Timeline
Timeline of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
Tracing the Life and Legacy of a True Nationalist
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born on April 1, 1889, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, into a modest Brahmin family deeply rooted in cultural values. His early life was marked by a strong sense of patriotism, discipline, and devotion to India’s ancient heritage. From a young age, he displayed leadership qualities and a deep concern for the unity and moral awakening of the nation.
In the 1910s, Hedgewar pursued his medical education in Calcutta (Kolkata), where he was exposed to revolutionary nationalist movements. Influenced by leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and Aurobindo Ghosh, he secretly participated in freedom activities against British colonial rule. His time in Bengal shaped his ideological foundations — blending national pride with discipline and service to society.
In 1925, Dr. Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur with the goal of awakening national consciousness and cultural unity among Indians. He envisioned a disciplined, service-oriented volunteer organization that would work selflessly for Bharat Mata (Mother India). The RSS became a unique movement combining spirituality, social service, and patriotism.
Throughout the 1930s, Hedgewar’s tireless efforts expanded the RSS beyond Nagpur. Thousands of young Indians joined as Swayamsevaks (volunteers), participating in daily shakhas, physical training, and moral education. Hedgewar traveled extensively, promoting unity beyond caste, creed, and language — sowing the seeds for a nationwide cultural awakening.
Dr. Hedgewar passed away on June 21, 1940, in Nagpur. His passing marked not an end, but the beginning of a powerful legacy. His vision of a self-reliant, united, and culturally awakened India continued under his successors like M.S. Golwalkar (Guruji). The organization he founded went on to influence millions and shape modern India’s social and spiritual discourse.
