In a first, RSS invites woman for the first time as chief guest during Dussehra

• The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh invited acclaimed mountaineer Santosh Yadav to be the chief guest at its Dussehra function. This is the first time in the Sangh’s history that a woman graced the event as chief guest. Santosh Yadav is the first woman to climb Mount Everest twice – first in May 1992, and then again in May 1993. RSS invitation to Santosh Yadav comes at a time when the RSS is trying to shed its men-only image and advocate for women’s rights. In fact, equal rights and women's empowerment were the main focus of Mohan Bhagwat's speech at the same event. The RSS Chief said India could become a world leader only if there was 'equal participation of women'.