K.B. Hedgewar
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Dr. Keshava Baliram Hedgewar (Nagpur, India April 1, 1889 - Nagpur, India June 21 1940) was the founder of Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS). Hedgewar founded the RSS in Nagpur, Maharashtra in 1925, with the intention of promoting the concept of the Hindu Rashtra. Hedgewar drew upon influences from social and spiritual reformers such as Swami Vivekananda and Aurubindo to develop the core philosophy of the RSS. The organization he founded crystallised the concept of Hinduism and Nationalism that has since become largest volunteer organization in the world Template:Citationneeded. After being sent to Kolkota to pursue a degree in medicine, Hedgewar was drawn into the influence of secret revolutionary organisations like the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar in Bengal. He was also a member of the Hindu Mahasabha till 1929. Hedgewar was imprisoned for sedition in 1921 for a year and again in 1930 for nine months. After his spell in prison he instructed the RSS to remain aloof from political activities including the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and continue mainly as a social organisation Template:Citationneeded.
Hedgewar and the RSS
The RSS was formed on Vijayadashami Day and focussed primarily on Indian youth. Guided by a vision of national unity, he travelled extensively to expand and consolidate the organisation. Hedgewar claimed that "at the heart of Hindu culture is Hindu religion, and its noble ideas are from the Vedas", also asserting that the diverse languages of India were offshoots of Sanskrit. Template:Ref. Hedgewar believed that character building could be achieved by engaging in physical exercise, bodybuilding, and sports. In 1999 the Government of India honored Hedgewar by publishing an Indian Postal Services stamp.
Notes
- Template:Note Robinson, Biography of Golwalkar, Oxford University Press 1967.