The number of RSS shakhas (branches) has grown since last October, but not in the way the organization would want it to. So it is chalking out plans to grow at a faster rate this coming year.

RSS Sarkaryavaha (general secretary) Suresh Joshi said: “We have more than 37,000 shakhas running now, an improvement of 500-700 over last year.”

To widen its base, the RSS is planning a more intensive village contact, it is also adapting to a changing, metropolitan India. It plans to reach each village and wants to cater to IT professionals and college students.

“We have already reached all zillas and 80 per cent of the Blocks in the country. We have asked Swayamsevaks during this meet to take shakhas to each village.”