Honouring Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar: Visionary Founder of RSS

Dr. Hedgewar participated in the Partition of Bengal movement in 1905 and the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920, both of which were significant in mobilizing the Indian masses against British rule.

- MURARI GUPTA

On April 1, 1889, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra. A passionate nationalist, freedom fighter, and skilled organizer, Dr. Hedgewar is best known for founding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925. What began with just a handful of Bal Swayamsevaks has evolved into the world's largest non-governmental organization, with branches around the globe working for the betterment of society, nation, and culture.

Dr. Hedgewar's vision was to create an organized, strong, and self-reliant India, as he firmly believed that only a united society could build a powerful nation. His dedication to national service and social reform remained unwavering throughout his life. Today, the RSS continues to uphold his values, fostering unity, discipline, and self-reliance, and playing a pivotal role in shaping India's cultural and social fabric. Dr. Hedgewar's legacy is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and selfless service.

Dr. Hedgewar's early life was full of struggles. In his childhood itself, he understood the oppressive policies of the British rule. After receiving his early education in Nagpur, he went to study medicine from Calcutta Medical College. There he took part in revolutionary activities and adopted the ideas of armed revolution against the British. But later he realized that it is not possible to achieve independence and organize the nation only through armed revolution. That is why he laid the foundation of a social and cultural movement, which later established itself as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.