On the 136th birth anniversary of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Smruti Mandir at Reshimbagh in Nagpur, a place deeply revered by Swayamsevaks across the country, to pay tributes to the RSS founder Dr Hedgewar and Shri MS Golwalkar, fondly remembered as Shri Guruji.
For many who do not know the Sangh and its swayamsewaks, it can be a political visit, but for those who know, this was more than just a symbolic gesture, it was a reaffirmation of the shared ideological and emotional roots that continue to shape the Prime Minister’s vision and leadership.
The RSS premises in Reshimbagh, which houses Smruti Mandir, where both Dr Hedgewar and the second Sarsanghchalak MS Golwalkar (popularly known as Shri Guruji) were cremated, is a sacred site for swayamsevaks.
Every year, hundreds of RSS swayamsewaks come and stay there for almost a month during the Tritiya Varsh training camp of the RSS to strengthen their spirit of Desh Bhakti and awaken within themselves the call of selfless service to our motherland.
For a swayamsevak, a visit to Smruti Mandir is not just an act of remembrance, it is a personal journey, almost a pilgrimage. It serves as a space that evokes deep reflection, stirs emotion, and reinforces the values of Desh Bhakti and selfless service.
The land is seen as sanctified, having borne the footsteps of countless dedicated volunteers who have committed their lives to the idea of a strong and united Hindu society and a self-reliant nation.The PM’s visit comes at a time when the Sangh is marking 100 years since its founding in 1925.
What began as a modest initiative to organise and awaken national consciousness in the youth, has grown into one of the world’s largest socio-cultural organisations.
Through its network of shakhas and affiliated institutions, the RSS has focused on character-building, social service, and cultural pride, mostly working quietly behind the scenes during times of crisis and social need. Dr Hedgewar once said, “The real strength of the nation lies in its people, not just in numbers, but in unity and character.”
This philosophy has underpinned the Sangh’s work for a century, aiming not at short-term political gain, but at long-term national transformation. It has dedicated itself to one goal — creating men of character who will then shape the present and future of Bharat, and the world.
In the words of Shri Guruji, “Our ultimate goal is not power, but a strong and harmonious society where every individual lives with dignity and devotion to the nation.”
This approach has allowed the Sangh to influence diverse aspects of Indian life, from education and rural development to disaster relief and social harmony, without being dependent on political power or influence.
While there has often been speculation about ideological or strategic differences between the RSS and the BJP, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Smruti Mandir reflects a continuing alignment with the foundational values of the Sangh.
His political journey, from a humble swayamsevak to the highest office in the land, has remained informed by the discipline, nationalism, and ethos instilled in him through the Sangh.
As Bharat looks toward the future, the centenary of the RSS serves not only as a moment of reflection but also as a renewed commitment.
In the century ahead, the Sangh’s guiding principles of unity, service, and cultural rootedness are set to remain as relevant as ever. We look forward with confidence to seeing Bharat advance as a strong, self-reliant, and harmonious nation, driven by the enduring ideals the Sangh has championed for a hundred years, shaping a future worthy of its civilisational greatness and global leadership.
(The author is a commentator on socio-political issues. Views expressed are personal)
