RSS, was a born patriot whose selfless love and devotion to India was evident from an early age. By the time he completed his medical education in Kolkata, he was familiar with all major efforts to free India— from armed revolution to satyagraha. As a physician and social observer, he diagnosed the deeper issues behind India’ s subjugation: lack of patriotism in daily life, decline
of collective national character, fragmented identities, and lack of social discipline. He believed these were the real reasons why foreign invaders succeeded. He also realized that people had lost collective memory and pride in India ' s glorious history, leading to a sense of inferiority and pessimism about their own culture and knowledge traditions.
Dr. Hedgewar concluded that mere political activism under select leaders wouldn’ t solve India’ s deep-rooted issues. Hence, he developed a systematic approach to train people to live for the nation. The RSS ' s unique " shakha " model was born out of this visionary thinking, beyond any political struggle.
He acknowledged that it was not easy to explain the idea of Hindutva and nationhood at that time, as the Englisheducated elite were influenced by narrow and exclusionary European concepts of nationalism. Dr. Hedgewar didn’ t merely formulate an ideology— he laid out a practical action plan, which became the guiding force of the RSS’ s journey. Even during his lifetime, the Sangh’ s work had spread across all regions of India.
When India achieved independence and, unfortunately, was divided on religious lines, RSS volunteers dedicated themselves to protecting Hindus coming from Pakistan and resettling them with dignity and respect.
India, he said, is an ancient civilization with a spiritual tradition and a destined role in the welfare of humanity. If India is to fulfill this role based on ideas of universal harmony and unity, its people must prepare themselves accordingly. Guruji Golwalkar laid down a strong ideological foundation for this. A renewed reform movement within Hindu society gained momentum when all sects declared that discrimination had no religious sanction.
RSS volunteers also played a major role in peacefully restoring democracy when the Constitution was violated.
This year, the Sangh completes 100 years on Vijayadashami. The coming year will focus on the expansion and consolidation of the Sangh’ s work— not celebrating milestones, but embracing introspection, society’ s support, national dedication, and social organization.
In this centenary year, the Sangh resolves to work with greater caution, quality, and reach. Hindu conferences will be held in every locality and community without discrimination, spreading the message of unity and harmony in daily life, individual contributions to the nation, and participation in the " Panch Parivartan "( Five Transformations). Similarly, social harmony meetings will be organized at the city / block level to emphasize living together with unity. These meetings will also explore how to lead modern lives without losing cultural grounding and Hindu identity. He gave the example of the Kumbh Mela, where people from all regions come together.
At the district level, important dialogues with civil society will be held to establish correct narratives on national issues and counter prevalent falsehoods. Provincial units will also organize special programs for youth.
He concluded by saying that the rejuvenation of Hindu society has always been the RSS ' s agenda. Organizing Hindu society— despite internal flaws like untouchability— has been a challenging mission. The Sangh continues to pursue this through its shakhas and nationwide activities, which aim to bring everyone together for a harmonious society and a united nation. �
April 2025 | Dalit Andolan Patrika 21