The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), marking its centenary, recently held a three-day lecture series in Delhi, which brought to light the historical involvement of the organization and its founder, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, in India’s struggle for independence. Despite some assertions minimizing the RSS’s role, evidence demonstrates significant participation in various anti-British movements, including the Civil Disobedience and Quit India movements.
Dr. Hedgewar, from a young age, displayed open opposition to British rule. In 1897, he refused to accept sweets distributed during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and in 1907, he was expelled from school for singing ‘Vande Mataram’ in defiance of a British ban.
His involvement extended to revolutionary groups. During his medical studies, Hedgewar was connected to the Anushilan Samiti, a key revolutionary organization in Bengal. In 1915, amidst World War I, Dr. Hedgewar played a crucial role in coordinating a revolt in central India when Ras Bihari Bose and Sachindra Nath Sanyal organized a nationwide uprising in military cantonments.
Initially, Hedgewar collaborated with the Congress. In 1920, he and Dr. B.S. Hardikar were in charge of all arrangements at the 20th Congress session in Nagpur, overseeing the recruitment of approximately 1,200 volunteers. At this time, he was the Joint Secretary of the Nagpur Congress and a member of the reception committee.
Following the Nagpur Congress session, Hedgewar became a prominent leader. He was appointed to the Tilak Swaraj Fund Committee in April 1921 and elected to the District Congress in May 1921. His prominence grew through his role in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Dr. Hedgewar openly opposed British orders. In 1921, he announced that no liquor shops would operate in Nagpur, leading to a ban on public gatherings. Imprisoned for a year, he returned to the national movement in 1922.
In 1923, he trained volunteers for the Jhanda Satyagraha in Nagpur. He formed the Wardha Parishad with others to organize the RSS in the freedom struggle. In 1924, Hedgewar began using the press to promote complete freedom, becoming a prominent editor. He founded the RSS in 1925.
During 1926-27, the RSS expanded. Revolutionary Rajguru became a volunteer. Bhagat Singh met Dr. Hedgewar in Nagpur. After the assassination of a police officer, revolutionaries escaped with Hedgewar’s help.
RSS volunteers were at the forefront of protests during the Simon Commission’s visit in 1927. In 1928, Vithalbhai Patel was the chief guest during Vijayadashami. A training camp on Swaraj was held in Wardha in 1929.
Dr. Hedgewar expressed that India would achieve freedom through its own efforts.
The Congress declared complete independence in 1929 and called for Independence Day on January 26, 1930. Dr. Hedgewar supported this, issuing directives to RSS branches to hoist the flag and hold lectures on freedom. Independence Day was celebrated in all RSS branches.
In 1930, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, which the Sangh supported. In 1930, Dr. Hedgewar led a Satyagraha.
On August 8, 1931, several volunteers were injured during a procession. During the Vijayadashami, Dr. Hedgewar was in jail, with a message being read in the RSS branches that the pursuit of comfort would be ceased until India achieved independence.
As the Sangh’s role in the freedom movement grew, the government took notice. On December 15, 1932, the government prohibited its employees from joining the RSS. Protests followed.
In 1934, the government faced opposition when it attempted to ban RSS members, leading to the debate lasting for three days, thus increasing the Sangh’s popularity.
The revolutionary spirit of Dr. Hedgewar inspired the Mukteshwar Dal to merge into the RSS, establishing many new branches.
Dr. Hedgewar’s ideals impacted numerous national leaders. His ability to clearly articulate the Sangh’s perspective gained him respect.
A training camp was held on December 22, 1934, with 1,500 volunteers. The RSS became a topic of discussion due to Mahatma Gandhi’s visit. Volunteers welcomed him.
During the Faizpur Congress session in 1936, a young RSS volunteer hoisted the flag, but the honor was withdrawn when his affiliation was revealed. Dr. Hedgewar honored him and advised him to remove obstacles in the path of the country.
In December 1937, Dr. Hedgewar introduced Veer Savarkar to the RSS, who, in turn, was warmly welcomed. Savarkar was very emotional seeing the dedication of the RSS volunteers.
In 1939, Subhash Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc. Bose was expelled from the Congress in 1939.
In early 1940, a veteran Bengali revolutionary toured to organize revolutionaries. He met Dr. Hedgewar and sought the Sangh’s organizational strength for the revolution.
In June 1940, Subhash Chandra Bose met Dr. Hedgewar, who then entrusted the leadership to M.S. Golwalkar. Dr. Hedgewar died in June 1940.
In 1942, the Congress launched the Quit India movement. The RSS volunteers were actively involved.
The Asti-Chimur rebellion in Maharashtra saw many volunteers jailed. The movement spread. The news of the Chimur rebellion was broadcast on Berlin Radio. In this struggle, the RSS volunteer Balaji Rajapurkar was martyred.
The Sangh was active in the Quit India movement. British intelligence reports show that the RSS was working towards achieving independence.
