- Abhijit Joag’s book, "Grit & Glory," was released in Guwahati, chronicling the RSS's socio-cultural transformation of Northeast India since 1946.
- The publication highlights the dedication and sacrifices of volunteers, featuring a foreword by Nitin Gadkari and endorsements from RSS leadership.
- It documents regional history and the challenges faced by the Sangh while working towards social change in the border-adjacent states.
- Retired IAS officer Rajiv Kr Bora and senior RSS pracharaks attended the launch, emphasizing the organization's long-term commitment to the region.
Guwahati: Grit & Glory: How India’s Northeast Was Transformed One Heart at a Time, a book authored by acclaimed writer Abhijit Joag, was released on September 26, 2026, at the NEDFi Convention Centre in Guwahati.
Rajiv Kr Bora, IAS (retired), formally released the book in the presence of senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharaks Haribhau Mirasdar and Ulhas Kulkarni. The programme was presided over by journalist Nava Thakuria and attended by a large number of RSS karyakartas and representatives of civil society.
Published by New Delhi-based Suruchi Prakashan, the 300-page book is priced at Rs 445 and carries a foreword by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat is quoted in the book as saying, “The book is an inspiring word picture of the dedication and grit with which many young workers of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Rashtra Sevika Samiti transformed the North-East of Bharat, which will create the same grit and dedication in the youth of Bharat so that our sacred motherland will attain supreme glory to the benefit of all mankind.”
The book recounts the stories of individuals who worked with the Sangh for social transformation in Northeast India, including those who sacrificed their lives in the course of their work. It also explores the history, challenges and social transformation of the region, which is surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet (now under China), Myanmar and Bangladesh.
The book gives special attention to RSS pracharaks and volunteers associated with RSS-affiliated organisations. It incorporates inputs from hundreds of RSS volunteers from across the country, presenting what the publishers describe as a record of hope, dedication and aspiration.
Speaking at the launch, Bora recalled the challenges faced by RSS workers during the organisation’s early years in the region. He said several RSS pracharaks lost their lives while working there.
Mirasdar said the RSS began its work in the region in 1946 from Guwahati and that its expansion remained slow for several years. He said Sangh workers continued to face various challenges and eventually expanded the organisation’s activities across the Northeast.
Kulkarni, in his address, spoke about the opposition faced by Sangh volunteers in sections of northeastern society. He also referred to the RSS’s support for the Assam Agitation against alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
In his closing remarks, Thakuria stressed the importance of credible and responsible media coverage of the RSS and its activities.
At the beginning of the programme, the distinguished guests offered Pushpanjali before a portrait of Bharat Mata. The event was anchored by Nabamita Deb. A Borgeet was performed by Rita Bhuyan, while Hirak Sarma delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme concluded with the singing of the full version of Vande Mataram, India’s national song.
