Hedgewar’s thoughts are more relevant today: Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan

Complimenting the author for producing a well researched biography on Dr Hedgewar, the Governor said the RSS founded by Doctor Ji a century ago has emerged as the biggest nationalistic organisation in the entire world.

Mumbai: The thoughts of unity and integration propounded by RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar are more relevant today than ever, Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan said, mentioning that secessionist forces are active in some states.

Dr Hedgewar (1 April 1889 – 21 June 1940), popularly known as Doctorji, founded Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925 - and this year marks the centenary celebrations.

Countering the argument that India was never a homogenous country in the past, the Governor said: “Samrat Ashok had united the Indian subcontinent several centuries ago…culturally and traditionally India was always a single nation…the foreign invaders divided India and managed to rule it. The message of unity is therefore all the more relevant.”

The Governor was speaking on Friday at the release of the book Hedgewar: A Definitive Biography authored by British-Indian writer Sachin Nandha at Raj Bhavan.

Complimenting the author for producing a well researched biography on Dr Hedgewar, the Governor said that RSS founded by Doctor Ji a century ago has emerged as the biggest nationalistic organisation in the entire world.

“RSS in its long and illustrious journey produced hundreds of patriots who lived selflessly and died for the nation,” he said.

The Governor recalled his association with RSS and highlighted the work done by RSS in Tamil Nadu, especially in Tirupur.

Nandha said in the years to come, Dr Hedgewar will become an international icon. “The book offers insights into the motivation and mind of Dr Hedgewar and his philosophy that may be termed as ‘Hedgewarism’,” he said.

Promoter of Asian Paints Jalaj Dani, Chairman of Avaada Group Vineet Mittal, Managing Director of Mohit Diamonds Mohit Mehta, author of the book Sachin Nandha, MD & CEO of NSE Dr Ashishkumar Chouhan, Ravindra Sanghvi, Milind Ghumare, Ravindra Sanghavi and volunteers were present. Sameer Koipker proposed the vote of thanks.

“I have tried to examine Hedgewar’s life and challenges with contemporaries like Gandhi, Nehru, and Savarkar. I have also tried to explore his inner struggles in reconciling his critique of Hindu society,” Nandha said about his book earlier.

Set against the backdrop of a country grappling with colonial rule, rising communal tensions, and the complexities of modernity, the book also offers insights into his philosophy of cultural nationalism.

“After spending almost seven years researching and writing about a man who remains largely unknown yet whose ideas and work have impacted one-fifth of humanity. Hedgewar's ideas are subtle yet powerful,” says Nandha.