On September 27, 1925, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, in Mumbai, initiated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with five volunteers. Initially, his vision was met with skepticism; critics saw his initiative as a modest attempt at social reform. However, the RSS has grown to become one of the largest volunteer-based and Hindu organizations globally.
The RSS, which is nearing its centenary, has a significant presence across India, with over 75,000 branches. The organization boasts more than 10 million trained members and encompasses over 80 affiliated organizations. The RSS’s sphere of influence extends to about 40 countries, illustrating its widespread global reach. Currently, more than 56,000 daily branches are active, along with approximately 14,000 weekly and 9,000 monthly branches.
Here, we explore the creation and development of the RSS.
### From the Khilafat Movement to the RSS’s Genesis
The year 1919 marked the end of World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The British had removed the Caliph of Turkey, a move that angered Muslims worldwide. In India, which was under colonial rule, Muslims began to protest.
This led to the Khilafat movement, led by the Ali brothers, who sought to restore the Caliph to power. The movement garnered a large following.
India’s atmosphere was tense due to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act. Mahatma Gandhi, after returning from South Africa, was preparing a mass movement. He believed the Khilafat movement could foster Hindu-Muslim unity, saying that the Caliph was as revered by Muslims as the cow was by Hindus.
### Hedgewar’s Disagreement with Gandhi
Hedgewar, a young Congressman, disagreed with Gandhi’s stance, believing it was dangerous to prioritize religion over the nation. However, he participated in the movement at Gandhi’s urging and was later jailed for his fiery speeches.
In 1921, when the movement reached Malabar, conflict erupted between Muslim farmers and Hindu landlords, resulting in violence. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar criticized the violence, and Annie Besant questioned Gandhi’s approach.
Hedgewar was deeply troubled by the events, leading him to recognize the need for a separate Hindu organization. Although he joined the Hindu Mahasabha, he became disillusioned, perceiving it as being too focused on political compromises and not truly protecting Hindu interests.
### The RSS’s Foundation on Vijayadashami
On September 27, 1925, during Vijayadashami, Hedgewar gathered five associates, including Ganesh Savarkar and Dr. B.S. Munje, to announce the formation of the Sangh. The RSS was born.
Initially, members met twice weekly, exercising on Sundays and discussing national issues on Thursdays. These gatherings were known as shakhas, which became central to the Sangh’s identity. The organization was formally named the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on April 17, 1926. Volunteers first wore uniforms on Ram Navami that year.
Regular shakhas began at Mohite’s Wada in Nagpur, enabling the Sangh to expand and influence Indian society and politics.
### Hedgewar’s Approach to Expanding the RSS
Hedgewar encouraged students to establish shakhas in their colleges, extending the Sangh’s message. He would personally inquire about the progress of the shakhas.
The first branch outside Maharashtra was in Varanasi in 1930. This branch was pivotal, leading to the association of the second Sarsanghchalak, Guruji (Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar), with the Sangh. Hedgewar also visited members who did not attend regularly, fostering personal connections and influencing more people to join. This approach enabled the Sangh to spread across India.
### Sarsanghchalaks Who Passed Away in Office
From 1925, there have been six Sarsanghchalaks. Dr. Hedgewar, who founded the RSS, led from 1925 to 1940. Golwalkar succeeded him from 1940 to 1973. Madhukar Dattatreya Deoras, known as Balasaheb Deoras, became Sarsanghchalak in 1973. Rajendra Singh, or Rajju Bhaiya, assumed the role in 1993, and in 2000, handed the position to Kripahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan due to health concerns. Sudarshan later passed responsibilities to Dr. Mohanrao Madhukarrao Bhagwat (Mohan Bhagwat) in 2009, also due to health issues.