its version of history, it's imperative to question:
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What historical events or figures are being highlighted, and which are being downplayed or omitted?
How does the RSS's interpretation align with, or diverge from, established historical scholarship?
What are the implications of a singular, ideologically driven historical narrative for a diverse nation like India?
The organization's ambition to "clear misgivings" about being "against some people" is a significant claim, especially given historical critiques. Does this 'Yatra' signify a genuine attempt at reconciliation and dialogue, or a strategic effort to bolster its public image and consolidate its ideological hold? The scale of the 'Dhwaj Yatra', spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, suggests a broad sweep intended to leave no corner of the country untouched by its message. The question remains: what will be the enduring legacy of this ideological journey?
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