RSS claims Ambedkar felt a ‘sense of belonging’ during his 1940 visit to shakha

The RSS claimed that Ambedkar had said, "Although there are differences over certain issues, I view the Sangh with a sense of belonging."

Nagpur: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, visited a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ‘shakha’ in Maharashtra 85 years ago, according to the communication wing of the Sangh, which made the claim on Thursday.

During his visit, Ambedkar is reported to have expressed that, despite some differences on certain issues, he viewed the RSS with a sense of belonging.

The Vidarbha prant of the Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK), the RSS's communication wing, issued a statement on Thursday providing this information. Dr. Ambedkar visited the RSS ‘shakha’ in Karad, located in Satara district, on January 2, 1940, where he also addressed the Sangh swayamsevaks (volunteers).

In his speech, Dr. Ambedkar reportedly said, “Although there are differences over certain issues, I look at the Sangh with a sense of belongingness.”

The VSK also referenced a report published in the "Kesari" Marathi daily on January 9, 1940, detailing Dr. Ambedkar's visit to the RSS shakha, sharing a clipping of the article in its statement.