'RSS focusing on social media to connect with youth'

In a bid to connect with youth, especially those in urban areas, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is increasingly turning to the internet and social media even as it claims increased student participation as a result of these efforts.

Youths are associating in large numbers with the organisation, which has opened 1,000 more branches or 'shakhas' across the country, according to a report by the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini (ABK) of RSS, which will be discussed in detail today as part of a meeting.

ABK media coordinator Manmohan Vaidya said that there are 40,000 branches of RSS in the country with 70,000 youths joining the organisation every year.

There is an increase in the connection RSS has with the youth, he said.

They have also begun a RSS movement on the internet and social media, he said, adding that efforts were being made on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about their organisation.