Sind Meeting Landmark

A meeting of top RSS leaders was held in Sindi in Wardha district in the third week of February 1939. This was the last crucial meeting before the demise of Dr Hedgewar. All the prominent leaders were invited for the meeting as signs of independence were sensed, thanks to international developments like the second world war. England, which was ruling India, was facing a hostile situation and was losing grip over international developments. England’s worsening condition was seen as a sign of the end of imperialism and colonialism.

 

Dr Hedgewar was probably thinking on the same lines but was well aware of the reality. He was sceptical whether the country was in position to take advantage of favourable international conditions. RSS was spread in few regions like Central Province, Varhad and Punjab but it was yet to grow in other parts of the country. RSS had managed to enter in few parts but sizable areas were untouched by the RSS work. Dr Hedgewar was well aware of this reality and called a meeting in Sindi. The meeting assumed more significance as Dr Hedgewar was not keeping well for the past few months and might be intending to make some long-term arrangements.

 

The meeting was held in the bungalow of Babanrao Pandit. Many RSS stalwarts like Shri Guruji, Appaji Joshi, Balasaheb Deoras, Tatya Telang, Vitthalrao Patki, Babaji Salodkar, Nanasaheb Talatule and Krishnarao Mohrir participated in the meeting. The meeting used to hold for eight hours every day to deliberate upon expansion of organization and also some concrete decisions to infuse RSS ideology among Swayamsevaks’ in the long run. The major decision was taken about Prarthana as it reminds one the ultimate objective of RSS. The RSS Prarthana was a combination of Marathi and Sanskrit. Need to change it was felt as RSS was growing all over India, which had several languages. Similarly, all the orders in Shakha were also in Marathi, which needed to be changed. Dr Headgewar asked Nanasaheb Talatule to write a text for the Prarthana. It was decided to have a new Prarthana in Sanskrit, which is the source of all the Bharatiya languages.

 

Pune based Sanskrit teacher Narhari Narayan Bhide wrote Sanskrit Prarthana – `Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume’, which continues to inspire the RSS workers even today. Sanskrit Prarthana has been constructed in such a manner that it would always inspire, motivate and remind Swayamsevaks the long-term objective of RSS and their duties towards the same. Vision of Dr Hedgewar can also be understood by this incident as he was not keeping that time and he wanted to emphasise that ideology stands greater than any person. Similarly, Sanskrit orders (Adnyas) were also finalized as RSS was spreading in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka. These orders are still followed in RSS shakhas. The meeting used to witness heated debate on several occasions with tempers running high. However, Dr Hedgewar, who was truly democratic, used to allow everybody to express his opinion and come to a consensus decision at the end of discussion.

 

The meeting was an ideal example of democratic values. It was an example of how people can reach a consensus even after having different views. It was also a rare example of discipline as the final decision of the organization was never compromised. Such meetings continue to take place in RSS, setting an example of true democracy. The Sindi meeting deliberated upon expansion of the RSS in the changed domestic and international situations. The meeting explored areas where RSS could grow. Shri Guruji’s style of functioning, his approach and ideological foundation came to the fore at Sindi meeting. He played a very crucial role in the meeting.