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Raise of RSS-affiliated think tanks

Since 2014, the number of think tanks affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has significantly increased. India had 192 think tanks in 2014, which surged to 612 by 2021, reflecting a notable rise in nationalist-oriented institutions like the India Foundation and the Vivekananda International Foundation

 This growth is part of a broader strategy to challenge leftist intellectual dominance and promote a "New India" ideology through policy research and public discourse.

The main goals of RSS-affiliated think tanks include:
  • Promoting Hindutva Ideology: They aim to spread the ideology of Hindutva to strengthen the Hindu community and uphold Indian culture and civilizational values

  • Challenging Leftist Dominance: These think tanks seek to counter the intellectual hegemony of leftist ideologies in India, providing an alternative narrative in policy discourse

  • Supporting Government Policies: They produce research and reports that support the policies of the BJP government, thereby providing "intellectual ammunition" for political debates and initiatives

  • Influencing Public Opinion: By organizing seminars and discussions, they aim to shape public perception on key issues affecting national interests

RSS-affiliated think tanks contribute to the BJP's electoral strategy in several ways:
  • Data Analytics and Insights: They collect and analyze data on voter preferences and candidate performance, helping the BJP tailor its campaigns to specific constituencies
  • Policy Formulation: These think tanks assist in drafting policy proposals and manifestos, ensuring alignment with the party's ideological goals
  • Public Perception Management: They design campaigns that shape public opinion, utilizing surveys and field reports to inform strategies
  • Building Intellectual Legitimacy: By promoting a "soft Hindutva" agenda, they create a respectable intellectual framework that supports the party's broader goals while appealing to diverse audiences

RSS-affiliated think tanks have significantly influenced Indian government policies through various mechanisms:
  • Policy Input: They provide direct policy recommendations and analyses on critical issues such as national security, economic reforms, and social policies, shaping the government's agenda and legislative priorities 

  • Expertise Utilization: The government increasingly consults these think tanks for expert opinions, leading to their involvement in formulating strategies on foreign policy, climate change, and defense 

  • Public Discourse: By organizing discussions and seminars, these think tanks facilitate public debates that can sway public opinion and inform policymaking processes 

  • Institutional Access: Their close ties with government officials enhance their influence, allowing them to play a role in high-level discussions and committees 
RSS-affiliated think tanks recruit and train their researchers through various strategies:
  • Targeted Recruitment: They often hire young graduates, leveraging personal and professional networks to find skilled candidates with relevant expertise and creativity
  • Mentorship Programs: New researchers are typically paired with experienced mentors to facilitate skill development and integration into the organization
  • Training and Development: Continuous training is emphasized, focusing on project management, policy analysis, and communication skills to prepare researchers for diverse roles
  • Engagement with External Stakeholders: Researchers are encouraged to interact with policymakers and media, enhancing their practical experience and visibility in the field

RSS-affiliated think tanks address controversies surrounding their ideology by:
  • Promoting Evidence-Based Discourse: They emphasize the importance of evidence-based discussions to counter criticisms and present their ideas as grounded in research, aiming to legitimize their positions despite ideological biases

  • Engaging in Public Debate: By creating platforms for dialogue, they encourage debates that include opposing views, which helps mitigate accusations of narrow-mindedness and fosters a perception of openness

  • Maintaining Independence: While aligned with the BJP's ideology, these think tanks often assert their independence, allowing for critical assessments of government policies when necessary, thereby enhancing their credibility

  • Strategic Communication: They utilize media effectively to shape narratives around their policies, addressing controversies proactively through public relations efforts and targeted messaging

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