Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)

Critics claim that HSS has ties to India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu-nationalist organization. ^{2 3 4 5}

Background

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) is a Hindu cultural education group that aims to instill pride in Hindu heritage among its members, including children, youths, and adults. It is active around the world with a prominent American branch. ¹

Its American branch headquarters is located in Rockaway, New Jersey while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially recognized HSS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) group in 1989. ^{6 7 8} It claims that it has more than 220 regional chapters throughout the United States. ^{9 1}

The organization gives memberships to anyone looking to join its activities and who shares its mission. It does not charge a membership fee. According to the group, the name “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh” means “Association of self-inspired Hindu American volunteers.” ⁸

Activities

In 2023, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) volunteers in Illinois participated in the Parliament of World Religions (PoWR) to promote cultural exchange with other faiths. At PoWR, HSSUS displayed its national exhibit, “Darshana: A Glimpse into Hindu Civilization,” which contains material on Hindu culture and philosophy. ¹⁰

The organization claims to not support any political ideology. It condemns what it perceives as economic deprivation and violence directed against Hindus throughout the world. It also claims that there is a growing number of Hindus seeking refuge due to state-based discrimination. It claims to work with Hindu organizations in the U.S. and internationally to alleviate economic hardship for Hindus. ⁸

Controversies

Critics claim that Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) has ties to India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu-nationalist organization. ^{2 3 4 5}

One group, Stop Hindutva, claims that HSS’s attempts to distance itself from this connection are misleading. ² It cites a report from Zee News, a media outlet allegedly run by a former RSS member, which described HSS as the “overseas unit” of the RSS. ¹¹ It also cites the Hindustan Times’ characterization of HSS as “an organization with close links to the RSS” that “works in close coordination with RSS leaders.” ¹² It also cites academic experts familiar with RSS who echo these characterizations. ²

The Bridge Initiative, a Georgetown University project, produced a fact sheet in 2024 alleging ties between HSS and RSS. At the time, it claimed HSS’s website “venerate[d] the early ideologues of Hindu nationalism, including those who praised Nazi Germany.” ⁵

Financials

In 2023, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s (HSS’) American branch reported revenue of $2,189,825, total expenses of $1,510,652, and net assets of $6,182,351. ¹³

Funding

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) claims to receive voluntary contributions from its volunteer members. ⁸

HSS received $24,000 from the Aggarwal and Gupta Family Foundation in 2021. ¹⁴ It received $10,000 from Compassion Beyond Borders Incorporated in 2019. ¹⁵ It received $30,000 from Bhutada Family Foundation in 2015. ¹⁶

Leadership

As of 2023, Vinod Ambastha was listed as president of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), with Ramesh Bhutada and Narsimha Reddy Koppula serving as joint presidents. ¹⁷

HSS claims to be a volunteer-based organization with its daily activities managed by teams of volunteer officers. ⁸