The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) mourns the loss of Bholanath, a dedicated karyakarta who passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on January 16, 2024. Bholanath’s remarkable journey began with his retirement from government service, after which he embarked on a 41-year-long commitment to the RSS as he started working at the RSS office in Delhi.
Throughout his long association with the organisation, Bholanath was known for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to its ideals. His exemplary service touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on the RSS.
News of his passing has evoked an outpouring of grief and respect from across the RSS ranks. Leaders and members have lauded his selfless contributions and unwavering commitment to the organisation’s values. Bholanath’s life serves as an inspiration to future generations of RSS, a testament to the impact a single individual can make through dedication and service.
His resonance and warm greetings would echo in the Jhandewala office whenever fellow workers met him. Post his retirement from a government position, he chose to work for the RSS, dedicating four decades of his life to the cause. His service extended to long stints in RSS educational programmes, covering vast territories of the Jhandewala region.
A familiar face at the Delhi RSS office, Keshav Kunj, from the late ’80s to 2014, he was known for his kindness to Swayamsevaks and strictness towards unknown visitors.
Born in 1922 in Layyah, Western Punjab (now in Pakistan), Bholanath Ji joined the RSS in 1939 and played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for RSS work in the national capital. Retiring from the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) in 1982, he became a full-time worker (Vanprasthi Karyakarta) and dedicated more than four decades of his life to the cause for which the RSS worked. .
Bholanath Ji served as the Vibhag-Karyavah (General Secretary) in the late ’80s and maintained a fitness routine, avoiding lifts and adhering to healthy practices. His centenary celebration on December 20, 2022, was a joyous occasion for swayamsevaks at Udasin Ashram, the present RSS office in Delhi. A havan was organised, and Bholanath Ji, a devoted follower of Hanuman, led the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal had described Bholanath Ji as a guardian and a source of pride, highlighting his selfless service and teaching valuable lessons. Baldev Raj, Bholenath Ji’s son, emphasised his father’s commitment to the Sangh and society, nurturing leadership qualities among many Swayamsevaks.
Bholanath Ji’s dedication extended beyond the RSS; he was a devotee of Hanuman, and his routine included reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. His family contributed Rs 51,000 to the Keshav Smarak Samiti, RSS Delhi Karyalaya, in his memory.
His daughter-in-law, Mohinder Kaur, expressed the family’s deep gratitude, emphasising his role in their success. Swayamsevaks had earlier celebrated his 99th birthday in the presence of RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat.
Bholanath Ji’s demise marks the end of an era, leaving a big void. His life, dedicated to service and discipline, stands as an inspiration for future generation of Swayamsevaks.
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