RSS Flags Off Kashmir to Kanyakumari ‘Dhwaj Yatra’ to Address Misgivings

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday launched a nationwide ‘Dhwaj Yatra’ (flag rally) from Kashmir’s historic Lal Chowk to Kanyakumari , aiming to address misconceptions about the organisation and present what it describes as the “real history” of its work. The yatra marks the commencement of the RSS’s 100th anniversary , with celebrations including the upcoming release of a film titled Shatak on February 19.

The symbolic journey began with a short foot march at Lal Chowk before participants boarded vehicles at the Tourist Reception Centre to continue the 3,676-kilometre journey across India. Veer Kapoor , one of the participants, said, “The aim of this yatra is to clear the misgivings that the RSS is against some people. We also want to convey the real history to people, who have been fed the distorted version so far.”

The RSS described the yatra as a symbol of national unity, cultural cohesion, and grassroots engagement , traveling through 12 states over several weeks. A core group of 118 permanent members is expected to travel the entire route, while thousands of local volunteers will join in different regions to interact with communities and promote the centenary film Shatak , which chronicles the organisation’s century-long journey.

However, opposition parties have criticised the initiative. Leaders from the Congress, AIMIM, and Left parties allege that the yatra may fuel communal and caste-based divisions , highlighting the use of the saffron flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) at symbolic locations like Lal Chowk. Rahul Gandhi described efforts to present “real history” as an attempt at propaganda, while PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and others in Jammu & Kashmir argued that patriotism “cannot be imposed” through high-profile rallies. Critics contend the move risks overshadowing the secular values of the Constitution and could deepen social divisions.

Supporters maintain the yatra is an effort to bridge gaps, clarify historical narratives, and celebrate RSS’s contributions to nation-building over the last 100 years. As the rally progresses southwards, the country watches closely to see how it balances public outreach with political sensitivities.