India: RSS prepares for a new 10-storey office complex in Delhi

Indian Express

RSS prepares for a new 10-storey office complex
Written by Shyamlal Yadav | New Delhi | June 22, 2014 2:03 am

RSS office at Keshav Kunj is a cluster of low buildings spread over 2.5 acres in Delhi’s Jhandewalan. (Prem Nath Pandey) RSS office at Keshav Kunj is a cluster of low buildings spread over 2.5 acres in Delhi’s Jhandewalan. (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

Summary
Foundation stone to be laid on Vijayadashami, Keshav Kunj buildings to be torn down

RSS prepares for a new 10-floor office complex

Its design has been cleared, requisite approvals from municipal authorities have been in place for more than a year, and come October 3, Vijayadashami day, the RSS plans to mark its 89th anniversary by laying the foundation stone for a new 10-storey headquarters that will replace its current office in Jhandewalan in the capital.

The cluster of low buildings spread over 2.5 acres in Keshav Kunj (named after founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar) that have housed the RSS head office for over five decades will be torn down.

The Indian Express has learnt that the process has begun for occupants to move to temporary accommodation for an estimated three years while the new office is built. A school on the premises has been vacated to house RSS office-bearers for the time being.

The new complex will have parking space for 400 cars. A senior RSS pracharak said: “Planning has been on for many years. Now almost all preparations are done. The design is approved, and once all occupants move, we will start construction.”

Sources said that for years, Sah-sarkaryavah Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi has been discussing the need for more office space on the premises. Nitin Gadkari, during his stint as BJP president, was said to have advised the Sangh to “reconstruct” the office. The RSS deputed one of its pracharaks, Ravindra, to look after construction-related work.

Sources said the new office would accommodate all RSS units currently housed in Keshav Kunj. These include publications Panchajanya and Organiser, along with Suruchi Prakashan, Sanskrit Bharati, Seva Bharati, Bharati Itihaas Sankalan Samiti, and the RSS’s international affairs wing.