ABSTRACT
Since the late 1980s, Hindu nationalism largely owes its success, to its ability to alternatively mobilize support in the streets on ethno-religious issues and to make alliances with regional partners, but also to earlier grassroots work by its activists. Social welfare work for Hindus is one of the main activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This social welfare strategy has, however, been implemented more systematically since 1989 when the RSS set up a new affiliate known as Seva Bharti. The RSS's uses of the term samskar reflects its aspiration to reform mentalities in line with the high Hindu tradition and, more specifically, to infuse Hindu awareness and national discipline. The school thus claims a place within the Great Hindu Tradition. The school owes some of its appeal to the fact that it is an instrument of Sanskritization. This strategy exploits the philanthropy of patrons wishing to gain merit by their gifts.
