Tragically, the neglect of revolutionaries such as Hedgewar in mainstream historiography has allowed a distorted narrative to prevail, which has been exploited by agenda-driven historians.
As Bharat celebrates the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), it is a moment of reflection on the visionary leadership of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. This milestone fortuitously coincides with the Hindu New Year celebrations of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, and his 136th birth anniversary, making it an opportune time to revisit his profound contributions to Bharat’s resurgence. He was born in a Telugu family from Kanthipurti in Telangana. Historically, these festivals signify renewal and revival, which one can symbolically align with Hedgewar’s vision of a rejuvenated, self-reliant Bharat.
Tragically, the neglect of revolutionaries such as Hedgewar in mainstream historiography has allowed a distorted narrative to prevail, which has been exploited by agenda-driven historians. This marginalization has obscured the ideological roots of figures like Hedgewar, who was not merely a thinker but a transformative leader whose ideas of national unity and cultural resurgence remain relevant today. For such reasons, his legacy calls for a more objective evaluation, free from the distortions of agenda-driven historiography. This is not just a call for re-evaluation, but a call for intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness, to appreciate his role in shaping a united, self-reliant, and inclusive Bharat.
Inspired by the writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Dr Hedgewar joined the Anushilan Samiti early on in his career, essentially revealing his commitment at that early age towards the idea of a nationalist resurgence that was both cultural, social, and political. He saw the need for an organized Hindu society to withstand colonial oppression and internal divisions. Later, his exposure to revolutionaries and thinkers like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Lokmanya Tilak, Samarth Ramdas, and Aurobindo shaped his conviction that true national independence required not just political freedom but also cultural reawakening. This led him to establish the RSS in 1925 on Vijayadashami, a day symbolizing the victory of righteousness over tyranny. His emphasis on “Rashtriya” (national) in the organization’s name underscored his belief that India’s national identity was inextricably linked to its Hindu ethos.
Hedgewar’s approach was distinct from the mainstream independence movement. While he respected the efforts of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, he viewed the Congress-led struggle as insufficient in addressing the deep-rooted civilizational challenges. His focus remained on “character-building”, which he viewed as fundamental to cultivating individuals of strong character who could lead society towards self-sufficiency and unity. This emphasis on grassroots mobilization laid the foundation for the RSS’s expansive role in nation-building, from social service initiatives to disaster relief efforts. Despite his reservations about political involvement, he encouraged individual Swayamsevaks to participate in the freedom struggle, while ensuring the RSS remained an apolitical cultural movement dedicated to strengthening Hindu society. A good example is the civil disobedience movement called by Gandhi, during which Dr Hedgewar insisted that members of the RSS can participate in the movement in their individual capacity, but the organization overall must not be politically active. Such clarity of thought and views have inspired the mindset of his successors, which is also reflected in Sangh’s functioning today.
For Hedgewar envisioned the RSS as a unifying force in a fragmented society, wherein the Sangh was a vehicle for national regeneration, and differences of caste
In the context of the contemporary discourse on polarization and ideological conflicts, a re-examination of Hedgewar’s vision is not just necessary, but crucial. At a time when divisions—both social and political—threaten national cohesion, the principles he espoused offer a constructive path forward. His call for Hindu unity was not exclusionary but aimed at integrating diverse traditions into a cohesive national identity. This aligns with the broader Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family—which remains relevant today in India’s global positioning.
As India strides towards “Viksit Bharat” in Amrit Kaal, the centenary of the RSS serves as an occasion to reaffirm its contributions to nation-building. From education and healthcare to rural development and environmental conservation, the Sangh has played a crucial role in fostering self-reliance and social harmony. Hedgewar’s insistence on character-building as the cornerstone of national progress underscores the need for value-based leadership in contemporary governance. The ethos of collective responsibility and service, deeply ingrained in the RSS’s functioning, can be a guiding force in addressing socio-economic challenges, particularly in the post-pandemic world. RSS 100 is more a time for renewal, revitalization, rededication, reimagination and reunification of Indian society.
Similarly, Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, marking the beginning of a new year in different regions of India, are deeply symbolic of renewal and resilience. These festivals, rooted in agricultural cycles and cultural traditions, reflect the continuity of India’s civilizational heritage, which Hedgewar sought to preserve and strengthen. Just as these festivals signify new beginnings, the centenary of the RSS calls for a recommitment to the principles of self-discipline, service, and national pride.
The marginalization of revolutionaries like Hedgewar in historical narratives has hindered a balanced understanding of India’s freedom movement and its aftermath. It is imperative to set the record straight, not through polemics, but by highlighting the tangible contributions of organizations like the RSS in shaping modern India. A balanced understanding of history is not just a matter of academic interest, but a question of justice and fairness. Integrating Hedgewar’s ideas into contemporary policy discussions on social cohesion, economic self-reliance, and cultural resurgence can provide a meaningful framework for navigating current challenges.
Let’s not forget that Hedgewar’s vision was not about exclusion but strength through unity. He recognized that an internally strong and cohesive Bharat would naturally command respect on the global stage. His emphasis on rekindling pride in India’s cultural and historical legacy was not meant to foster antagonism but to instil confidence in a civilization that had weathered centuries of foreign rule. His dream was a Bharat where every citizen, irrespective of background, took pride in their heritage while working collectively for a prosperous future. As India steps into the future, the lessons from Hedgewar’s life remain instructive. His vision of an empowered and united society resonates with the aspirations of a rising global power. In celebrating his legacy alongside the festivities of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, it is crucial to recognize that the essence of India’s progress lies in its ability to harmonize tradition with modernity, unity with diversity, and cultural pride with global engagement. In this spirit, the centenary of the RSS is not just a commemoration of the past but a call to action for the future.
* Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.