'Hedgewar was not orthodox Hindu'

RSS founder influenced by Muslim scholar, challenged orthodox Hindu practices, says author of biography

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Yet the belief that Hedgewar was an orthodox Hindu is simply a myth," said Sachin Nandha, a UK-born philosopher and strategist. His book, "Hedgewar: A Definitive Biography," challenges common perceptions of the RSS founder.

During his visit to Ahmedabad, Nandha told Mirror that his book examines a country struggling with colonial rule and rising communal tensions. It reveals both known and lesser-known details about the RSS founder, hoping to spark fresh conversations.

Nation first: The core philosophy
Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925, championing cultural nationalism as an alternative to the political nationalism of the Indian National Congress. When Nandha couldn't find comprehensive English-language material about Hedgewar's life, he decided to write one himself. His research stretched over seven years, during which he attended hundreds of RSS events worldwide.

"Sangh portrays him as Hindu while academic literature often paints him as anti-minority. But I found evidence that Hedgewar was heavily influenced by Maulana Liaquat Hussain," Nandha explained. "The Maulana, a nationalist Muslim, taught him how one could be Muslim while still being a deshbhakt."