K. B. Hedgewar: The Visionary Leader from Nagpur and Founder of the RSS

K.B Hedgewar: Founder of the RSS

Nagpur, known as the "Orange City" of India, is more than just a centre for juicy fruits and the nation's zero milestone.

It has been a political powerhouse, giving rise to legendary political leaders who have significantly shaped India’s socio-political landscape. From revolutionary thinkers to pragmatic leaders of modern India, Nagpur's influence in Indian politics is undeniable.

In this article, we spotlight three prominent political personalities from Nagpur.

These leaders have left a legacy of courage, determination, and service, inspiring millions across India. Their stories are not just about politics but also about societal transformation, innovation, and development.

The Founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

Born on 1 April 1889 in Nagpur, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar is widely known as the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organisation that has had a profound impact on Indian society and politics. Hedgewar's journey from being a medical student to becoming a social reformer and political thinker illustrates his unwavering dedication to Hindutva philosophy and cultural nationalism.

He pursued his education in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he was drawn to the ideals of national freedom and the Swadeshi Movement. Hedgewar realised that India's freedom from colonial rule could only be achieved by awakening a sense of cultural unity and self-reliance among Indians.

Political Ideology and Contributions

K. B. Hedgewar's political ideology was rooted in the philosophy of cultural nationalism, a belief that India's essence lay in its ancient Hindu culture and civilisation.

Unlike the Western model of nationalism based on geography or race, Hedgewar emphasised that Indian nationalism must be founded on the cultural unity of its people.

This cultural bond, according to him, was embodied in the ethos of "Hindutva", a concept later popularised by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Hedgewar firmly believed that for India to achieve self-sufficiency and independence, its people had to unite under a common cultural identity, regardless of caste, creed, or class.

To this end, Hedgewar sought to eliminate divisions within Hindu society.

He believed that caste, language, and regional differences were obstacles to achieving the larger goal of national unity. His idea of cultural nationalism was not limited to just political independence but also aimed at social transformation and the revival of traditional values.

He viewed India's strength as lying in its spiritual and moral foundation, and he wanted every citizen to be a custodian of this heritage.

Founding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

The most monumental contribution of K. B. Hedgewar was the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on 27 September 1925, in Nagpur.

At the time, India was in the throes of the freedom movement, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who focused on non-violence and mass civil disobedience. Hedgewar, however, took a different approach.

He envisioned a cadre-based system that would instil discipline, self-reliance, and patriotism in individuals, believing that a strong, united society would naturally lead to a stronger nation.

The RSS began with only a handful of volunteers (called "Swayamsevaks"), but Hedgewar's vision was clear, to build an organisation that could train individuals in leadership, physical fitness, and moral responsibility.

Through activities like daily shakhas (morning assemblies) that involved physical exercises, moral discourses, and patriotic songs, the RSS aimed to cultivate a generation of responsible citizens ready to contribute to India's welfare.

What made the RSS distinct from other nationalist movements at the time was its focus on character-building at the individual level. While Gandhi and Nehru aimed at large-scale societal change through mass movements, Hedgewar believed that change must start with the individual.

His ideology resonated with many Indians, especially in Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters remains to this day.

Role in India's Freedom Movement

Although the RSS is often seen as a non-participating entity in the freedom struggle, K. B. Hedgewar was, in fact, deeply involved in the independence movement during his youth.

Before founding the RSS, he was an active member of the Anushilan Samiti, a secret revolutionary organisation that sought to overthrow British rule through armed struggle. He was also briefly associated with the Indian National Congress (INC), where he supported the call for Swaraj (self-rule).

However, Hedgewar was disillusioned with the Congress's emphasis on non-violence and passive resistance, which he felt lacked the resolve needed to tackle British colonial rule.

As a result, he distanced himself from mainstream political movements and founded the RSS as a parallel movement focused on cultural and social regeneration, believing that a morally upright and physically strong society would be better equipped to fight for independence.

While the RSS did not engage in the kind of direct anti-British protests seen in the Quit India Movement, Hedgewar’s goal was to develop a strong national character and leadership that could indirectly aid the independence struggle.

His belief was that "freedom gained without cultural strength would be fragile", and his teachings laid the groundwork for many post-independence political movements that took inspiration from his ideas.

Fostering Social Unity and Eradicating Caste Divisions

At a time when the caste system was deeply entrenched in Indian society, Hedgewar was a strong advocate for social reform and unity.

While leaders like Dr B. R. Ambedkar sought to legally abolish caste discrimination, Hedgewar's approach was more grassroots-oriented.

He believed that caste-based discrimination weakened Hindu society, making it vulnerable to external domination.

To combat this, the RSS under Hedgewar promoted the idea of "one well, one temple, one school" for all Hindus, regardless of caste or social status. By encouraging Swayamsevaks to participate in community service (like cleaning temples and public spaces) and by promoting an egalitarian ethos, he aimed to dissolve the barriers that divided Hindu society.

He frequently asserted that "all Hindus are brothers" and called on RSS members to treat every Swayamsevak as a family member, no matter their caste or class background.

Emphasis on Self-Sufficiency and Swadeshi (Local Economy)

Much like Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swadeshi, K. B. Hedgewar believed in the importance of self-reliance in India’s economy and culture. He encouraged the use of indigenous products and opposed excessive reliance on foreign-made goods.

This idea would later become a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), which continues to be promoted in India's modern economic policy.

Although Hedgewar did not advocate for large-scale economic boycotts as Gandhi did, his emphasis on developing local production and consumption played a pivotal role in shaping the economic policies of the later Hindu nationalist movements.

This philosophy also found resonance in the policies of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) (the precursor to the BJP) and, eventually, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where leaders like Nitin Gadkari have championed the concept of waste-to-wealth and sustainable development.

Role as a Mentor and Ideologue

K. B. Hedgewar's most enduring legacy lies in his role as a mentor to future leaders of India’s political right-wing movements.

After his death in 1940, his successor M. S. Golwalkar continued to strengthen the RSS and its ideological reach.

Many prominent leaders of post-independence India, including Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, are known to have been deeply influenced by the teachings of the RSS, which in turn draws heavily from Hedgewar’s original vision.

By instilling a sense of personal duty, patriotism, and discipline in the youth, Hedgewar laid the groundwork for generations of political leaders. The RSS’s influence on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is one of the most tangible outcomes of his work, as BJP leaders often credit the RSS for shaping their approach to policy, leadership, and cultural values.

Promoting Character Building and Physical Fitness

Hedgewar's focus on building strong moral character was not limited to rhetoric. His methodology involved daily physical training and moral discourses at RSS shakhas (morning assemblies). These sessions, which still take place today in parks, open fields, and community spaces, involve exercises, team-building activities, and discussions on moral and ethical conduct.

The idea was that if an individual could develop self-discipline and mental resilience, they would be able to take on larger social responsibilities. For Hedgewar, an ideal citizen was not just someone who followed the rules but someone who had the strength, discipline, and moral clarity to be a community leader.

Legacy

K. B. Hedgewar's legacy as the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is deeply rooted in the socio-political fabric of Nagpur and India at large. His vision of cultural nationalism and emphasis on Hindu unity laid the foundation for one of the most influential organisations in India’s political and social landscape.

Through the RSS, he inspired generations of leaders and volunteers to work towards a stronger, united, and self-reliant India.

His call for discipline, selfless service, and national pride continues to resonate with millions of swayamsevaks (volunteers) across the country.

Hedgewar's approach to social reform was distinct. Instead of seeking short-term political gains, he focused on building grassroots change.

By nurturing the minds and hearts of young Indians through ideological training, physical discipline, and a sense of collective duty, he ensured that the values of self-reliance, cultural pride, and patriotism would endure for generations.

His decision to establish the RSS headquarters in Nagpur further solidified the city as the ideological heart of Hindutva-based nationalism, with his teachings continuing to shape the policies and ideologies of several modern political leaders and parties.

Today, K. B. Hedgewar's influence extends beyond the confines of Nagpur, touching every corner of India and shaping the course of its politics, civil society, and governance.

From his humble beginnings to becoming a torchbearer of cultural resurgence, his life remains an inspiration for those who seek to create lasting change through social reform and grassroots mobilisation. The legacy he left behind at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur stands as a testament to his enduring vision of a unified, disciplined, and self-reliant India.

References

• Hedgewar, K. B. (1932). RSS: Its Ideology and Vision. Nagpur: Swayamsevak Prakashan.

• Jaffrelot, C. (1996). The Hindu Nationalist Movement in India. New York: Columbia University Press.

• Andersen, W. K., & Damle, S. D. (2019). The Brotherhood in Saffron: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Revivalism. New Delhi: Penguin Random House.

• Sharma, S. (2018). The RSS and Its Political Offshoots. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan.

• Deshpande, M. (2020). The Making of the RSS: Hedgewar's Vision for a New India. New Delhi: Prabhat Prakashan.

• "K. B. Hedgewar's Contributions to Indian Society." (2022). Political History Review, 45(2), 78-89.

• "The Role of Nagpur in the Growth of RSS." (2023). Swayamsevak Journal, 29(1), 15-27.