Dr Buragadda Srinadh
Commemorating Dr. Keshav Baliram Hegdewar on His Birth Anniversary
Today, we pay tribute to Dr. Keshav Baliram Hegdewar, an extraordinary visionary and statesman often regarded as an unsung Bharat Ratna. His unwavering dedication to nation-building, cultural preservation, and social reform played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hegdewar (April 1, 1889 – June 21, 1940), known as “Doctorji,” was an Indian physician and a prominent Hindutva activist who founded the RSS in Nagpur in 1925, driven by the ideals of Hindu nationalism. His great-great-grandfather migrated from Kandakurthi, Nizamabad in Telangana to Nagpur. Hegdewar’s ideology was influenced by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s Hindutva, as well as the teachings of Samarth Ramdas and Lokmanya Tilak. He frequently quoted Tukaram in his letters.
Established on Vijayadashami, the RSS aimed to foster cultural unity, spiritual revival, discipline, and national consciousness among Indians, viewing these as essential for India’s independence. Hegdewar deliberately chose the term ‘Rashtriya’ to emphasize Bharat’s identity, believing that India’s ancient civilization deserved restoration after centuries of foreign rule. He envisioned the RSS as a platform for cultivating individuals of strong character and unwavering commitment to the nation.
Strong Nationalism Rooted in Cultural Heritage
Dr. Hegdewar believed that nationhood is not merely political but deeply civilizational. He emphasized reviving and strengthening India’s cultural identity, ensuring that people remained connected to their roots. He saw Bharat as a great civilization (Vishwa Guru) and envisioned a society that took pride in its heritage while embracing modernity.
As the founder of the RSS, Dr. Hegdewar dreamed of an India that was self-reliant and culturally vibrant. He firmly believed that the strength of a nation lies in its society. Thus, he devoted his life to nurturing a disciplined, patriotic, and service-oriented citizenry. Understanding that social fragmentation and disunity were major challenges, he sought to unify Hindus across caste, regional, and linguistic lines under a common national identity.
Organizing Society for National Strength
Hegdewar saw social fragmentation as one of India’s greatest weaknesses. His goal was to unify all sections of Hindu society, cutting across caste, region, and language, to foster a shared national consciousness. He believed that an organized, disciplined, and service-minded society was essential for Bharat’s strength.
He envisioned a nation of individuals with high moral standards, discipline, and a spirit of selfless service. To achieve this, he developed the Shakha system, which promoted physical fitness, ideological clarity, and leadership skills.
Selfless Service and Social Transformation
Dr. Hegdewar strongly believed in Seva (selfless service) as a cornerstone of nation-building. Under his leadership, the RSS engaged in social service, disaster relief, rural development, and tribal welfare. What began as a modest initiative has now evolved into the world’s largest NGO. Today, the RSS runs over 150,000 social service projects and operates 73,117 daily Shakhas, with approximately 60 lakh volunteers actively contributing to society.
Character Building and Discipline
Hegdewar’s vision centered on building strong individuals with high moral character, discipline, and a sense of national duty. The Shakha system was designed to instill these values through structured training in physical fitness, leadership, and ideological clarity. He emphasized a “nation-first” mindset, where personal ambitions took a backseat to national progress.
National Security and Awareness
He firmly believed that a nation must remain vigilant and prepared to defend itself against potential threats. To this end, he promoted martial and physical training to develop strength and resilience among the younger generation. His vision underscored the importance of self-reliance in defense, economic stability, and effective governance. He aimed to ensure that India would never again fall under foreign domination, advocating for a robust framework that empowered the nation to stand independently and confidently in the face of external challenges.
Political Non-Alignment but Ideological Influence
Despite his strong nationalist ideology, Dr. Hegdewar chose not to involve the RSS directly in political activities. However, he was deeply committed to fostering socially aware individuals capable of effecting meaningful change in governance. His vision laid the groundwork for subsequent political movements, influencing the leadership trajectory in India.
The RSS has played a significant role in shaping India’s political landscape, contributing to the rise of two prime ministers, two presidents, and numerous chief ministers across various states. This influence is largely credited to Dr. Hegdewar’s foundational work and vision. Through its extensive grassroots network, the RSS has nurtured leaders who have left an indelible mark on India’s governance and development.
Legacy of Dr. Hegdewar
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hegdewar’s contributions to nation-building, cultural revival, and social unity continue to inspire generations. His legacy lives on through the RSS and its countless initiatives that uphold his vision of a disciplined, united, and service-oriented Bharat. As we commemorate his birth anniversary, we honor a man whose unwavering dedication helped shape the nation’s path toward self-reliance and cultural resurgence.
