On October 29, 2023, Ranga Hari ji, the Karma Yogi, passed away at the age of 93. Renowned as the Sangh Rishi who illuminated the minds of thousands with idealism and instilled Sanatana nationalism, he departs at a critical juncture. It is a time when forces of darkness, notably the Communists, seek to obscure the essence of Bharatheeya in the state of Kerala. Hari ji, who initiated his Sangh life at the age of thirteen, carried the banner of Sanghadarshana worldwide from the TD temple’s playground.
In commemoration of his life and remarkable journey, the swayamsevaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised an event in Kochi, on November 14, at 6 pm. The event unfolded at the Bhaskareeyam Convention Centre in Ernakulam, Kochi. The RSS Sarkaryavah, Dattatreya Hosabale Ji, delivered a keynote address during this event.
Homage to respected Ranga Hari Ji, our dearest Hariyettan..
Former Akhila Bharatiya Boudhik Pramukh, One who travelled extensively all over the world to propagate Hindu civilisational values, Communicated in ten languages, Wrote more than sixty books, Friend Philosopher and Guide… pic.twitter.com/RTLPSCilew— J Nandakumar (@kumarnandaj) November 14, 2023
The event revolved around the life and accomplishments of Hari ji, a globetrotter who dedicated his life to promoting Hindu civilisational values. Fluent in ten languages, he authored over sixty books during his lifetime.
R Hari ji, a Parivrajak who ventured beyond the Suryamandal, was commemorated in an event organised in Kochi, with RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale ji delivering a heartfelt homage. Describing him as a Sadhak in solitude and a Sanghatak among people, Hosabale ji emphasised Hari ji’s unwavering dedication, stating, “He devoted all that he earned to the organisation and to the nation.”
Addressing the congregation gathered, Hosabale Ji delivered the keynote address, highlighting Hari ji’s embrace of modernity while remaining deeply rooted in cultural values for a noble purpose. Known as a friend, philosopher, and karma yogi, Hari ji’s life mirrored that of a sage in every aspect. In Delhi, senior IAS officers eagerly awaited Hari ji’s speeches, appreciating his extraordinary genius. His classes on Ekathma Manava Darshan (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Ji) differed from the norm, with examples tailored to the audience, place, and time.
Praising Hari ji’s succession as a Prant Pracharak, Hosabale Ji noted the significant responsibility shouldered by Bhaskar Rao. He recounted an awe-inspiring lecture by Hari ji on the works of Khalil Gibran at Nagpur Dharampeth College. Eminent figures in the cultural and spiritual realms paid tribute to R Hari ji in the meeting presided over by Justice N. Nagaresh. Notable attendees included Prof. M.K. SANU, Sankalp Delhi Chairman Santhosh Taneja, Swami Viviktanandasaraswathi (Chinmaya Mission), Swami Nandatmajananda (Ramakrishna Mission), Swami Anaghamritananda Puri (Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt), senior journalist M.V. Benny, RSS Prantha Karyawah P.N. Eswaran, and Sushmita, daughter of Hari ji’s younger brother.
Born on December 5, 1930 (Rohini, Vruschikam), Ranga Hariji faced imprisonment in Kerala from December 1948 to April 1949 as a satyagrahi. This satyagraha aimed at lifting the unjust ban on RSS imposed in connection with Mahatma Gandhiji’s assassination. The incarceration interrupted his studies as a BA (Politics, History & Sanskrit) student. Upon his release following the lifting of the RSS ban, Hariji resumed his studies, completing his BA. Subsequently, he pursued separate studies in Sanskrit. Hariji emerged as a Prachaarak of Sangh on May 3, 1951, initially serving as a Taluk Pracharak for a year. He later assumed roles as Jilla Pracharak in various districts and eventually as Vibhag Pracharak in different parts of Kerala.
He spread the message of Sangh across five continents, collaborating with five SarSanghachalaks: Guruji Golwalkar, Madhukar Dattatreya Devares, Prof. Rajendra Singh, K.S. Sudarshan, and Dr. Mohan Bhagwat.
Born on December 5, 1930, T.J., R Hariji was the son of Ranga Shenoy and Padmavati, hailing from Tripunithura. He was the second of eight siblings, with three brothers and four sisters. Hari ji attended St. Albert’s High School and graduated from Maharajas College, Kochi. Although initially enrolled in BSAC Chemistry, his studies were interrupted when he returned after serving jail time. He later graduated in Economics and independently pursued studies in Sanskrit.
During the RSS ban from December 1948 to April 1949, imposed after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, Hariji served as a satyagrahi in Kannur jail.
Upon completing his graduation, he dedicated himself as a full-time Sangh worker, commencing his journey as a Pracharak in North Paravur, near Kochi. Subsequently, he undertook various Sangh assignments, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the organisation. Notably, he assumed a leadership role in clandestine operations during the Emergency Period. His notable positions included Kerala Pranta Pracharak (1983-1993), Akhil Bharatiya Saha Boudhik Pramukh (1990), Akhil Bharatiya Boudhik Pramukh (1991-2005), Sampark Karyakartha of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in Asia and Australia (1994-2005), and Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal member (2005-2006).
He authored approximately fifty books in diverse languages such as Sanskrit, Konkini, Malayalam, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and English. Proficient in Gujarati, Bengali, and Assamese, he also edited and compiled Sri Guruji’s complete works in ‘Guruji Samagra,’ published across 12 volumes. His final work, titled “Prithvi Sukta: An Ode to Mother Earth,” was recently released by Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Ji Bhagavat.
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