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Nation remembers Social reformer, Second Chief of RSS Guruji Golwalkar on his 108th Jayanti
Nation remembers Social reformer, Second Chief of RSS Guruji Golwalkar on his 108th Jayanti
Nation remembers Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar , popularly known as
‘Guruji’ , on his 108th Jayanti, today. Born on 19 February 1906, at
Ramtek of Nagpur, after his M.Sc and LLB studies, became a professor for
a Short period of time. Later, Guruji entered RSS. Handpicked by RSS
founder Dr KB Hedgewar, Guruji became the second Sarasanghchalak of the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1940, served the post his death in 1973.
Golwalkar recognized as one of the greatest social reformer of
post-Independent India.
(The following text is taken from a Book by HV Sheshadriji, on Sri Guruji Golwalkar)_
Shri Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar, affectionately known as
Shri Guruji, was the second Sarsanghachalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS), from 1940-1973. It was Shri Guruji who nurtured the RSS and
helped it attain a pre-eminent position in Bharat’s national life. A
seer and visionary, he articulated the basic guiding principles of the
RSS. He was and remains a constant source of inspiration, not only to
RSS swayamsevaks but to several individuals and organizations in
different walks of life. His thoughts on various issues concerning Hindu
society are relevant even today. Truly, he was a Rashtra-rishi.
Who was Shri Guruji? What were his special qualities? Was he the head of any organization? Did he do something great for the nation? All these and many more questions flash across one’s mind as soon as one hears the name of Shri Guruji.
Let us look at the brief answers to these questions. Shri Guruji was
the second all-Bharat Chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was
born in 1906. The special occasion round the corner is the celebration
of his birth centenary. ‘Guruji’ was not his original name. This name
was used out of regard, by his students in Banaras Hindu University
where he taught. He is better known by this name even today throughout
the Sangh and the nation. His name was Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar. His
father’s name was Sadashivrao and his mother was Lakshmibai. They lived
in Nagpur. In his childhood, Shri Guruji was called lovingly as Madhu.
Eight progenies of his parents before him had met a premature death.
Those days, Nagpur was a province of modern Madhya Pradesh. His father
was a teacher. He was continuously posted in Hindi speaking areas.
Although, his mother tongue was Marathi, since Hindi was the general
spoken language, Madhu had a firm grip on Hindi as well. And as his
school was managed by the Christian missionaries, Madhavrao (his name in
school) developed mastery in English, too.
The atmosphere in Madhavrao’s house was pious and religious. Right
from his childhood, his mother would wake him up with devotional songs,
rendered in her melodious voice. This left a deep cultural imprint on
him. He would cherish her songs very fondly, when he grew older.
Prodigious Intellectual Talent
Madhavrao was a sharp boy with prodigious memory. Once, his school
teacher Prof. Gardener was teaching the Bible. Madhavrao interrupted
saying, “Sir, the reference given by you is not correct, actually it
should have been like this….” And saying thus he uttered another
sentence. All the students and Prof. Gardener were amazed. But when it
was cross-checked with the Bible, he was found to be correct. At the end
of the class, the Professor gave him a fond pat on the back. This
incident served as a witness to his qualities, like exceptional memory,
courage and unshakeble self-confidence. His memory served him till his
last day. Even today, throughout the country, people recall anecdotes of
his phenomenal memory.
Extraordinary Forbearance
In 1924, having completed his studies up to Intermediate, Madhavrao
left for the famous Banaras Hindu University, to finish his B.Sc. The
huge repository of invaluable books in the library there was as if
waiting to quench his thirst for knowledge. Madhavrao started reading
the books, through and through, one by one. One day, his toe was bitten
by a scorpion, but he very casually cut that portion of his foot, dipped
that foot in potassium permanganate solution and resumed his study.
Amazed at this, one of his friends asked, “How do you manage to study
despite such severe pain?” Madhavrao replied, “Well, the scorpion has
bitten my foot, not my head!” Later on also, people have many a time
witnessed his tranquil tolerance under most excruciating physical pains.
Disciplinarian
Madhavrao returned to Nagpur after completing his Masters in Zoology
with first class from Kashi and a few months later, left for Chennai for
research in aquarium. There also, people experienced his passion for
strict discipline. Once, the Nizam of Hyderabad paid a visit to the
laboratory. All the visitors were charged with entrance fee. The
managers, however, thought it inappropriate to ask for entrance fee from
a big shot like the Nizam. But Madhavrao insisted and the Nizam could
enter only after paying the entrance fee. In 1929, his father retired
from service and this led to a financial crunch. Money could no longer
be sent for pursuance of Madhavrao’s studies and ultimately, he left
research work and returned to Nagpur. In his correspondence of those
days, to his friends, Madhavrao expressed his sentiments as to how he
felt in consonance about the incidents of the aggressive patriotism of
revolutionaries.
Boundless Love for Students
From August 1931, Madhavrao began teaching at Banaras Hindu
University. During this period, many of his hidden talents came to
light. His unfathomable love for his students drove him to help them at
studies in every possible way; often he would purchase the necessary
text-books for needy students or financially assist them to pay their
examination fees. He would be happy spending a large sum of his salary
to this end. He would delve deep into other subjects also, so that he
could help students in those subjects. Doing all this, Madhavarao had no
expectation in return at all. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya noticed his
talent as well as his deep affection for the students, and grew fond of
him. It was through a Swayamsevak from Nagpur, Shri Bhaiyyaji Dani, who
was sent there as a student by Doctorji, (Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of
RSS) that Shri Guruji came into contact with the Sangh. He also became
the Palak (guardian) of that Shakha.
In February 1933, on the expiry of his teaching term, Shri Guruji returned to Nagpur and by 1935, completed his study of law.
What If The Family Tree does Not Branch Out Further?
Meanwhile, having seen Shri Guruji from closer quarters, Doctorji
tried to maintain contact with him. Recognizing his extraordinary
working capacity and intellectual talents, he started delegating greater
responsibilities to him. In 1934, Shri Guruji ably discharged the
duties of Sarvadhikari (officer-in-charge) of Sangh Shiksha
Varga (Officer’s training camp) in Akola. By now, it was very natural
for his parents to think of his marriage. Shri Guruji’s mother put forth
the proposal for his marriage and said if he decided against marrying,
their Golwalkar family lineage would cease to exist – he being the only
surviving son. Shri Guruji replied, “In the present situation it is
necessary, that, for the welfare of the society, if the family lineages
of not only me, but several others like me are terminated, I am not in
the least worried.” The debate over his marriage ended then and there.
In Search of his Life Mission
Shri Guruji was seriously thinking of orienting his life in a
definite direction. The pathetic plight of the Hindu society and of an
enslaved nation tortured him on the one side; on the other, it was his
inborn spiritual pursuit that pulled him. He started visiting the
President of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Swami Bhaskareshvarananda in
Nagpur. There he came in close and friendly contact with Sri Amitabh
Maharaj. He came to know through him that in the Sargachi Ashram, in
Bengal, there stayed Swami Akhandananda, a direct disciple of revered
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. In 1936, one fine day, based on the
information received from Amitabh Maharaj, Shri Guruji quietly left for
Sargachi in search of a spiritual guide. Neither his parents nor anybody
else knew his whereabouts. When Shri Guruji left for Sargachi, Doctorji
who was thinking about entrusting him with more and more
responsibilities became equally concerned for him.
Unique Personification of Service
Sargachi witnessed another brilliant aspect of Shri Guruji’s
personality. He immersed himself in the service of Swami Akhandananda,
who was quite old and indisposed. Shri Guruji would daily bathe him,
wash his clothes, offer him tea and meals, and put him to bed. Often
Shri Guruji would sit through the night at his bed-side and serve him.
About six months passed in this manner. His untiring dedicated service
and his spiritual orientation pleased Swamiji so much that he decided to
initiate him into the Order. Shri Guruji was overwhelmed after getting
initiated. Later, he described the moment thus, “I have received the
blessings one gets after innumerable births. My body felt thrilled all
over and I am finding myself an altogether changed person.” 13th
January, 1937 (Makar Sankranti) was the auspicious day of initiation. A
few days later, on 24th January, Guru Maharaj gave his blessing to Shri
Guruji, saying, “Whatever good I have, I am giving it to you; and
whatever bad you have, you give it to me.” That day, till 3.30 a.m.
Swamiji disclosed the secrets of spirituality to Shri Guruji and Amitabh
Maharaj. One day, Swamiji told Amitabh Maharaj, “It seems that
Golwalkar would work in association with Dr. Hedgewar.” As a mark of his
memory, Swamiji gave his personal belongings like Kamandal etc. to Shri
Guruji. After a short while, in February, 1937 the revered Swamiji left
his mortal coil. Later, Shri Guruji spent some time in Ramakrishna
Ashram, Belur Math and then along with Amitabh Maharaj returned to
Nagpur.
In Nagpur, Shri Guruji’s, life took an altogether new turn. In
Doctorji, he saw a personality intensely motivated and dedicated to the
nation. On being asked by some gentleman on the subject, Shri Guruji
replied, “Like spirituality, organization of the Nation has also been my
inclination from early days. I believe that I would be in a better
position to achieve it successfully being a part of the Sangh. Hence, I
have dedicated myself to the activities of Sangh. In the light of the
insight and practical approach of Swami Vivekananda, I think my decision
is appropriate.”
Shri Guruji was also closely observing Doctorji, who had put his
heart and soul into this work. From 1938 onwards, Shri Guruji identified
the work of Sangh as the sole mission of his life. In the close company
of Doctorji, he focussed his entire attention on the activities of
Sangh. This also relieved Doctorji of his worries.
Dr. Hedgewar-A Born Patriot
It would be relevant here to know the personality of Doctorji
briefly. His full name was Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Right from his
childhood, as a student he emitted sparks of patriotism. The nation was
resonant with the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’, and young Keshav also joined
the movement. Later, he went to Kolkata to obtain his medical degree.
Kolkata was the hub of revolutionary activities in those days. During
his four years of study of medicine, Doctorji very keenly studied the
working style of revolutionaries, their contributions to the freedom
struggle and also actively engaged himself in such activities. Once,
while speaking about Doctorji, Sri Trailokyanath Chakravarti, prince of
revolutionaries, said, “Even in Kolkata of those days, young Keshavrao
would say that it would not be possible for a mere handful of motivated
youth prepared to embrace martyrdom to make the nation free from the
strong shackles of foreign rule. For that, the spark of freedom needs to
be ignited in the minds of each and every person in the society”.
Founding of the Sangh
Having obtained his medical degree from Kolkata, Doctorji returned to
Nagpur. He joined the movements which were going on under the
leadership firstly of Lokmanya Tilak and later of Mahatma Gandhi and
went to jail also. All this time, his mind was deeply engrossed in
contemplation about how the nation could be delivered for all time from
its external as well as internal dangers. Gradually, he arrived at this
conclusion that the Hindu society, the backbone of our country, should
be organized to attain this goal. For the fulfillment of this objective,
on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami in 1925 he established the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and freeing himself from all the other
activities, he engaged himself completely in the work of the Sangh.
Although, he came from a poor family, Doctorji did not opt for the
medical profession and renouncing family life, he devoted himself
totally towards the expansion of the Sangh.
It was due to the superhuman efforts of Doctorji that in a span of
just eight to ten years, the activities of the Sangh spread throughout
Bharat. But his health too started fast deteriorating. As a result, the
future of the Sangh after him deeply occupied his mind. It was but
natural that he chose Shri Guruji as his successor.
Test of Shri Guruji’s Mettle and His Appointment
In 1939, in a small village named Sindi near Nagpur, Doctorji
discussed the outline of the approach of the Sangh, progress of its
activities, the Sangh prayer, commands to be used in day-to-day shakha
etc. This meeting was attended by senior Sangh workers and lasted for
eight days. At the end of the discussion, on each issue, Doctorji’s
decision was naturally accepted by all. Shri Guruji also would make his
own point on every issue, logically and forcefully. But if at the end
Doctorji decided against his opinion, he would gladly accept it.
Everybody noticed his total surrender to Doctorji and mental control
that Shri Guruji displayed and they all felt that Shri Guruji was the
most suitable successor to Doctorji. In 1939, Shri Guruji was appointed
as the Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) of the Sangh.
Around this time, Doctorji had a serious attack of fever, which could
not be controlled by any means. He was in a place called Devlali near
Nasik. The doctors treating him began giving up their hopes. Shri Guruji
attended upon him in this dire circumstance and would stay awake
through the night, administering medicine, water and other help needed.
Luckily, after a few days Doctorji’s health started improving. On his
return from Devlali, a few months later, Doctorji again took seriously
ill and was taken to Nagpur. In 1940, he could address the third year
trainees in Nagpur for just a few minutes with great difficulty. Those
words have remained as an eternal source of inspiration for Swayamsevaks
– “Today, I see a miniature of a Hindu nation in front of me. I only
have to say to you that you consider the activities of the Sangh as the
main objective of your lives. We should never be unfortunate enough to
say that I used to be a Swayamsevak.”
Doctorji’s fever kept on rising and doctors having lost all hopes
finally decided to go for lumbar-puncture. This was enough for Doctorji
to surmise that he was about to breathe his last. He called Shri Guruji
by his side and in front of the Swayamsevaks present, said, “You should
look after the work of the Sangh when I am gone.” Later, following the
lumbar-puncture, Doctorji left his worn out body on 21st June 1940 to
reach his heavenly abode.
As the Chief of the Sangh
Shri Guruji was rather new in the Sangh as compared to other
associates. He was also not very well known in the country. This
obviously raised doubts in the minds of quite a few well-wishers and
others regarding the future of the Sangh. Many of them started
commenting and advising too. But Shri Guruji silenced everybody in his
very first preliminary speech as the Sarsanghachalak, “Doctorji was a
synthesis of an affectionate mother, a responsible father and an able
Guru. He has entrusted me with this tough job of Sarsanghachalak, but
then this is the throne of Vikramaditya (a king of ancient Bharat known
for his benevolence and justice); even if a shepherd boy would sit on
it, he would but dispense justice….. The meritorious deeds of our great
leader would ensure that I will always do the rightful things.” In
another speech, he said, “Our organization is like an impregnable fort;
those who would attack it would only receive its brunt.” Shri Guruji’s
self-confident utterances boosted the morale of the Swayamsevaks and
silenced his critics.
Thus, Shri Guruji made the work of the Sangh the sole purpose of his
life. A most important aspect lay in his concentrated efforts to orient
his daily routine, life-style and nature as per needs of the Sangh. He
also gradually tried to overcome his weaknesses. The aggressiveness in
his tone due to his strict disciplinary nature also started to soften.
He was always alert about all these aspects. Shri Guruji had totally
imbibed the ideal of Hindu nationhood. For him, Doctorji served as a
living example in all such respects.
‘Quit India’: Right Perspective of Shri Guruji
His testing-time began within a few years after he assumed the charge
of Sarsanghachalak, when serious issues cropped up one after the other.
Throughout the country, there were violent attacks on the Hindus by
Muslims. Directly or indirectly, the Muslims had the backing of the
British government. Although the British forces were losing all the
fronts in the World War II, unfortunately, there was no country-wide
powerful organization to reap the benefit from it. On 9th August 1942,
the Congress, without having this required strength announced the Quit
Bharat Movement. The movement started with a big bang in the country.
But the disorganized and disoriented followers and people took to
destructive activities. The British government cracked down very heavily
on the movement and within a couple of months, the movement fizzled
out. All the leaders of the Congress were imprisoned and there was no
hope of their release. There was despair and disorientation all across
the country. The Muslim League tried to en-cash this opportunity and
sharpened its attacks on the Hindus.
The onset of Quit Bharat Movement posed a question to the Sangh as to
whether or not it should participate in it. Taking into consideration
all the dimensions of the matter, Shri Guruji concluded that instead of
involving the entire Sangh, it would be better to encourage the
Swayamsevaks on an individual basis.
His decision was in accordance with the policy of Doctorji, and the
Sangh focussed its attention towards the expeditious building up a
unified Hindu society at the earliest. With this background, Shri Guruji
travelled all over the country and appealed to the Hindus to be
prepared for self-defence. Even as the situation worsened, Shri Guruji
gave an impassioned call to the Swayamsevaks, “it is our good fortune
that we are born in this era of national crisis. It gives us an
opportunity to show our true responsibilities, spirit of sacrifice and
bravery many times more than in the times when the life of the nation is
prosperous and happy.”
Mohammad Ali Jinnah, under the Muslim League’s plan of dividing the
country, declared 16th August, 1946 as the day of Direct Action. This
resulted in merciless massacre of the Hindus especially in Kolkata. But
within a couple of days, the Hindus retaliated and gave befitting reply
to Muslims. The Muslim aggression was punctured. Those days Shri Guruji
constantly appealed to the Hindu people to stand up against the
partition. But the Congress leadership had already lost the will to
fight for an undivided Bharat. They had been mentally defeated. Pandit
Nehru had also confessed to it very clearly. In those times, there was
no source of protection for the Hindus except the Swayamsevaks.
1947: Leadership Par Excellence in That Terrible Crisis
Ultimately, the Congress leadership gave in to partition; and
accordingly, the same was announced on 3rd July, 1947. All of a sudden,
the scenario in the country changed drastically. The Swayamsevaks were
instructed to oversee and ensure the safe retrieval of the Hindus from
the areas which were to emerge as Pakistan. They were to stay steadfast
and not to leave until the last Hindu was thus rescued. Those terrible
days posed many a moving and blood-soaked incident for the Swayamsevaks.
Their incomparable battle strategies, valour, courage and sacrifice are
worth recording in the history of Bharat in golden letters.
The example set forth by Shri Guruji in those days was also extremely
inspiring. In those times, he continued to tour those tense areas. In
August 1947, when he entered Punjab, after his one week’s stay at Sindh,
there was terror and tension in the air. In spite of this, he reached
out to the people in different places and boosted the morale of the
anxious Hindu brethren, even putting his own life at stake.
He visited all the districts from Amritsar to Ambala. During this
period, he would travel on damaged railway tracks, on goods trains or
sometimes in the train engine. There was a bridge at Chahedu on way, and
it seemed impossible to proceed any further, as the railway-track was
hanging down from the bridge and below the bridge, flood-waters were
gushing in tremendous speed. The Swayamsevaks were clueless as to how to
proceed further, but when Shri Guruji reached there he unhesitatingly
briskly walked over the broken track and crossed the bridge in no time.
The rest of the Swayamsevaks also gathered courage and followed him.
People were wonder-struck to receive them at the other end (Ludhiana).
The Swayamsevaks also accomplished another tough task in that
nerve-raking situation of partition. They had to arrange for the food
and shelter for lakhs of brothers and sisters migrating from Pakistan.
Unparalleled forbearance, sympathy and sensitivity were the high-points
of the service rendered by the Sangh in those days. Shri Guruji did not
accept the partition as the ultimate truth. He nursed the dream of
restoration of the divided idol of the Motherland to a unified one. He
fervently hoped that every patriot would always nurture the same dream.
An Appeal for Harmony
The popularity of the Sangh grew by leaps and bounds due to the
addresses and visits of Shri Guruji throughout the country. But after a
few months the Sangh was put to trial by fire once again. There was a
lot of unrest and anger amongst the swayamsevaks and the masses with
regard to those who agreed to the partition. Shri Guruji appealed to the
masses saying, “People with difference of opinion are also part and
parcel of our society. They, surely, have done some good deeds and have
sacrificed for the cause of the society and the nation. Hence, we should
be compassionate and affectionate so as to consider them as our own
brethren.” The entire organization and the Swayamsevaks drank the nectar
of his appeal of brotherhood and tried to follow his example. On 14th
of January 1948, in Mumbai, he gave the same message of harmony to a
congregation of lakhs of people. However, the leaders of the Congress
began fearing the ever-growing popularity of the Sangh. They apprehended
that later on the Sangh would be a potent rival in the political arena.
They started oppressing the Sangh on every front. The government banned
the camp of one lakh Swayamsevaks in Maharashtra. They had already, in a
secret meeting of the Central Committee in October 1947, taken the
decision to impose a ban on Sangh on some pretext.
The Assassination of Gandhi: A Pretext for Ban
30th January, 1948 proved to be a black day for Bharat. At five in
the evening, revered Gandhiji was assassinated. Immediately, Shri Guruji
cancelled all his tour engagements and rushed to Nagpur and sent wires
to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel. In his message of condolence
he expressed his reverence to Mahatma Gandhi’s unique personality
stating that Gandhiji was – “a deft helmsman, who held together people
of different natures in a single strong movement, bringing them to the
right path….” He also condemned his assassination in no uncertain terms.
On the night of 1st of February 1948, Shri Guruji was arrested and put
in Shivani jail near Nagpur and on the 4th of February a ban was imposed
on the Sangh. Shri Guruji immediately dissolved the Sangh and wrote
letters to Pt. Nehru and Sardar Patel demanding that the ban on the
Sangh be lifted.
The government order accused the Sangh of a number of serious crimes,
apart from the assassination of Gandhiji. Thousands of Swayamsevaks
were jailed throughout the country and their houses and the offices of
the Sangh were looted and ransacked by the Congressmen, the Socialists
and the Communists. The government machinery incessantly spewed venom
against the Sangh. As Godse, the assassin of Gandhiji was a Brahmin, the
Brahmins of Maharashtra and neighboring areas were targeted and arson
and looting followed. In northern Karnataka, in a village named Terdaal
nine people were burnt alive in one such incident. A violent mob also
attacked the house of Shri Guruji. Although, the Swayamsevaks could very
well have taught a lesson or two to the mob, but in order to maintain
harmony throughout the country in such testing times, the Sangh appealed
to all the Swayamsevaks to “be calm, at all costs.” Shri Guruji also
issued a detailed statement, directing how things were to be taken in a
composed, rational and sublime spirit. He also asked the alert and armed
(with lathis) Swayamsevaks outside his office, who had come to disperse
the attacking mob, to go back peacefully and retired for his evening
prayers. He told the Swayamsevaks nearby, “the service of the society
has been my life-motto and I would never allow myself to be the cause of
shedding of a single drop of its blood.”
Successful in Testing Times
From his prison cell, Shri Guruji repeated his demand to Pt. Nehru
and Sardar Patel for lifting the ban on the Sangh. But these leaders
were unmoved and every time they indulged in new allegations in
response. Meanwhile, Shri Guruji was set free and he went to Delhi for
negotiations but he was again imprisoned and sent to the Betul jail in
the Central Provinces. His health deteriorated here because of bad food
and hostile living conditions. During his stay in Delhi, Shri Guruji had
sent a detailed statement to the press. In the statement, he gave a
befitting reply to the accusations made by the government. He reiterated
his demand for truth and justice and challenged the government to
‘either prove the charges or lift the ban.’ The whole country was
resonant with these words.
Satyagraha: A New Record
The government paid little heed to the loving and respectful pleas
and remained deaf and blind. Shri. Guruji therefore gave a call to the
Swayamsevaks to restart the Shakha with a view to establishing truth and
justice in the national life. In his spirited appeal, he said, “This is
a battle between the right and the wrong, justice and injustice,
generosity and meanness and love and crookedness. Our victory is
definite as God is always with the righteous and the victory is on His
side. So arise and trumpet the victory call for the Motherland, from the
bottom of your hearts to the frontiers of the skies and accomplish your
task. Bharat Mata ki jai.”
This movement named Satyagraha began on December 9, 1948. In the
beginning the leaders made fun of this as a child’s play. On the
contrary, no movement initiated by the Congress had ever such a huge
number of participants. 77,090 Swayamsevaks offered Satyagraha and were
jailed in different prisons. Also, the people witnessed an unprecedented
example of non-violence of the Swayamsevaks, as they remained
incomparably calm in the face of barbaric atrocities by the police.
An Example Second to None
Some impartial and prominent persons who were watching all these
happenings, approached Shri Guruji, and requested him to stop the
movement so that the atmosphere becomes congenial for negotiations with
the government. Shri Guruji consented and instructed the Swayamsevaks
accordingly. Mr. T.R. Venkatram Shastri from Chennai, a famous legal
expert of liberal outlook was amongst the mediators. When he felt that
all the efforts of mediation were failing, he sent a detailed statement
to the newspapers, which ended thus, “The ban is neither just nor wise
or expedient” and hoped that the ban would be lifted.
Ultimately, the government realized that now it was no longer
possible to hype the validity of an otherwise illegal ban and on the
pretext of the presentation of a written constitution by the Sangh, it
lifted the ban on 12th of July 1949. It may be noted here that this
pretext was not in the least connected, with regard to all the heinous
accusations including the Gandhi assassination, which were stated to be
the reasons for the imposition of the ban. All the Swayamsevaks along
with Shri Guruji were released. Sardar Patel wrote to Shri Guruji on
this occasion, “Only the people near me know as to how happy I was when
the ban on Sangh was lifted. I wish you all the best.”
This would be an example – second to none, in the world, wherein on
the one side, there was a powerful government, which had leaders riding
the wave of popularity as the champions of the freedom movement; who had
military and police forces; and who were hell bent on oppressing an
ordinary looking person with all the backing of the media; and on the
other side – the ordinary looking person; with no other means or
resources except the dedication and devotion of a few thousand
youngsters; who had firm belief in the victory of Truth and Justice, and
his assigned task; who has unshakeable faith in the words of wise men –
“Where there is righteousness, there is victory.”
And this ordinary looking man emerging victorious in such a conflict between the two is truly a unique episode!
On going through the entire episode, the readers might naturally want
to know whether the leaders of the government really took the Sangh as
the culprit. The words of then Home Minister Sardar Patel shed enough
light, removing any shred of doubt on the subject. Within one month of
the assassination of Gandhiji, on 27th February 1948, he wrote a letter
to the Prime Minister Pandit Nehru stating, “I have personally looked
into the assassination case and have complete information about it. All
the culprits involved have been nabbed. None of them is associated with
the Sangh.”
Uncommon Mental Fortitude
The Sangh came unscathed out of the trial by fire. The suppressed
feelings of the reverence towards the Sangh could no longer be contained
by the masses. The BBC while reporting about the huge welcome function
arranged at Delhi for Shri Guruji, said, “Shri Guruji is a shining star
on the Indian horizon. Pt. Nehru is the only other person in India who
attracts such a huge crowd.” Shri Guruji traveled across Bharat from
August 1949 to January, 1950. Before 20th of August, he got the
information that Sardar Patel was unwell. He went to Mumbai to pay him a
visit. In this meeting, Sardar Patel emphasized on the need for
assimilating power of the Hindu society to counter the advent of
activities of the Christian missionaries. About the problems and events
of post-Pakistan era, he commented, “we have to forget about the past
and take care of the future.”
Enthusiastic welcome – functions were being organized throughout the
country for Shri Guruji; but his journey to Kolhapur-Sangli witnessed an
altogether different scene. Hundreds of anti-Sangh rioters were hiding
on both sides of the road. They intended to stop his car, attack and
assault him as he passed through the place. But Shri Guruji’s car
flashed past and the rogues panicked and scattered away. His car moved
off safely. Even in such a tense atmosphere, Shri Guruji was the very
picture of quietude.
Test by the ‘Lord-Society’
Shri Guruji mentioned the aforesaid event in an article thus, “God
puts to test the faith of the devotee in joy as well as difficulty.
Similarly, the Hindu society has put to us, its devotees, to test. Just
as God is pleased when the devotee clears the test successfully,
likewise, the society is about to bless us.” And it happened just like
that, that a few years later, as Shri Guruji went to the same region of
Sangli-Kolhapur, people who had once pelted stones on him, welcomed him
with bouquets. But even at all such moments, his guidance to the
Swayamsevaks and the masses was unparalleled in the annals of world
history. During that transitional period of the newly-achieved freedom,
he appealed for conciliation and harmony in the national life. At many
places, he said. “The bitter memories should be erased from the mind; we
do not pull out a tooth if it bites the tongue while eating.”
In conclusion, we witness that he demonstrated a rock like balance of
mind in the most trying circumstances. And when it was victory and
jubilation all around he remained equally unmoved. On both the
occasions, it was the interest of the nation that occupied his
attention. In these two mutually opposite trying moments Shri Guruji
presented a unique example of a national leader, for whom the interest
of the nation was supreme.
In Saving Kashmir
As a national leader Shri Guruji was very alert on matters concerning
the security and the interest of the nation. In 1947, in the third week
of October, Pakistan army intruded into Kashmir and began advancing.
Its aim was annexation of Kashmir into Pakistan and it had the open
support of the British officials, serving in high ranks of the Indian
army. The people of Kashmir were terribly tortured. The Pakistani forces
started capturing territories in Kashmir. Unfortunately, in those times
of impending crisis, the king of Kashmir was in a dilemma. He was
swayed by doubts and mistrust and was unable to decide on merging
Kashmir with the Indian Union. Sardar Patel felt that the King had to be
convinced to merge Kashmir with Bharat. And he thought that Shri Guruji
was the right person to persuade the king. So, Shri Guruji deputed to
Kashmir.
The King of Kashmir, Hari Singh and his Queen Tara welcomed Shri
Guruji with a Kashmiri shawl. On 18th of October, 1947, Shri Guruji
talked to him and finally succeeded in clearing the doubts of the
Maharaja and convinced him to merge with Bharat. It was then that our
army was sent to Kashmir. The Indian Army began pulverizing the
Pakistani forces and began marching ahead setting the captured part of
Kashmir free. But even before the forces were yet to liberate the entire
land of Kashmir, Pt. Nehru announced a ceasefire and allowed a
strategic part of Kashmir to remain occupied by Pakistan. Later, when
the government of Bharat took the matter to the United Nations, Shri
Guruji predicted, “This is a suicidal decision. Justice would never be
dispensed to us, instead, they would be against India.” And that is
exactly what happened. That land is still in the control of Pakistan,
and from there, Pakistan is constantly waging a proxy war through its
terrorists.
In 1949-50, lakhs of Hindus were uprooted from eastern Pakistan and
they sought refuge in Bharat. Shri Guruji immediately constituted a
relief committee – Vastuhara Sahayata Samiti – and appealed to all the
countrymen for help and succour. Likewise, Shri Guruji through a
detailed statement addressed the nation, when a terrible earthquake hit
Assam.
Smriti-Mandir: The Multifaceted Genius of Shri Guruji
The last rites of the founder of the Sangh, Dr. Hedgewar were
performed in the grounds of Reshambag in Nagpur in 1940. A simple
Samadhi of Doctorji had been put up there. It was natural for everyone
to wish that a temple-like structure be built there so that it may
become a source of inspiration for the Swayamsevaks and others.
Accordingly, a committee was formed with Shri Guruji as its Chairman. An
altogether new aspect of Shri Guruji’s multifaceted intellectual
insight came to light as the construction began. Everybody appreciated
his in-depth knowledge of Bharatiya architecture, his aesthetic sense,
artistic thought-process and his approach towards the concept of that
Smriti-Mandir.
The Smriti-Mandir was inaugurated on 5th of April 1962 on the
auspicious day of Varsha Pratipada (birthday of Doctorji). Shri Guruji
addressed the Swayamsevaks and workers who had come for the occasion
from all over the Bharat thus: “The making of Smriti-Mandir does not
mean that we are a personality cult. We have never hailed him with
victory shouts and showered flowers on him. Whenever we think about his
life, we are reminded of the ideal of internal and external life pattern
inspired by his ideal of patriotism. This Smriti-Mandir will not be a
place of worship but a constant reminder of this inspiration.”
The Condolence of Shankaracharya to Bereaved Shri Guruji
Shri Guruji’s mother was extremely affectionate towards him. And it
was but natural for Shri Guruji to be very much disturbed by her sad
demise in 1962 (his father had expired earlier). In this state of mind,
he received a condolence message from the Shankaracharya of Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetha Paramacharya, which comforted him a lot. The message
read, “Your mother of flesh and bone is no more. But since time
immemorial, you and good sons like you have been blessed by the holy
Motherland, the Bharatmata. You are already serving the Motherland
selflessly. Hence, it is impossible that you experience the pains of
bereavement.”
The Chinese Invasion: A Far-Seeing Shri Guruji
Right from 1950 China had started making inroads into the north
eastern frontiers of Bharat by secret construction of roads and
encroachments. In 1951, Shri Guruji expressed his views in newspapers
thus, “China is expansionist by nature and is very likely to attack
Bharat soon.” The point of reference was that of the military activities
of China in Tibet. Those days Shri Guruji many a times warned, “It has
been a terribly blunderous act to gift away Tibet to China. This is one
governmental blunder which even the British did not commit.”
Those very days, Pt. Nehru was busy visiting the country with
Chau-en-lai and harping hand-in-hand the slogans of Hindi-Chini
Bhai-Bhai and the doctrine of Panchsheel. It was quite natural for the
common man to be carried away by these slogans. But in those days, Shri
Guruji was the only leader who sounded the alarm about an impending
attack. Later in November 1962, China openly attacked Bharat along the
borders in Arunachal Pradesh and occupied 64,000 sq. km of our land
along the borders. Then, Pt. Nehru confessed: “We were in a dream
state.” But Shri Guruji did not sit quiet even at such a time. He
constantly appealed for keeping the spirits high and extending every
possible help to the government. Then Shri Guruji gave yet another vital
call regarding the security of the nation. He appealed publicly that it
was most necessary for Bharat to make a nuclear bomb immediately.
Unfortunately, the appeal fell on deaf ears. Otherwise, we would have
been free from the Chinese terror by now.
The guidance at this crucial time, also led the Swayamsevaks to be
engaged in boosting the public morale and support to the government. Pt.
Nehru had to acknowledge their timely contribution and he invited the
Swayamsevaks of the Sangh to participate in the Republic Day parade of
1963, in spite of opposition from within the Congress. Needless to say,
the march of a 3000-strong contingent of uniformed Swayamsevaks, in
tandem with the band, was a major attraction of that parade.
That Ever-Inspiring Memorial
At about the same time, on the Makar Sankranti of January 1963, came
the auspicious occasion of the birth centenary of Swami Vivekananda.
Swami Vivekananda was a heroic Sanyasi who trumpeted the message of
Bharat’s true spiritually-rooted cultural nationalism not merely in
Bharat but on the world stage as well, loud and clear. The Sangh decided
to spread his immortal message throughout the length and breadth of the
country under the guidance of Shri. Guruji.
Besides, it was also decided to erect a grand memorial as an eternal
symbol and source of inspiration for the people of Bharat at the very
rocky spot off Kanyakumari, in the sea, where Swami Vivekananda sat
meditating about the future of Bharat. Shri Guruji deputed the then
Baudhika Pramukh Eknathji Ranade exclusively to look after this project.
The Swayamsevaks collected donations throughout the country and got the
support of all the parties, organizations and the government.
This memorial stands today as an epicenter of inspiration and a
symbol of our national unity and identity. This step of Shri Guruji also
helped remove the sense of shame and humiliation which arose from the
defeat by the Chinese and once again rejuvenated national pride and
self-confidence in the people’s mind.
Emotional Ties with Nepal
On the occasion of Shivaratri in 1963, Shri Guruji visited the famous
Pashupatinath temple in Nepal. After this, an extremely cordial welcome
was extended to him by the King of Nepal, Maharaja Mahendra. Prime
Minister of Nepal Shri Tulasi Giri was also present there. The decisive
defeat of Bharat in the 1962 war had made Nepal incline towards China.
The King of Nepal also had some grudges against the Bharat government.
Shri Guruji assured the King that he would inform all the points to the
government in Delhi.
On his return from Kathmandu, Shri Guruji wrote letters to Sri Lal
Bahadur Shastri and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. He gave a detailed account of
his meeting with the King of Nepal to them and suggested that it was
necessary for Bharat to have cordial and respectable ties with Nepal. He
also emphasized that there was a strong need for taking Nepal into
confidence regarding the aims and objectives of Bharat’s policies
towards it.
As the danger of the expansionist intentions of China was looming
large, Pt. Nehru immediately responded to Shri Guruji and in his letter
of 1st March, consenting to most of his suggestions. Later, in 1965,
when Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee met Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, the latter
said, “Shri Guruji had already accomplished three-fourth of my job of
improving Bharat-Nepal relations, during his visit to Nepal, having made
the atmosphere congenial for me.”
Fearless and Clear Analysis
In 1965, Pakistan again attacked Kashmir, The war, this time spread
up to the entire north-western boundaries and Gujarat. The then Prime
Minister, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri invited Shri Guruji along with other
eminent political leaders for deliberations. A special plane was sent to
fetch him to Delhi from Maharashtra where he was touring. The meeting
was arranged to discuss the main strategy to be adopted against
Pakistan. Shri Guruji very forcibly opined that the security of Bharat
can be guaranteed only by erasing the very existence of Pakistan and not
by the elimination of the materials for war. He also suggested that
Kashmir and all other regions, duly liberated from Pakistan’s occupation
should be retained with India.
1971: World-Record of Indian Army
But the government failed to implement this suggestion. Consequently,
in 1971, the atrocious army of West Pakistan again attacked East
Pakistan and pushed one crore Hindus there into Bharat. The then Prime
Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi took a firm decision and the Indian army
entered East Pakistan. Within no time, they humbled the Pakistani army
and made it surrender. This was a rare feat in the war history of the
world by the Indian army that they made 92,000 Pakistani soldiers to
meekly surrender and re-settled the one crore Hindus back in Bangladesh.
A non-extremist pro-Bharat government was constituted there and a new,
independent state Bangladesh came into being. Shri Guruji wrote to
Jagjivan Ram, the then defense minister, “The remarkable and total
victory and of our army, achieved under your leadership, deserves to be
recorded in golden letters.” In the Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha (All
Bharat meeting) of the Sangh in March, a vote of applause about the
victory was also passed.
The people of Bharat were happy that the leaders of the Pakistan had
divided Bharat and now, Bharat had paid back in the same coin by
dismembering Pakistan and an ally of Bharat is now present there. Later
on, Shri Guruji would sometimes predict to his friends “If the present
friendly Bangladesh turns to and extremist Islamic regime, we would have
two independent enemies in the east and north-west. It would be
dangerous from the point of view of national security to be trapped in
such a position, where you have two independent enemies on two sides.”
Now, as Bangladesh has become hostile towards Bharat, Shri Guruji’s
point has been proved.
The Role of Sangh in Independent Bharat
After 1948, fervent discussions were doing the rounds about the
necessity of the role and existence of the Sangh in Bharat, as Pakistan
had come into being and as such there was no cause for a Hindu-Muslim
conflict. In this regard, Shri Guruji’s guidance was very clear and
emphatic: “The Sangh was never established to have conflict with anyone;
nor for countering any attack. The main objective of the Sangh is
character-building of the nation…. If the Hazrat Mohammed Saheb had not
been born and the Hindu society had been disoriented as at present, the
organization of Hindus by the Sangh would have been as inevitable as it
is today.”
The All-Embracing Swadeshi Style
The most important task of any leadership of any newly independent
nation is to bring about the necessary change in the mental make-up of
the people. Shri Guruji was very well aware of the mentality of the
newly independent Bharat. The British had not only enslaved Bharat
politically and financially but also culturally in every sphere of life.
They had even succeeded in their evil designs to a very large extent.
The leaders of our Independence war had recognized this fact and they
had tried to remove this suicidal mentality by speaking emphatically
about Swadeshi, Goraksha, Swabhasha, Hindi etc. After Doctorji, Shri
Guruji too undertook several steps to awaken the masses to these
principles through the Sangh. His ideas about Swadeshi were
all-embracing. His idea of Swadeshi was not confined to the use of
indigenous things alone; they included all aspects of day-to-day life
like-the invitation for marriage or programme greetings etc. in our own
languages as also observing birthdays in the Hindu tradition etc.
Right from the time of Doctorji, Hindi was used as the
communication-medium by the Sangh. The mother of all Bharatiya languages
(and even of languages the world over) Sanskrit was also not left
behind. Keeping this in mind, all the Prarthana, commands, Ekatmata
Stotram, Ekatmata mantra, Bhojan mantra etc. were prepared in Sanskrit.
Gradually, the English tunes and compositions were replaced by Bharatiya
tunes and compositions in the band of the Sangh. New and appropriate
compositions for the band were composed in Sanskrit. In all the schools
managed by the Swayamsevaks, the local languages were made the medium of
instruction. As on today, there are more than 20,000 such schools right
from nursery to twelfth, which are functioning throughout the country
by the name – ‘Vidya Bharati.’
To Save the Holy Cow: A Point of Nation’s Veneration
In Bharat, the cow has been an object of reverence from very ancient
times. The Goraksha was a main issue during the struggle for
independence also. Shri Guruji also raised the issue and constituted an
all-Bharat forum called ‘Go-hatya Nishedha Samiti” (Anti-cow slaughter
committee). Noted cow-devotees, saints and sages from all over Bharat,
participated in it. In support of the demand to ban cow-slaughter, the
Swayamsevaks collected nearly 1.75 crore signatures of adult Bharatiyas
from all over the country from 81,524 villages, towns and cities. These
were transported to Delhi and on 7th December 1952, taken in a
procession of 22 bullock carts and presented to the then President of
Bharat, Babu Rajendra Prasad, with Shri Guruji as the head of the
delegation. The Central Government was not in a mood to make an
all-Bharat law on the issue but some states did make a law banning
slaughtering of cows.
Linguistic Division of States: Ringing the Danger Signal
Those days, linguistic division of the states was the point of
serious discussions. Shri Guruji warned against the inherent danger
there in: “This may in future lead to fanatic instances in the name of
languages. This may well become an issue of friction and ill-will
amongst neighboring states.” He wrote an impressive article on this
issue in which he appealed to the leaders of the country to ‘have guts
and accept a unitary state for the entire nation.’ In this context, he
had reminded the historic role of Abraham Lincoln in shaping the unified
America. Unfortunately, the then leadership did not have the nerve to
take this vital decision in the cause of the unity of the country. As a
result we are now experiencing the dire consequences of that failure.
There is constant conflict over the distribution of the waters of
Kaveri, between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; and of Narmada, between M.P.
and Gujrat. Likewise, in north India, Haryana and Punjab have been
subject to water and territorial conflicts.
The linguistic division of states also gave birth to a controversy in
Punjab in the name of Punjabi Suba. The Arya Samaj had called upon the
Punjabi speaking Hindus, other than Sikhs, that they also should get
Hindi to be recorded as their mother tongue. But Shri Guruji clearly
stated, “Punjabi, Hindi are all our national languages. Hence, the
Punjabi speaking Hindus, other than Sikhs, should honestly record
Punjabi as their mother tongue.” Although this statement upset the Arya
Samajis, the Sikhs’ respect the honesty of the Sangh even today.
In Freeing Goa
In 1955, Swayamsevaks of the Sangh played an active role in freeing
Goa from the atrocious anti-Hindu rule by the Portuguese. Shri Guruji in
a circular said, “This is a golden opportunity for police action in
Goa. This will not only liberate Goa but also enhance our national
prestige.”
Towards a New Direction
The President of ‘World Fellowship of Buddhist’ Justice
‘U-Thant-Thun’ of Myanmar came to Bharat, met Shri Guruji and frankly
declared that Buddha had preached the Sanatana Dharma only and Buddhism
is very much a part of Sanatana Dharma.
The Constructive Aspect of Dr. Ambedkar
In 1956, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, lakhs of people from the
Mahars belonging to schedule castes adopted Buddhism under the
leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Shri Guruji’s reaction to this was
noteworthy: “Dr. Ambedkar has made an extraordinary effort to uplift a
huge section of the ignorant and oppressive Hindu society. By this he
has tried to restore self-honor to those who had been humiliated for
long. Thereby he has done a great service to the nation.”
An important point to remember in this connection is: Babasaheb
Ambedkar had inculcated the holy Samskaras (doctrines) of the Hinduism
right from his childhood. Hence, for a very long period, he had tried to
make the so-called high-caste Hindus to accept, embrace and give
equality and respect to their brothers who were being called
untouchables. But unfortunately, his efforts had not succeeded. That was
when he started thinking of going out of the fold of Hinduism.
Babasaheb rejected the attractive offers from Islam and Christianity by
saying, “Accepting Christianity is like strengthening the British all
the more, and in Islam there is not even a shade of freedom of the human
mind.” In a letter to Mahatma Gandhi, he wrote, “I want to assure you
that my forthcoming step shall not be in the least detrimental to the
fundamentals of Bharatiya culture and tradition.”
Camp at Indore: Timely Guidance
The Sangh would organize camps from time-to-time to communicate
guidelines for the forthcoming activities of the Sangh to its main
workers. The first such meeting was held in 1954 in Sindi and the second
was organized in Indore in 1960. This was attended by the divisional
level office-bearers of the Sangh as well as important workers serving
in different fields. Therein Shri Guruji would daily talk at length with
the Swayamsevaks. He made the twofold nature of routine and occasional
activities of the Sangh very clear. He said, “Under no circumstance
should the daily routine of the programme be hampered.”
While speaking about the Varna vyavastha he clarified that as the
older, dried branches fall off a growing tree to give place to new ones,
likewise, the society would shed Varna vyavastha the existing social
structure at one time and give place to a new necessary one. This is a
natural process of the development of the society. Later, he also
explained the true concept of discipline and nature of Sangh work in the
light of spiritual aspect to the Swayamsevaks.
A-Political
Shri Guruji had deputed some important Pracharaks into different
areas of the national life with the objective of infusing Hindutva in
these areas. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherji had approached Shri Guruji
seeking workers to consolidate the existing Jansangh as an all-Bharat
body. Shri Guruji deputed Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee,
Nanaji Deshmukh and others as his prominent co-workers. At that time, he
made it very clear, “RSS should not be dragged into politics as it
cannot function under any political patronage. Its main objective is to
nurture the true cultural life of the nation.” Dr. Mukherji gladly
accepted this role of the Sangh and also said he totally agreed with the
ideal of the Hindu Nation.
Likewise, Shri Guruji gave his valuable guidance to Dattopant
Thengadi, who was working in the labor movement, the workers of Akhil
Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and the Pracharaks in the field of
education, to each according to their area of operation.
Invaluable Contribution of the Hindu Society
Shri Guruji personally took interest in the formation of Vishwa Hindu
Parishad (VHP). The idea behind forming this forum was to awaken the
much needed feeling of true Dharma among the Hindus. Its auspicious
founding was in the Sandipani Ashram of Swami Chinmayananda at Mumbai.
The meeting was attended by eminent personalities like the Sikh leader
Master Tara Singh, the Dalai Lama, Jain Acharya, Kanhayalal Munshi and
Pejawar Swami amongst others. In the Kumbh Mela of 1966 at Prayag, the
all-world Hindu Conference saw its formal establishment. The three day
conference (22-24 January, 1966) was attended by participants from all
over the world and everybody felt an up surging enthusiasm and unity of
the Hindus. In Prayag, Shri Guruji put forth some important guidelines
also for the VHP.
Hindu: The Never Fallen
The 1966 meet at Prayag during the Kumbh Mela was of great historical
significance in yet another aspect also. For centuries there was this
misconception in the Hindu society that once a person leaves the Hindu
Dharma and embraces Christianity or Islam, he cannot come back to the
Hindu fold. The misconception proved to be a breach in the dam of Hindu
society, resulting in a one-sided exodus of the Hindus from Hinduism
with no way to return. The Hindu population was getting thinner and that
of non-Hindus bigger. From the platform of VHP, all the religious
leaders including Shankaracharya pronounced, unequivocally. “It is the
sacred religious duty of all the Hindus to bring back all the converts
to their original Hindu Dharma.”
At that time, the word coming back (Paravartan) replaced the word
purification (Shuddhi). Later Shri Pejawar gave it as a mantra ‘na Hindu
patito bhavet’ i.e. the Hindus can never become fallen. The main
objective of this mantra was to dispel the false notion that ‘converted
Hindu is fallen forever and cannot be accepted back as a Hindu.’
On the occasion of Shri Guruji’s 51st birthday, in 1956, public
functions were held all over the country to rouse the spirit of true
nationalism in the people and offering of Shraddha vidhi to him. At
these public functions he appealed to all the Hindu brethren who had
converted to other faiths to merge back into the Hindu mainstream. He
had also suggested respected Pejawar Swami to work in this direction in
1955.
Bharat Will be United Again
On that occasion, Swamiji had asked Guruji, “Would our Bharat be
united again?” Shri Guruji had replied, “We chant ‘Gange cha, Yamune
cha… etc. while taking bath daily and do utter ‘Sindhu’ also in it. It
means that all the regions on the other side of Sindhu are also our
own.” Swamiji asked, “When would this happen.” Shri Guruji said, “The
country was divided because of the disorganized state of Hindus. When
Hindus stand organized and united again, time will not be far before
Bharat becomes united once again.”
All the Janajatis are ‘Hindu”
In north-eastern Bharat, the Christian missionaries have propagated
amongst the Janajatis there that they were non-Hindus as they ate beef.
In the Assam convention of VHP in 1967 Shri Guruji held discussions with
Shri Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth and the Vaishnav Satra-adhikari from
Assam, and convinced them that the Janajatis have always been Hindus.
They got disconnected with the mainstream Hinduism because their links
and communications were hampered, some time in history. Hence, they are
not at fault.”
The same day, in the evening, Shri Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth
announced in a public meeting, “All of you, Janajati brethren are very
much Hindus. You had to consume beef as a sheer necessity because there
was no other alternative nutritious food for you in this region. Hence
you are not a fault.” This speech heartened the Janajati leaders and
representatives and they felt proud and confident enough to counter the
ill-motivated propaganda of the Christian missionaries.
For the Welfare of Vanvasis (forest-dwellers)
Shri Guruji played an important role in the establishment and
propagation of ‘Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram’ for the welfare of the people
living in the forests. This was aimed at awakening their sense of pride
about their age-old culture, traditions and their heritage, their
protection and preservation. Along with this, the all-round development
of the Vanavasis and their homogenization with the rest of the country
were the objectives of this move. Shri Guruji played a prominent role in
the forming and progress of this organization.
All Hindus Are Brothers
The 1969 Udupi (Karnataka) convention of the VHP proved to be a
historic occasion for the revitalization of the Hindu society. Leaders
of all the religions including those from Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism,
Veer-Shaivas, Dharmacharyas and Shakaracharyas (along with the
Peethadhish of the Harijans) were on the dais. In the presence of 15,000
delegates from all over Karnataka, with the unanimous direction of all
the religious leaders, a far-reaching resolution was passed a
declaration that ‘There is no place for untouchability in Hinduism.’ The
president of Pejawar Math Sri Vishveshteertha Swami gave a new mantra
‘Hindavah Sahodara Sarve’ (All Hindus are brothers). After the
resolution was passed Shri Guruji was ecstatic and on his call, the
audience thunderously hailed and applauded all the religious leaders.
Shri Guruji also lent his voice to this haling. Shri Yadavaraoji Joshi
states that it was the moment of greatest joy in Shri Guruji’s life.
Vijay Hi Vijay Hei;
Unique Correspondence
Shri Guruji was engaged constantly in providing guidance to the Sangh
and the nation in one way or the other. Along with it, he also remained
regularly in close and extensive touch with various eminent
personalities, organizations, well-wishers and Swayamsevaks through
letters. The entire correspondence was carried on by himself and with
some help from his assistant Dr. Abaji Thatte. The subject of his
letters would naturally vary. Perhaps there is no other such personality
except Mahatma Gandhi, who has written such copious and varied types of
letters. Likewise, there is no leader who has constantly traveled to
all the parts of the country twice every year, for thirty long years.
The Signs of Dusk
It was but natural that this superhuman efforts and hard work of Shri
Guruji would finally take its toll on his health. By the time Shri
Guruji turned 60, his health started deteriorating. In May 1970, a lump
was noticed in his chest. It was diagnosed to be cancerous. Even then,
he decided to get it treated only after his already scheduled tour of
May and June was completed. On 1st July he was operated upon by Dr.
Praful Desai at Tata Cancer hospital. Dr. Desai was then unacquainted
with the activities of the Sangh. About Shri. Guruji, he wrote, “I was
wondering how Shri Guruji would be able to take such an intense and long
surgery at 65. But the calmness, courage and cooperation with which he
went through the whole procedure, with the smile never leaving his face,
it was amazing. He started walking around the very next day.” Shri
Guruji asked the doctor as to how long would he live post operation.
Getting his reply, Shri Guruji said “Wow! Very good! It means I have a
lot of time. I have to work a lot!” Dr. Desai continued the regular
check-ups. And soon Shri Guruji was back to his routine, writing
letters, touring, meeting Swayamsevaks etc.
In the Thane Camp
Shri Guruji’s travels were on. By the end of 1971, he started feeling
seriously unwell. He felt his end was nearing. He decided to have his
last discussions with the prominent Swayamsevaks, as per the Hindu
tradition. Accordingly, in the Tatvajnana Vidyapeeth at Thane in
Maharashtra, run by honorable (now late) Pandurang Shastri Athawale ji,
the programme was organized. Shri Guruji was present during the Abhyas
Varg (study camp) of the prominent workers deployed in various
activities aimed at narturing the true national spirit. There were
suggestions that if the Sangh adopted the word “Bharatiya” instead of
“Hindu” it would absolve it of the charge that it was communal. Shri
Guruji presented the Hindu thought in its positive aspect and removed
all the doubts on this issue with reasoning based on historic
perspective and his personal experience. Along with this, he also
discussed in depth other ideologies and did a comparative study of other
belief systems and elaborately explained how the Hindu philosophy alone
is capable of ensuring highest standard of welfare for the humanity and
yield permanent happiness.
Ever-Victorious
Shri Guruji continued his travels even after the Thane Camp. On 4th
February 1973, in Bangalore, he delivered a public address in fluent
English, for one-long hour and that too, standing. None in the audience
of thousands of Swayamsevaks and other citizens felt that he was about
to leave this mortal world so soon. On 25th March, he delivered what was
to be his last speech to the important workers from all over the
country in Nagpur, on the occasion of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha.
The Swayamsevaks listening to him were wishing that he should finish his
lecture soon as he had to struggle to speak every word. But even in
this state of failing health, he spoke for 40 minutes. He said, “The
single aim of all our different endeavors should be to make our nation
stand high commanding worldwide respect for our country.” He emphasized,
“Whatever be the atmosphere, tread on your path with this faith that
the word ‘Hindu’ will be recognized all over one day.” And he concluded
his speech saying, “Vijay hi vijay hai” (ever victorious)
Premonition
In Nagpur, in May, the Third Year Shiksha Varga of the Sangh was
going on. It was impossible for Shri Guruji to make it to the Varga.
Hence, in keeping with his strong urge it was arranged that Swayamsevaks
province-wise were called into the Sangh karyalaya to meet him. There
he got acquainted with them and emotionally appealed to them to carry on
the Sangh work whole-heartedly and steadfast. The programme lasted from
16th to 25th May. Later even that could not be carried on. The
Swayamsevaks from various parts of the country and other eminent
personalities from all walks of life kept pouring in to the Sangh
Karyalaya to enquire about his health. On the 3rd of June when the
Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, respected Mausi Kelkar called upon
him, he meaningfully said, “I am fully ready.” On the evening of 4th
June, when the workers attending upon his came with a bottle of oil to
give him massage, but it was empty. He jokingly said, “It’s over now!
Good. Tomorrow, who will be there for massage?” On 5th June in the
morning, he took his bath and meditated sitting on his usual seat. Later
at 9.30 in the night, he breathed his last and his soul got liberated
from the shackles of the mortal body.
The Moment of Inexpressible Grief
His body was kept at the front of Mahal Karyalaya in Nagpur. On the
morning of 6th of June, grief-stricken people thronged the place. The
three letters, written and sealed by Shri Guruji were opened and read.
The Sanghachalak of Maharashtra province Shri. Babasaheb Bhide read the
first letter wherein Shri Balasaheb Deoras was given the charge of
Sarsanghachalak. The other two letters were read by Shri Balasaheb
Deoras. In the second letter, Shri Guruji had indicated that it was not
desirable that a memorial be erected for anyone other than that of the
founder of the Sangh, Dr. Hedgewar. In the third, he had humbly written,
“If I have ever knowingly or unknowingly caused hurt to anyone, to all
of them I tender my apologies with folded hands.” This deeply moved the
thousands of people who had gathered there who burst into tears. Shri
Balasaheb himself felt choked. An Abhanga (composition) of Saint Tukaram
was also mentioned in this letter, the meaning of which is -
O Saints! Please forward my last request
To the God that He might not forget me.
He knows everything; what may I say more.
Tukaram says his head placed on His feet
I may always remain under the shadow of His grace.
His body was given Mantra-agni (fire sanctified by sacred mantra) and
cremated by the side of the Samadhi of Doctorji in Reshambag, (Nagpur)
on a pyre made of sandalwood. The fire soon consumed his body, which
like the sandalwood dissolved into the five elements. Later Bhagwadwaj
was hoisted and the gathered thousands sang the prayer of the Sangh in
grief-struck tones. And after the utterance of Bharat Mata Ki Jai all
the Swayamsevaks returned home, with heavy hearts.
Now Reshambag is home to two great personalities in their chaitanya
form Dr. Hedgewar sitting in the form of his image is on the upper floor
of Smriti-Mandir and Shri Guruji, like the sage Dadhichi (who
sacrificed his body for the welfare of gods and mankind.), as a smriti
chinha (a symbolic memory). The statue of Dr. Hedgewar seems to be
saying, “My selection was just right. Shri Guruji has spread the glory
of the Sangh worldwide.”
Tributes by the Nation
Several saints and eminent personalities paid their homage to Shri
Guruji. Acharya Vinoba Bhave said, “Shri Guruji was not in the least
narrow-minded. He was always driven by the lofty ideals of national
interests. He considered other religions like Christianity and Islam
with due respect and always hoped that in Bharat nobody would be
isolated.” The Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Puri said, “He was a saint,
in white robes.” Jain Acharya Sushil Kumar Muniji said, “Shri Guruji was
a giant of a man of our heritage.” Jain Sage Acharya Tulasi said, “He
was endowed with the qualities of both a connoisseur and a thinker.” In
the Parliament, President V.V. Giri, Speaker Mr. Gurdayal Singh Dhillon
and other eminent personalities extolled the qualities of Shri Guruji at
length. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi said in the Parliament, “We have
lost in Guru Golwalkar a famous personality, who was not a Member of the
Parliament. He held a respected position in the nation by the force of
his personality and the intensity of his convictions.” Shri Shyam Nandan
Mishra of the Congress said, “He was a great Karmayogi and Atmajnani.”
Shri Samar Guha, a Socialist leader said, “He inspired the qualities of
patriotism, dedication and service in thousands of youth of the
country.” Another Socialist leader S.M. Joshi said, “Shri Guruji was a
sage.” The leader of Akali Dal, Jathedaar Santosh Singh said, “He was a
great man, the kinds who are immortals. The Sikh community has suffered a
great loss.” Marxist Taki Rahman said, “Though I have never seen him
but I have felt the power of his inspiration in those who have faith in
the bright future of the country.” Congressman Shri Hatizuddin Qureshi
said, “He was indeed a great man, He was not anti-Muslim. The Muslims
have been misled that the Sangh is anti-Muslim.” Shri Jai Prakash
Narayan said, “Shri Guruji was a spiritually great personality, who
awakened thousand of youth to true nationalism.”
All the leading newspapers and journals shed light on the different
aspects of the unique personality of Shri Guruji. The Sanchalika of the
Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, Smt. Mausi Kelkar, and the leaders of Bharatiya
Jansangh Shri Lal Krishna Advani and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee amongst
other eminent personalities also paid their homage to Shri Guruji.
Modern Bhagirath, Modern Ganga
In Conclusion, as a harbinger of a new nationhood, Shri Guruji
infused a unique intrinsic power into the national life through his
unmatched personality and actions. In the words of a senior worker of
the Sangh, Shri Baburao Vaidya, “Bhagirath brought down the water of the
heavenly Ganga to the earth by the power of his severe penance, and
nourished and enriched the land of Bharat. In the same manner, Param
Pujaniya Doctorji, brought the life stream of Param Pujaniya Guruji, who
was on a spiritual path to Liberation (moksha), for the service of the
people of Bharat. Thus, he (Dr. Hedgewar) carried to fulfillment the
mission he had started to unite, organize and strengthen the Hindu
society.”
Source : Samvada.org
Nation remembers Social reformer, Second Chief of RSS Guruji Golwalkar on his 108th Jayanti
Reviewed by JAGARANA
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