Why RSS will not drop its knickers

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been in focus ever since Narendra Modi became the prime minister of India. Modi, a former pracharak, and BJP chief, Amit Shah, swayamsevak, are not shy of flaunting their allegiance to the party's ideological mentor.

In the last few days, RSS' uniform has evoked a keen interest among one and all. Occasionally, the organisation has itself discussed the need to dispense with its "ganvesh" (uniform) in view of the changing times. The issue came up for discussion once again during its recently concluded Karyakari Mandal meeting in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

There were some demands made to replace the extra baggy khakhi knickers with trousers to "attract" a new generation to its ranks.

Several members are of the view that knickers discourage younger people from joining the organisation. They also said that trousers help the shakha-goers in north India from the biting cold during winters. The meeting also decided to constitute a committee, which will submit its report in the Pratinidhi Sabha, to be held in Nagaur, Rajasthan in March 2016.

While a final decision will be taken after the committee submits its report next year, here are four reasons RSS will not lose the shorts from the uniform:

1. Convenience

Extra baggy knickers are considered more convenient during the "shakha" programmes. Especially when several physical exercises like Surya Pranam are to be performed and sporting activities like kabaddi and Kho-kho are to be played. Those wearing a dhoti have to tuck it in, while those in pyjamas have to roll them up. Hence, knickers remain the most preferred and comfortable garment for the RSS.

2. Cost-effectiveness

Shorts are less expensive than trousers. Knickers are more affordable for those living on modest earnings. As shakhas are held almost on a daily basis, knickers are also easier to wash and quicker to dry.

3. Modern look

Knickers or shorts are more in fashion today, senior RSS members feel, than ever before. Right from lower middle class to upper class wear, shorts at worn at home and even outside. Many are seen today wearing knickers even at airports, beaches and market places. There is no inferiority complex attached to wearing knickers as it was two to three decades ago. On the contrary, it is in vogue. It is modern. Trousers, except for formal occasions, are more irrelevant now than ever before. The reasoning that youth get dissuaded due to knickers does not hold any more.

4. Identity

Like the black cap and lathi, khakhi knickers too are identified with the RSS uniform. They are associated with the 90-year-old tradition. The old-timers are vociferously against any talks of replacing the knickers with trousers. They will do so again when the matter comes up for discussion next March.

While knickers may continue, the RSS-baiters will have their own reasons to cheer for. They will continue to get a chance to poke fun at the RSS by, unfortunately, branding them as "chaddhiwalas".