By Mrityunjay Kumar Jha
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921 and the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. For his involvement, he was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment twice. This shows that he was not isolated from the movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, but was in fact a direct participant.
When Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922, the 18th of every month was observed as “Gandhi Day.” On this occasion, Dr. Hedgewar stated that this day should be dedicated to imbibing the noble virtues present in the life of a great and revered personality like Mahatma Gandhi.
In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi visited an RSS camp along with Jamnalal Bajaj. Upon observing that volunteers from Scheduled Castes were present and lived together without any discrimination, he was deeply pleased. He appreciated the discipline and social harmony within the organization.
In September 1947, Gandhi addressed RSS volunteers in Delhi. He mentioned that during his visit to the Wardha camp, he witnessed discipline, simplicity, and the absence of untouchability within the RSS. He emphasized that an organization inspired by sacrifice and service gains strength, and if it is guided by purity of purpose and true knowledge, it becomes highly beneficial for society.
On January 30, 1948, upon receiving the news of Gandhi’s assassination, RSS Sarsanghchalak Guruji M.S. Golwalkar sent condolence messages to Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Devdas Gandhi. In his message, he described the act as condemnable and a blot on society. The RSS suspended all its activities across the country for 13 days in mourning.
In 1969, Guruji Golwalkar unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Sangli. On that occasion, he said that Gandhi’s life elevated him from an ordinary individual to an extraordinary personality, and that his life should be emulated by all.
There were both differences and similarities between the RSS and Mahatma Gandhi. The RSS had objections on certain issues such as what it viewed as Muslim appeasement. However, on matters like Swadeshi, Gram Swaraj, cow protection, eradication of untouchability, and value-based living, both shared very similar perspectives. Even today, the RSS continues to work with dedication and depth on these principles.
The relationship between the RSS and Mahatma Gandhi cannot be understood merely through criticism or glorification. Despite differences, there has always been mutual respect, dialogue, and a shared vision for national interest.
Mrityunjay Kumar Jha
Investment Banker and RSS Thinker
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