Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar

Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born on April 1, 1889 in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He trained as a medical doctor at Calcutta Medical College and participated in revolutionary activities during his student days. Engaged in armed resistance initially but later moved towards nation-building through social organization.

His Freedom Struggle Involvement:

  • Took part in:
    • Partition of Bengal Movement (1905).
    • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) – led over 6,000 volunteers in Jungle Satyagraha, imprisoned for 9 months.
    • Quit India Movement (1942) – encouraged RSS volunteers' participation.
  • Associated with Indian National Congress, but later turned towards socio-cultural nationalism.

Founding of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh):

  • Established on Vijayadashami, 27 September 1925, in Nagpur.
  • Vision: Create an organized, self-reliant, and strong India through social unity, discipline, and patriotism.
  • RSS focused on physical, mental, and intellectual development of its volunteers (Swayamsevaks).
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar

Ideological Vision:

  • Believed in the soul of India being rooted in Hindu culture.
  • Aimed at uniting Hindu society and eliminating caste discrimination and untouchability.
  • Emphasized reviving Indian culture and values to re-establish India as “Vishwa Guru”.

Role in Nation Building:

  • Post-independence contributions:
    • Disaster management (floods, earthquakes, epidemics).
    • Establishment of educational institutions rooted in Indian culture.
    • Promotion of social harmony, language, and national values.
    • Encouraged discipline, national security, and physical education among the youth.

His Legacy

  • Left a lasting impact through organizational leadership and vision for a united India.
  • His ideology continues to influence India’s socio-political landscape.
  • A visionary who combined nationalism with social reform.