Milestones in the Journey

 

The final name Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was chosen on April 17 at a meeting, which was called to finalize the name for the newly formed organization. The meeting, called for this purpose, was held at the residence of Doctor Ji. The other names, which were under consideration, were Jaripatka Mandal, Bharat Uddharak Mandal and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was also another option, which was finalized after deliberations. Daily gathering (Nitya Shaka) was started on May 28 at Mohite Wada in Nagpur. Use of lathi or danda was introduced in daily gathering (shakha) while new commands like `daksha’. Aram’ were used for the first time in shakha. Similarly, the first gathering was marked by salute to `Bhagwa Dhwaj’. Shakhas used to begin with the salute to Bhagwa Dhwaj. Shakha used to finish with a prayer (Prarthana), which was in Hindi and Marathi. In the same year, the first route march (Path Sanchalan) was held with 30 participants.

1927 Special training camp, with the name O.T.C. – officer’s training camp – was held in May with 17 participants – Shiksharthis (trainees).

 

 

The first ever Guru Dakshina utsav was held when an amount of Rs 84 was collected. Shri Vitthalbahi Patel, elder brother of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel visited RSS shakha at Mohite Wada in Nagpur. In March, the first ever ceremony of oath taking (pratidnya), was held. A selected group of 99 swayamsevaks participated in this function. (Can we mention a few of the names?). At the end of 1928, Nagpur city had 18 shakhas. Similarly, the first winter camp was held while the first route march, with a band, also took place. The year was also marked by the meeting between Doctor Ji and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. This meeting took place in Calcutta (now Kolkata) during Congress party convention. It lasted for an hour.

 

 

A meeting was held at Doke Math in Nagpur on November 9 and 10 when Doctor Ji was designated with the post of chief (Sarsanghchalak). Balaji Huddar was chosen as sarkarywaah (general secretary) while Martandrao Jog was given the responsibility as chief trainer.

 

 

Congress passed a resolution on complete freedom (purna swaraj) at its Lahore session. Doctor Ji asked all shakhas to celebrate January 26 as Independence Day. Doctor Ji, along with several swayamsevaks, participated in jungle satyagraha near Yavatmal in Vidarbha region. Doctor Ji was jailed for nine months for participating in satyagraha. He had appointed Dr L V Paranjape as Sarsanghchalak before participating in satyagraha. In the same year, black cap was introduced as a part of the RSS uniform.

(1931 to 1939 details are not there)

 

1934 - Gandhi visits Sangh Camp Discussion with Dr. Hedgewar

 

1939 - Sindhi (Railway) Meet

 

 

Veer Savarkar visited Prantik Baithak of RSS in Pune. Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who later founded Bhartiya Jan Sangh, met Dr Hedgewar in Nagpur. Dr Mukherjee exdivssed concern over the plight of Hindus in Bengal. British government banned RSS uniform (ganvesh) and route marches. RSS’s Sanskrit prayer (prarthana) - ‘Namste Sada Vatsle Matrubhume’ was introduced in the year. Earlier, it was Marathi and Hindi. Similarly, Sanskrit adnyas – were introduced in place of English orders. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose met Dr Hedgewar on June 20 in Nagpur when he was on death bed. Doctor Ji, passed away on June 21, 1940 at 9.27 am. Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar – known as Shri Guruji – was designated with the responsibility as second Sarsanghchalak. 2nd Jan 1940 Dr. Ambedkar visits Karad (Satara, Maharashtra) shakha 1940 Dr. Hedgewar’s death news published Janta Weekly

 

 

 

Congress launched the Quit India agitation, demanding Britishers to leave the country. Several Sangh workers participated in the agitation. In Ashti - Chimur region of Maharashtra, some Swayamsevaks sacrificed their lives in the agitation. Ramtek "Nagar karyavah" of RSS Shri. Balashaeb Deshpande was sentenced to death. Later, this punishment was revoked by the British Government.

 

Muslim League declared "Direct Action" on August 16. As many as 5000 Hindus were killed and 15,000 injured in Calcutta.

 

 

Congress accepted partition on June 3, which was a stunning blow to the Hindus, RSS activists were in deep shock. A large number of Hindus in Punjab and Bengal were killed. RSS organized 3000 relief camps. Bharat achieved independence on August 15. Gandhiji addressed a gathering of 500 swayamsevaks in Valmiki colony of Delhi on Sept.14. Shri Guruji flew to Srinagar on 17th October to advise the Maharaja of Kashmir to accede Kashmir into Bharat (persuaded Hari Singh). In Kenya, swayamsevaks started an organisation with the name "Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh". Weeklies - Organizer and Panchajanya were launched. (DO WE NEED TO EXPLAIN MORE IN THIS YEAR?)

 

 

Gandhiji was assassinated on January 30. RSS exdivssed grief over this assassination. Shri Guruji was arrested on February 1 in Nagpur. Interim government blamed. RSS for Gandhiji’s killing and banned RSS. Around 17,000 Swayamsevak’s were arrested on February 4. Shri Guruji announced the closure of RSS shakhas on February 5. Talks were held between RSS and government but nothing came out of Swayamsevak’s launched satyagraha demanding the removal of ban on RSS on December 9. (DO WE NEED TO SAY SOMETHING MORE HERE?).

 

 

RSS constitution was drafted and came into existence. Government, on July 12, lifted the ban unconditionally on RSS. Shri Guruju was released from jail on July 13. Government lifted the ban unconditionally on July 12. He was given a rousing welcome throughout the country as he undertook a nation-wide tour. Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad was launched with the aim of nation building with youth participation. (DO WE NEED TO SAY MORE ON CONSTITUTION?).

 

 

India became a Republic on January 26. Shri Guruji asked swayamsevaks to celebrate this moment. The first Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidi Sabha was held, when Bhayyaji Dani was elected as Sarkaryawah (general secretary). Vastuhara Sahayya Samiti was floated to help Hindu refugees, who had migrated from Pakistan. RSS volunteers participated in relief work in Assam for quake and flood affected people.

 

 

 

Cow Protection Movement, also known as Goraksha Andolan, was launched, demanding prohibition of cow slaughter all over the country. Swayamsevaks collected 1,75,39,813 signatures, covering each and every part of the country from 85,000 cities and villages. All these signatures were divsented to the divsident of Bharat Dr Rajendra Prasad, on December 8. Two major organizations were started in this year, which included Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and Bhartiya Jan Sangh. Bhartiya Jan Sangh was launched by Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Many swayamsevaks joined these organizations. Shri Guruji participated in the concluding ceremony of ‘Abhinav Bharat’ an organization, which was founded by Swatantraya Veer Savarkar for the freedom of Bharat. The function took place in Pune.

 

 

Unexpected and shocking death of Sri Syama Prasada Mukherjee, who founded Bhartiya Jan Sangh. Dr Mukherjee was arrested in Kashmir for violating article 370 and died as detenu on June 23, 1953.

 

 

Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which continued to be under control of Portuguese, were liberated by swayamsevaks on August 2. While the rest of the country was independent, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were under Portuguese rule, The newly liberated region was handed over to the Government of India by swayamsevaks.

 

 

A large number of Swayamsevak’s actively participated in the all-party struggle for the liberation of Goa, which was under the control of Portuguese. Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh was founded this year.

1956 Shri Eknath Ranade was elected Sarkaryavah. (1957 to 1962 NOT MENTIONED)

1963 RSS was invited to participate in the Republic Day parade on January 26 in Delhi. As many as 3,000 swayamsevaks, with full uniform and band, participated in the parade with a short notice. Vivekananda Centenary celebrations started. RSS passed a resolution to construct a grand memorial for Swami Vivekananda at Kanyakumari.

 

 

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), redivsenting Hindus all over the world, was launched August 29 on the auspicious day of Krishna Janmashtami. Several spiritual leaders were divsent at the launching ceremony.

 

 

Pakistan attacked Bharat. The then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri invited Shri Guruji to attend the All-Leaders Conference in New Delhi. Shri Guruji extended complete cooperation to the government on behalf of the RSS. Madhukar Dattatreya alias Balasaheb Deoras was elected as Sarkaryawah (general secretary) of RSS. Nagpur-Vidarbha prantik shibir camp was attended by more than 5,000 Swayamsevak’s.

 

 

Bihar was hit by drought. RSS undertook massive relief work across the state. Leaders like Jayprakash Narayan were imdivssed with the selfless service of Swayamsevak’s. The first convention of Vishwa Hindu Parishad was held at Prayag. It was attended by 25,000 redivsentatives of 12 countries.

 

Maharashtra Prantik Shibir was attended by more than 10,000 swayamsevaks. (Need to add two lines).

 

Madhya Bharat Prantik shibir was held in Shajapur. (1969 and 1970 NOT MENTIONED)

 

 

Vidarbha-Nagpur Prantik shibir was held and attended by more than 10,000 swayamsevaks. War with Pakistan broke out for the third time. Swayamsevaks took several initiatives to help the armed forces.

 

 

Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari was inaugurated by the then divsident of India, Sri V. V. Giri. This memorial is considered a unique symbol of national unity. Swami Vivekanand had meditated on this same rock on December 25, 26, and 27, 1892. It is considered as the most visited spot in Bharat. (We can have a memorial photo here).

 

 

Shri Guruji passed away on June 5. The Memorial of Shri Guruji was built in front of Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur. Shri Balasaheb Deoras was designated as third Sarsanghchalak on June 6. Shri. Mahavrao Muley was elected as Sarkaryavah. (We can place photographs of Shri Guruji here).

 

 

Tri-Centenary celebrations of the coronation of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were held across the country. Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj mark a significant historical event that is proudly observed all over the country. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was officially crowned at Raigad Fort on June 6, 1674. His coronation symbolizes the laying of the foundation for "Hindavi Swaraj,"a concept of self-rule.

 

 

Emergency was imposed in the country by Smt. Indira Gandhi on June 25. RSS was banned for the second time on July 4. Akhil Bharatiya Lok Sangharshana Samiti was launched to fight against the emergency. Balasaheb Deoras, along with thousands of swayamsevaks, was arrested. Many sangh leaders worked underground.

 

1976 (NOT MENTIONED) We can say something about the anti-emergency fight by RSS.

 

 

Bhartiya Jana Sangh was merged into the newly formed Janta Party, which came to power. The Janata Party government lifted the ban on RSS on March 22. Jayprakash Narayan addressed the RSS meeting in Patna on November 3. Cyclone hit coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh in the month of December, resulting in massive human loss. Swayamsevak’s worked in relief operations under adverse conditions. As many as 2,40,000 clothes and 32,000 utensils were distributed among the affected people. Sri Rajendra Sinh, affectionately known as Rajju Bhaiyya, was designated as Saha Sarkaryavaha - Joint General Secretary.

 

Shri Madhava Rao Moole, Sarkayavaha, passed away on September 30. Shri Rajendra Singh was elected as Sarkayavaha. Deen Dayal Sodh Sanstan was launched. Madhya Bharat prant shibir was held in Indore, which was attended by 6,000 swayamsevaks.

 

 

Second convention of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). This was attended by the Dalai Lama and many prominent religious leaders from all over the world. In August month, Machhu dam near Morbi, Gujarat, burst causing floods. Swayamsevaks helped 12,000 affected families, which were in high distress.

 

 

RSS launched a mass public contact programme - Jana Samparka Abhiyan - covering 95,000 villages and one crore families. A group of Janata Party leaders insisted that no RSS member can become a Janata party member. They demanded that RSS Swayamsevak cannot become a member of Janata Party. Bhartiya Janata Party was formed over this dual membership issue.

 

Around 800 Hindus converted to Islam in Meenakshipuram in Tamil Nadu. RSS, along with other Hindu organizations protested this conversion. Similar incidents of conversion were reported from other parts of Tamil Nadu. Awareness campaigns against conversion were held. Sanskar Bharti was launched.

 

Karnataka Prantik Shibir was held at Bangalore. More than 25,000 swayamsevaks attended the shibir.

 

 

Ekatmata Yajna was launched by Vishwa Hindu Parishad, with active support by swayamsevaks for motivating the peoples" faith and devotion to Bharat Mata and Ganga Mata. Maharashtra Prantik Shibir held at Pune. It was attended by more than 35,000 swayamsevaks.

 

 

Massive human and property loss to Sikhs in Delhi in the wake of the assassination of Smt. Indira Gandhi in October. Hundreds of Sikh families were protected at Swayamsevak’s" homes. Relief camps were set up for the needy while necessary services were rendered at their homes in Delhi and other parts of the country. Reconstruction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar began after Operation Blue-Star. A large number of Swayamsevak’s participated in the Karseva at Golden Temple.

 

RSS completed 60 years. Nation-wide awareness programmes were conducted. (Need to explain more).

 

 

(NOT MENTIONED) H V Sheshadri ji was elected Sarkaryavah. Shri Balasaheb Deoras, Sarsanghchalak visited Chaitya Bhoomi On 6th December to pay homage to Dr B R Ambedkar.

 

Jana Samparka Abhiyan was launched to mark the centenary year of celebration of Dr Hedgewar. Syawaymsevaks contacted 1,50,000 families, conducted 76,000 meetings and collected 11 crore rupees as Seva Nidhi.

 

 

RSS shakha in Moga town of Punjab was attacked by terrorists. RSS lost 18 of its swayamsevaks in this attack. The incident took place on June 25, in which 24 people, including 18 Swayamsevak’s, lost their lives. Twenty-eight others were injured in this incident.

 

 

Karseva was held in Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on October 30, challenging all kinds of restrictions imposed by the Mulayam Singh government.

 

 

 

Shri Bhavu Rao Desoras passed away on May 14. Shri Yadavrao Joshi passed away on August 20. Babri structure at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya was removed by karsevaks on December 6. Government banned RSS for the third time on December 10.

 

 

Bahri Tribunal found the ban on RSS unjustified. The ban was lifted on June 4. Akhil Bhartiya Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad was launched.

 

 

Prof. Rajendra Singh, known as Rajju Bhaiyya - was designated as fourth Sarsangh Chalak of Sangh on March 11. (DO WE NEED TO SAY MORE HERE?) Akhil Bhartiya Seva Vibhag Started. Laghu Udyog Bharati was founded.

 

 

 

Shri Balasheb Deoras passed away on June 17. Severe Cyclone hit the Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh in November, causing 900 deaths and massive property loss. RSS participated actively in the relief operations under the banner of Jana Sankshema Samiti. Plane crash in Chakri Dadri, Haryana, leaving 350 dead. RSS’s remarkable role in the relief operations was praised by the international media, particularly in the Gulf.

 

 

Sarsangchalak Shri Rajju Bhayya toured Kenya at the invitation of Hindu Council of Kenya. Tour took place from January 10 to 17. During his visit, Shri Rajju Bhaiyya addressed many gatherings of Indian families, university students and met many government officials. Golden Jubilee Sangh Samagam took place in Ludhiana. As many as

21,000 swayamsevaks gather for one day.

 

 

Sarsanghchalak Shri Rajju Bhayya visited Japan and performed bhumi puja for the construction of the Indo-Japan Cultural Centre on April 17. Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Akhil Bhatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was inaugurated in Mumbai on December 25.

 

 

Four pracharaks (full time workers) - Dinendranath Day, Shyamal Kanti Sen, Shubhankar Chakravarti and Sudhayamay Datta and Pracharaks of RS were abducted in Tripura by NLFT militants on August 6, demanding a ransom of Rs two crores. Later all the four pracharaks were killed. The most devastating cyclone of the century, hit the coast of Orissa on October 28, causing a human loss of 10,000 and Rs.1,800 crore property loss. RSS played the lead role under the banner of Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti in relief and rehabilitation activities. 2000 to 2006 (NOT MENTIONED)

 

 

Swyamsevaks celebrated 150th year of the freedom struggle of 1857. Third World Hindu Conference was held in Prayagraj. Concluding ceremony of Shri Guruji birth anniversary was held in Delhi. (Nothing mentioned about beginning and other programmes. We need to). Hindu gatherings were held at various places in the country. More than 1.60 crore people, 13,000 saints and 1.80 lakh social activists participated in these gatherings, which were held throughout the year.

 

 

 

Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak K.S. Sudershan ji named Dr Mohan Bhagwat as the next Sarsanghchalak of the RSS. Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi elected as the Sarkaryavaha of the RSS. ‘Vishwa Mangal Gau Gram Yatra’ was launched by prominent saints, which was supported by the RSS in order to create awareness among the people about the importance of cow protection. A massive campaign was undertaken in which 8.34 crore people signed in favour of coe protection. They included 75,668 Christians and 10, 73, 142 Muslims. Programmes were held at 23,300 villages. A massive number of 11 lakh people participated in these programmes. In addition, 201 MPs and 867 MLAs signed the memorandum for cow protection. Processions were taken out at 1,23,796 places, in which around 1.50 crore people participated. A special yatra was taken out to awaken the people, which began from Kurukshetra on September 28, 2009 and concluded at Nagpur on January 17, 2010. Cow protection yatra covered a total distance of 26,000 km. As many as 9,271 full time workers, around 1.40 lakh activists made the yatra a success. More than 15 lakh people participated in the yatra.

 

 

North Karnataka was hit by floods, in which several villages got affected. RSS rushed to 180 villages with different relief material. Around 2,400 swayamsevaks worked day and night. RSS decided to build 1680 houses in nine villages under the banner of Seva Bharati for rehabilitation of the affected people. Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Ji Bhagwat undertook a nationwide tour. A huge number of swayamsevaks attended programmes. Response in places like Kerala, Manglore and Mahakaushal was overwhelming.

 

 

Maa Narmada Samajik Kumbh took place in the month of February in Mandla, manifesting the extraordinary strength of the society. Maa Narmada Samajik Kumbh was organized to awaken the people against social ills and efforts to weaken the Hindu society. This festival saw participation of 415 different scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and 400 other social groups from 4000 villages of 1179 tehsils from 336 districts in the country. Around 30 lakh people participated in the kumbh, which was held for three days.

 

Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi was re-elected as the Sarkaryavaha of the RSS.

 

 

RSS extended full support to 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda to take his message across the country. RSS coordinated with Vivekanand Kendra and undertook massive efforts along with several other spiritual organizations like Ramakrishna Mission, Gayatri Parivar, Sharada Matham, Chinmaya Mission, Swaminarayan Order, Jain institutions to carry the message of nation building of Swami Vivekanand. Eminent academicians, scientists, educationalists, defense officers and retired judicial officers participated in various programmes. Uttarakhand witnessed the worst ever natural calamity during Char Dham yatra. RSS volunteers were first to reach affected spots and engaged themselves with relief activities in coordination with the Indian Army.

 

 

 

The first ever Shrung Shivir “ Swaranjali” took place in Bengaluru in the month of January. A total of 2195 Swayamsevaks from every region of the country participated in the event. Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha decided to replace RSS’s 90-year-old uniform. Khaki knicker was replaced by full brown trouser.