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
TheKeshav Kunj complexfeatures three distinct towers, each serving a specific purpose:
- Sadhana Tower:Dedicated to theorganization’s offices, ensuring seamless administrative operations.
- Prerana Tower:Designed forresidential purposes, accommodating RSS functionaries.
- Archana Tower:Also aresidential complex, providing living spaces for Sangh members.
BetweenPrerana and Archana, there is alarge manicured lawnwith astatue of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. This open area is designated fordaily shakhasand organizational gatherings.
2. State-of-the-Art Auditoriums
The newRSS headquartershousesthree large auditoriums, collectively offering a seating capacity ofover 1,300 people. One of these is named afterAshok Singhal, the formerVishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president, and featuresstadium seating and cushioned sofa chairsto enhance the audience experience.
These auditoriums will be utilized formajor 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 the10th floor, this library serves as aresearch hubwith extensive resources on the RSS and related ideologies.
- Five-Bed Hospital:Amedical care unitensuring 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 includesparking space for 135 cars, with the capacity to expand up to270 vehicles, ensuring seamless accessibility for visitors and officials.
Funding and Construction: A Public Effort
One of the most remarkable aspects of theKeshav Kunjproject is itsentirely donation-based funding. An RSS functionary revealed thatas many as 75,000 individualscontributed towards its construction. Donations ranged from₹5 to several lakhs, demonstrating the widespread support and dedication of RSS workers and well-wishers.
Before shifting toKeshav Kunj, theRSShad been operating fromUdaseen Ashram in Jhandewalanfor the pasteight years. Functionaries started moving into the new headquarters gradually fromSeptember 2024, and the transition is now complete. However,some interior workis still ongoing.
