DR. HEDGEWAR CHITRAWALI

Dr. Keshavrao Hedgewar, founder of the worlds largest and most unique socio-cultural organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was born on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Samvat 1946 Vikrami. Even in extreme poverty, the young Keshav never yearned to accumulate wealth, nor did his brilliance diminish. Fortunately for the nation, Keshav continued to develop as a nationalist, goal-oriented, bright, and self-respecting individual. Keshavrao pursued medical education, but never made it his profession. While concerned about the nation, Doctorji continued to expand his circle of friends. On May 1, 1921, the British government in Nagpur prosecuted Doctorji for treason for violating a British decree. Independence will come sooner or later, he asked. To find a solution to the long-lasting dilemma of freedom today, he founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the sacred day of Vijayadashami, September 27, 1925, along with his close and deeply nationalist friends and patriotic youth. The government was constantly under the influence of the RSS. Therefore, in 1933, Doctorji, understanding the governments nefarious policies, purchased two and a quarter acres of land in Resham Bagh, across the Nag River, and established a permanent RSS establishment. In December 1934, Mahatma Gandhi visited the winter camp in Wardha and learned about the RSSs working methods. The RSS was rapidly expanding. During the officer training class held in Akola, Doctorji found his successor in the form of Shri Guruji. Impressed by the RSSs good work, in 1934, Babarao Savarkar merged the Mukteshwar Dal, which had branches in twenty-five locations, into the RSS. This further strengthened the RSS. Due to excessive hard work and constant running around, Doctorji began to remain unwell. Volunteers from all provinces had come to the Nagpur class. On this occasion, Doctorji was delighted to see a miniature India; he addressed the volunteers while enduring unbearable pain. When the Sangh work was still in its infancy, Doctor Hedgewar passed away on June 21, 1940. This book is a portrait of a dedicated servant of undivided India, a staunch patriot, a great ascetic who reminded the entire Hindu society of its glorious past and inculcated values in the new generation.