Shakhas

Shakha, plural shakhas, is the term used in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to denote a local unit or branch. As the basic organizing cell of the RSS, a shakha coordinates volunteer activities, training, and outreach in a defined geographic area. The shakha system traces back to the early development of the RSS, which was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar to promote its vision of cultural and national renewal through volunteer service.

Typically, a shakha meets on a regular schedule, commonly on weekend mornings, at a public space such as a school, temple, or community hall. A session usually includes physical exercises or drills, group recitations and songs, and a discussion or instruction segment on cultural, historical, or social topics aligned with RSS principles. The leader of a shakha, known as the shakha pramukh, is supported by other volunteers and works within the broader regional structure, connecting to district and national levels.

Shakhas are intended to train swayamsevaks and to organize local service activities—ranging from educational programs to public service campaigns—and to disseminate the organization's ideas and networks. While the specific practices can vary by region, the core function of shakhas is to sustain a continuous network of volunteers and support the RSS's nationwide activities.