I was a member of local RSS shakha: Milind Soman

Recalling his days as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his youth, model, actor and athlete Milind Soman has said that he is bewildered to hear about communalist propaganda being associated to the organisation.

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In his memoir, ''Made in India'', Soman said, ''When I read today all the subversive, communal propaganda the media attributes to RSS shakhas, I am frankly baffled. My memories of what happened at our shakha between 6 and 7 pm each weekday evening are completely different."

"We marched about in our khaki shorts, did some yoga, worked out in a traditional outdoor gymnasium with no fancy equipment, sang songs and chanted Sanskrit verses that we did not understand the meanings of, played games and had a bunch of fun with our fellows.''

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Remembering his old days, Soman described RSS like a ''desi scouts movement''.

Soman used to visit the training centre of the organisation on a regular basis at Shivaji Park when he was 10 years old.

Soman also wrote that his father was a great believer in the benefits that the organisation would accrue to a young boy, in terms of disciplined living, physical fitness and right thinking, from being part of the junior cadres of the RSS. 

The statements have created a stir on social media and received mixed reactions. While some supported the actor, many criticised him. 

Soman also reacted to the outrage row and wrote, "Trending at 54 for an experience I had at the age of 10. Wish it was about swimming, which was at the same time!" on the micro-blogging site.