All the "intellectuals" who are saying RSS did not participate in freedom struggle are peddling half-Truths and they know it.
RSS was not formed as a competitor to INC to compete for struggle for independence. The aims and goals of RSS pre-independence was specific to Hindu movement and safety.
BUT
Leadership of RSS did participate in freedom movement even though they kept the Organization out of the politics of it. This simple fact is not shared by anyone.
It is as good as some one saying Nehru was not a patriot or did not work for independence as he was neither jailed or tortured but instead was seen always enjoying himself in company of memsaabs all the time.
The horrible twisting of history to suite ones agenda is sickening, probably the result of leftist education of India.
I repeat, RSS was not a political entity. It aims were different but leaders were never asked not to get involved in freedom movement as long as they kept RSS away from their activities.