Demographic Changes, Drug Abuse Top RSS Coordination Meet Agenda in Vizag

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has begun a three-day coordination meeting near Visakhapatnam, bringing together senior representatives of organisations associated with its wider network to discuss emerging social challenges, including demographic changes and rising drug abuse among youth.

The Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak, being held at Vigyan Vihar School in Gudilova, began on Wednesday morning and will continue until Friday evening. RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said the meeting is primarily aimed at exchanging experiences among participating organisations and strengthening coordination, rather than taking formal organisational decisions.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale are attending the gathering along with other members of the central leadership. Senior office-bearers from 32 organisations are participating, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, BJP, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Rashtra Sevika Samiti.

A total of 327 delegates are attending the meeting, including 253 key functionaries and 49 women representatives. The discussions are focused on recent developments, social changes and challenges emerging across the country, with participants exchanging experiences and examining possible practical responses.

A major area of deliberation is the country’s changing demographic pattern and its broader implications. The RSS leadership is expected to examine demographic trends, their potential impact on society and possible measures that may be required in the coming years. The discussions are being positioned as an opportunity for participating organisations to assess developments from different perspectives.

The growing problem of drug abuse among young people is another key concern at the meeting. Under the ‘Nasha Mukti’ focus, participants are discussing ways to prevent youth from falling into addiction, strengthen awareness campaigns and develop a coordinated social response to substance abuse.

The meeting is also reviewing programmes under the RSS’s ‘Panch Parivartan’ initiative, particularly those related to social harmony, environmentally responsible lifestyles and family values. The year-long activities undertaken in these areas are being assessed, with discussions on strengthening their reach.

Another significant theme is the proposed ‘Indian development model’, which the RSS says should look beyond economic growth and promote balanced progress across different sectors of society.

The organisation also highlighted rising interest among younger people. Registrations through the ‘Join RSS’ portal rose from 57,423 between January and July 2025 to 1.23 lakh during the same period in 2026. More than 65% of those registering were below 30, while nearly 85% were below 40.