RSS Founding Era
Establishment (1925)
Laying the Foundation of the Sangh
Purpose
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925 with the purpose of uniting the Hindu community and revitalizing India’s cultural identity. His vision was to develop disciplined, selfless individuals dedicated to national service and moral strength, building a nation rooted in unity and character rather than politics.
First Shakha
The first RSS shakha began in Nagpur with a handful of dedicated volunteers who gathered daily for physical drills, patriotic songs, and moral discussions. This humble beginning symbolized the Sangh’s focus on developing character and discipline at the grassroots level, forming the foundation of a national movement.
Early Members
The early members of the RSS were young, idealistic individuals inspired by Dr. Hedgewar’s vision of a strong and united India. They came from diverse backgrounds but shared a commitment to national service, discipline, and character-building. Their dedication and teamwork became the foundation of the Sangh’s rapid growth.
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
Founder and First Sarsanghchalak (1925–1940)
Established the RSS in Nagpur with the vision of building a disciplined, united, and culturally awakened nation. Focused on character development and national service rather than politics.
Dr. B.S. Moonje
Ideological Guide and Senior Advisor
A veteran nationalist leader and associate of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr. Moonje’s ideas on organized youth training deeply influenced Hedgewar in forming the RSS structure.
Laxman V. Paranjpe
One of the Earliest Organizers
Helped establish the first shakhas and trained new volunteers in drills and discipline. His dedication and organizing skills strengthened the foundation of the Sangh.
Babasaheb Apte
Key Organizer and Propagator
Worked closely with Hedgewar to expand RSS activities beyond Nagpur. Known for his calm leadership and communication skills, he helped spread Sangh ideology across Maharashtra.
Narayanrao Tarte
Early Volunteer and Trainer
Among the first swayamsevaks to join the RSS shakhas. Actively involved in training and motivating youth, embodying the Sangh’s principles of unity and discipline.
Laxmanrao Inamdar
Prominent Organizer
Played a key role in expanding the Sangh’s reach in Gujarat. His leadership, discipline, and mentorship continued the legacy of Hedgewar’s vision into later decades.
Organizational Model
Strength Through Structure and Simplicity
Daily Shakhas
The daily shakhas form the living heart of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s organizational structure. These gatherings take place in open grounds or community spaces where swayamsevaks assemble early in the morning to begin their day with discipline and devotion to the nation. Rooted in simplicity, the shakha serves as a place for both physical and moral training, blending traditional values with a sense of collective purpose.
The daily shakhas form the living heart of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s organizational structure. These gatherings take place in open grounds or community spaces where swayamsevaks assemble early in the morning to begin their day with discipline and devotion to the nation. Rooted in simplicity, the shakha serves as a place for both physical and moral training, blending traditional values with a sense of collective purpose.
Seva Work
Seva, meaning selfless service, is one of the guiding principles of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. From its earliest days, the Sangh has emphasized that true patriotism goes beyond slogans — it is expressed through dedicated action for the welfare of society. Every swayamsevak is encouraged to see service not as charity, but as a moral duty toward the nation and its people.
Across India, RSS volunteers actively participate in numerous forms of social service, ranging from disaster relief operations and blood donation drives to running free education centers, orphanages, and health camps. During natural calamities, swayamsevaks are often among the first to reach affected areas, offering aid, rebuilding homes, and restoring hope. These efforts exemplify the Sangh’s belief that serving humanity is the highest form of devotion.
Key Events (1925–1940)
Milestones During Dr. Hedgewar’s Leadership
Relationship with Indian Freedom Movement
During India’s freedom struggle, the RSS maintained a distinctive yet complementary approach to achieving national independence. While the mainstream political movements focused on direct confrontation with British rule, the RSS emphasized internal strength through unity, discipline, and character-building.
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who had himself been involved in the Indian National Congress and the freedom movement before founding the RSS, believed that political freedom would only be meaningful if the nation was socially and culturally united. The Sangh therefore concentrated on nurturing patriotic citizens rather than participating directly in political protests.
Many early swayamsevaks were personally inspired by nationalist ideals and contributed in various ways—supporting civil disobedience, spreading awareness, and providing relief during social unrest. The RSS’s silent yet steadfast efforts to instill national consciousness laid a strong foundation for post-independence nation-building.
