Dr. Hedgewar

INTRODUCTION

Hello, dear readers.

          We meet again after a long time. Once again, I have come with another book-based write-up on Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

FAMILY AND CHILDHOOD 

            Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born on 1st April 1889, the day of Gudi Padwa, in Nagpur. He was the son of Baliram Pant Hedgewar and Revitibai. He was the youngest child in the family.

             When he was only twelve years old, both his parents died due to a plague epidemic. From a very early age, he developed strong patriotism and a deep hatred for British rule.

Once, during a school celebration, English sweets were distributed. Dr. Hedgewar threw away the sweets in protest, while other students were afraid to do so. He openly said, “Foreigners are our enemies.”

EDUCATION AND NATIONALIST SPIRIT

            Once, when a British inspection officer visited his school, Dr. Hedgewar and his friends raised the slogan “Vande Mataram.” While other students apologised out of fear, he refused to apologise and was forced to leave the school.

He later took admission at Yavatmal Vidya Griha, but due to pressure from the British authorities, the institution was closed. After that, he went to Pune and passed his Matriculation examination at Shankaracharya Math.

              He then went to Kolkata and completed his medical education, earning the degree of a doctor. However, his main aim was not personal success, but the freedom and unity of India.

Personality and Social Work

                 Dr. Hedgewar was calm, courageous, disciplined, and fearless. He never feared the British authorities, and therefore, the police kept him under constant observation.

               He joined social groups that helped the poor, the needy, and people in danger, such as those drowning or affected by disasters.

Once in Kolkata, when local people attacked the house where he lived with his roommates, his friends were ready to leave out of fear. Dr. Hedgewar confidently said, “I will handle this.” He faced the attackers bravely and warned them not to repeat such acts.

LIFE OF SACRIFICE

            Dr. Hedgewar never married and did not seek a permanent job. He believed that his life was dedicated to the nation and society. He once said, “I will serve country till my last breath.”

           He was arrested by the British government for his nationalist activities. Even in court, he delivered a bold and inspiring speech, saying,

“I am thankful for your love. I will return after a year. Bharat Mata ki Jai!”

Even during his time in jail, he continued to motivate fellow prisoners and remained active in the freedom movement.

ESTABLISHED OF SANGH 

           After his release from jail, Dr. Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925. The Sangh focused on discipline, character-building, national unity, and selfless service.

          Through daily shakhas, people gathered for physical training, discussions, and social awareness. Dr. Hedgewar believed strongly in punctuality, discipline, and collective responsibility.

           When internal differences arose within the organisation, he wisely said:

“I am not afraid of external enemies, but of internal divisions.”

         He also started Bal Shikshan and activities for children, naming some initiatives after Kush, the son of Lord Rama, to inspire moral values.

Last Stage of Life.

         Even when Dr. Hedgewar was seriously ill and confined to bed, he continued to guide Sangh members and think about the organisation’s future.

He once said:

  “After my death, the Sangh must not stop. I did not create the Sangh; the Sangh created me.”

He also insisted that people should not say, “I was a part of the Sangh,” but rather, “The Sangh is a part of my life.”

             On Saturday, 21st June 1940, at 9:27 a.m., Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar breathed his last. Thousands of people attended his funeral procession, paying tribute to a life of sacrifice and service to the nation.