Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, born on 1 April 1889, in Nagpur, was an Indian physician and the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He served as its first Sarsanghchalak (Supreme Leader) from its inception in 1925 until his death in 1940.
Key Facts
- Founder of RSS: He established the
RSS on the day of Vijayadashami in 1925 in Nagpur. His goal was to
organise Hindu society and instill national character and discipline.
- Medical Background: He
studied medicine at the National Medical College in Calcutta, receiving
his degree in 1916.
- Political Involvement:
- Before founding the RSS, he was a member of the Indian
National Congress and served as the joint secretary of the
Provincial Congress in 1922.
- He was involved in revolutionary activities in Calcutta with
the Anusheelan Samiti.
- He participated in the Non-cooperation Movement (1921) and the
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), serving prison time for both.
- Philosophy: Hedgewar's vision
focused on cultural regeneration and the idea of a united India rooted in
indigenous ideology. He was heavily influenced by leaders like V.D.
Savarkar and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- Innovations: He introduced the concept of the Shakha (daily
meeting/branch) where volunteers engage in physical exercises, patriotic
songs, and discussions to build a sense of discipline and unity. He
famously designated the Saffron Flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj)
as the "Guru" of the organisation to promote loyalty to a
philosophy rather than an individual.
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