The Sangh and Swaraj–Role of RSS in freedom struggle
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Dr Sagolsem Kulachandra Singh (Kendra Pramukh, Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Manipur)
Contd from previous issue
When the Inspector threatened action the agitation intensified with boycotting the class .Ultimately he himself came into open as he did not want his friends to suffer. He was dismissed from that school. (Dr. Hedgewar NH. Palkar, Marathi 5th edition, 2000 pages 21-22.)
After he finished his doctor’s degree he returned to Nagpur to pursue his dream of freeing India.
Dr KB Hedgewar–a committed Congress party member –Dr Hedgewar was joint organiser of the National session of the Indian National Congress in 1920 in Nagpur along with Dr Hardikar. They recruited about 1,200 volunteers for the purpose. Dr Hedgewar was the Joint Secretary of Nagpur Branch of the Indian National Congress at that time. He did such a wonderful job that his stature in the party and his following rose sharply. Dr Hedgewar had presented a resolution to the resolution committee, of which he was a member that demanded “Complete Freedom”. It was rejected by the committee.
The proposed resolution said “Goal of Congress is to achieve complete freedom and establishing Indian republic and to liberate other Nations of the world from exploitation and atrocities of capitalist imperialism.” (Dr KB Hedgewar, Rakesh Sinha, Page 79).
It is noteworthy that Congress declared its resolve for complete independence only after 9 years in 1929 Lahore Conference. It shows that Dr Hedgewar was much ahead of the leaders of his times about his vision of India-not just to be an Independent country, but also help other colonized countries to gain independence from what he termed ‘Capitalist Imperialism’.
First Imprisonment
His first imprisonment was for taking part in non cooperation movement in 1921. Dr Hedgewar gave highly aggressive speeches with Dr Munje in many places. To stop him the District Collector Cyril James Irwin banned his public speaking and holding meetings for one year vide notice dated 23 February 1921 and put on trial in May 1921 for his “objectionable speeches.” His defence on 5th August was so fiery that the Judge Smelly exclaimed, “His statement of defence is more seditious than his speech”. He was given one year imprisonment on 19th August. (Dr. Manmohan Vaidya, Panchjanya 11.12.2018, page 31).
Key is Unity and Self-Sacrifice
After his release, he kept working for Congress at various levels. He was elected as Joint Secretary of the State Congress Committee in 1922.
Dr Hedgewar Decision to Reform Hindu Society - Dr. Hedgewar could see that it was possible only by keeping away from politics thereby he founded Rastritya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925 on Vijayadashin Day in a meeting with 22 colleagues of his, at his home.
Total Commitment to Complete Freedom.
In the Lahore session of All India Congress Committee in Dec 1929, Congress declared complete independence as its goal. Dr Hedgewar sent out a notification to all his RSS shakhas. “We are very happy to see that AICC has spelt out its goal very clearly, So, it is our duty to support and co-operate with this organisation. It is but natural. As a part of this duty, all shakhas should come together on the evening of 26th January, 1930 at 6 pm; salute the National flag, i.e. bhagwa flag.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
When the Inspector threatened action the agitation intensified with boycotting the class .Ultimately he himself came into open as he did not want his friends to suffer. He was dismissed from that school. (Dr. Hedgewar NH. Palkar, Marathi 5th edition, 2000 pages 21-22.)
After he finished his doctor’s degree he returned to Nagpur to pursue his dream of freeing India.
Dr KB Hedgewar–a committed Congress party member –Dr Hedgewar was joint organiser of the National session of the Indian National Congress in 1920 in Nagpur along with Dr Hardikar. They recruited about 1,200 volunteers for the purpose. Dr Hedgewar was the Joint Secretary of Nagpur Branch of the Indian National Congress at that time. He did such a wonderful job that his stature in the party and his following rose sharply. Dr Hedgewar had presented a resolution to the resolution committee, of which he was a member that demanded “Complete Freedom”. It was rejected by the committee.
The proposed resolution said “Goal of Congress is to achieve complete freedom and establishing Indian republic and to liberate other Nations of the world from exploitation and atrocities of capitalist imperialism.” (Dr KB Hedgewar, Rakesh Sinha, Page 79).
It is noteworthy that Congress declared its resolve for complete independence only after 9 years in 1929 Lahore Conference. It shows that Dr Hedgewar was much ahead of the leaders of his times about his vision of India-not just to be an Independent country, but also help other colonized countries to gain independence from what he termed ‘Capitalist Imperialism’.
First Imprisonment
His first imprisonment was for taking part in non cooperation movement in 1921. Dr Hedgewar gave highly aggressive speeches with Dr Munje in many places. To stop him the District Collector Cyril James Irwin banned his public speaking and holding meetings for one year vide notice dated 23 February 1921 and put on trial in May 1921 for his “objectionable speeches.” His defence on 5th August was so fiery that the Judge Smelly exclaimed, “His statement of defence is more seditious than his speech”. He was given one year imprisonment on 19th August. (Dr. Manmohan Vaidya, Panchjanya 11.12.2018, page 31).
Key is Unity and Self-Sacrifice
After his release, he kept working for Congress at various levels. He was elected as Joint Secretary of the State Congress Committee in 1922.
Dr Hedgewar Decision to Reform Hindu Society - Dr. Hedgewar could see that it was possible only by keeping away from politics thereby he founded Rastritya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925 on Vijayadashin Day in a meeting with 22 colleagues of his, at his home.
Total Commitment to Complete Freedom.
In the Lahore session of All India Congress Committee in Dec 1929, Congress declared complete independence as its goal. Dr Hedgewar sent out a notification to all his RSS shakhas. “We are very happy to see that AICC has spelt out its goal very clearly, So, it is our duty to support and co-operate with this organisation. It is but natural. As a part of this duty, all shakhas should come together on the evening of 26th January, 1930 at 6 pm; salute the National flag, i.e. bhagwa flag.
(To be contd)