On September 27, 1925, in Mumbai, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, along with five other volunteers, formed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Despite early skepticism about its potential, the organization has grown into a prominent global voluntary and Hindu organization.
With its centenary approaching, the RSS now has over 75,000 branches across India. The organization claims a membership of over 10 million trained individuals. The Sangh’s reach includes over 80 affiliated organizations, with activities spanning approximately 40 countries. Currently, the RSS conducts over 56,000 daily shakhas, supplemented by around 14,000 weekly and 9,000 monthly shakhas.
This article explores the historical evolution of the RSS.
### From the Khilafat Movement to the Genesis of the RSS
The year 1919 saw the end of World War I and the decline of the Ottoman Empire. The British government’s removal of the Caliph of Turkey, a religious leader revered by Muslims globally, led to widespread anger. In India, where colonial rule was prevalent, Muslims protested in the streets.
The Khilafat movement, led by the Ali brothers, aimed to reinstate the Caliph. The movement quickly gained significant support.
India’s environment was already strained by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act. Mahatma Gandhi, upon his return from South Africa, was preparing a mass movement. He viewed the Khilafat movement as a potential bridge for Hindu-Muslim unity.
### Hedgewar’s Contrasting Perspective to Gandhi
Hedgewar, a young Congressman, disagreed with Gandhi’s approach, considering the prioritization of religion over the nation perilous. Despite his reservations, he participated in the movement and was later imprisoned for his impassioned speeches.
When the movement reached Malabar in 1921, violence erupted between Muslim farmers and Hindu landlords. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar criticized the resulting violence, while Annie Besant questioned Gandhi’s actions.
Hedgewar was deeply affected by the events, leading him to recognize the need for a separate Hindu organization. Although he initially joined the Hindu Mahasabha, he became disillusioned, perceiving it as being too focused on political maneuvering rather than genuinely safeguarding Hindu interests.
### The Founding of the RSS on Vijayadashami
On September 27, 1925, during Vijayadashami, Hedgewar and his five associates established the Sangh. This marked the birth of the RSS.
Initially, members met twice a week. They exercised on Sundays and discussed national issues on Thursdays. These meetings, known as shakhas, became central to the Sangh’s identity. The organization was formally named the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on April 17, 1926, and the first uniform was displayed on Ram Navami that year.
Regular shakhas began at Mohite’s Wada in Nagpur, which allowed the Sangh to broaden its impact across Indian society and politics.
### Hedgewar’s Strategy for Expanding the RSS
Hedgewar encouraged students to establish shakhas in their colleges to promote the Sangh’s message. He would personally follow up on the progress of the shakhas.
The first branch outside of Maharashtra was established in Varanasi in 1930. This branch was significant because it led to the involvement of the second Sarsanghchalak, Guruji (Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar), with the Sangh. Hedgewar personally engaged with members who didn’t attend regularly, fostering personal connections, and encouraging more people to join, which allowed the Sangh to spread nationwide.
### Leadership Transitions: Sarsanghchalaks Who Passed Away in Office
From 1925, there have been six Sarsanghchalaks. Dr. Hedgewar, who initiated the RSS, held the position from 1925 to 1940. Golwalkar succeeded him from 1940 to 1973. Madhukar Dattatreya Deoras, known as Balasaheb Deoras, became Sarsanghchalak in 1973. Rajendra Singh, also known as Rajju Bhaiya, took on the role in 1993, and in 2000, he passed the position to Kripahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan due to health reasons. Sudarshan later passed his responsibilities to Dr. Mohanrao Madhukarrao Bhagwat (Mohan Bhagwat) in 2009, also due to health reasons.
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