The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has officially opened its modern headquarters, ‘Keshav Kunj,’ located in Jhandewalan, New Delhi. This newly constructed complex spans an impressive five lakh square feet over four acres and is intended to accommodate the expanding activities of the organization.
The facility features three tall towers, auditoriums, a library, a hospital, a canteen, and a Hanuman temple. Designed with sustainability and modern infrastructure in mind, the headquarters is even larger than the BJP headquarters. This project, which had a budget of ₹150 crore, was fully financed through public donations, showcasing the strong support for the RSS.
A Grand Vision: Features of Keshav Kunj
1. Three Towers: Sadhana, Prerana, and Archana
The Keshav Kunj complex features three distinct towers, each serving a specific purpose:
- Sadhana Tower: Dedicated to the organization’s offices, ensuring seamless administrative operations.
- Prerana Tower: Designed for residential purposes, accommodating RSS functionaries.
- Archana Tower: Also a residential complex, providing living spaces for Sangh members.
Between Prerana and Archana, there is a large manicured lawn with a statue of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. This open area is designated for daily shakhas and organizational gatherings.
2. State-of-the-Art Auditoriums
The new RSS headquarters houses three large auditoriums, collectively offering a seating capacity of over 1,300 people. One of these is named after Ashok Singhal, the former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president, and features stadium seating and cushioned sofa chairs to enhance the audience experience.
These auditoriums will be utilized for major events, training programs, and key organizational meetings, strengthening the RSS’s outreach and engagement.
3. Comprehensive Facilities: Library, Hospital, and Canteen
- Keshav Pustakalaya (Library): Located on the 10th floor, this library serves as a research hub with extensive resources on the RSS and related ideologies.
- Five-Bed Hospital: A medical care unit ensuring healthcare support for RSS members and visitors.
- Mess and Canteen: Providing daily meals and refreshments to the functionaries residing and working in the headquarters.
4. Sustainable Architectural Design
The Keshav Kunj headquarters emphasizes sustainability in its design. The windows showcase facades that draw inspiration from the traditional architecture of Rajasthan and Gujarat, infusing a cultural element into the contemporary building. Additionally, 1,000 granite frames have been incorporated to minimize wood usage, enhancing the building’s eco-friendliness.
The complex also includes parking space for 135 cars, with the capacity to expand up to 270 vehicles, ensuring seamless accessibility for visitors and officials.
Funding and Construction: A Public Effort
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Keshav Kunj project is its entirely donation-based funding. An RSS functionary revealed that as many as 75,000 individuals contributed towards its construction. Donations ranged from ₹5 to several lakhs, demonstrating the widespread support and dedication of RSS workers and well-wishers.
Before shifting to Keshav Kunj, the RSS had been operating from Udaseen Ashram in Jhandewalan for the past eight years. Functionaries started moving into the new headquarters gradually from September 2024, and the transition is now complete. However, some interior work is still ongoing.
