The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) played a significant role but often overlooked role in India’s fight for independence. Founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the organization aimed to unite Hindus and prepare them for the nation’s freedom. Dr. Hedgewar, deeply influenced by his involvement in the revolutionary organisation Anushilan Samiti, was dedicated to the cause. He took part in revolutionary activities in Kolkata, where he studied medicine, and was jailed twice, in 1921 and 1931, for his anti-British actions.
One of the primary objectives of the RSS was to achieve independence for India. The dedication of RSS Swayamsevaks was evident as they participated in the freedom struggle and many sacrificed their lives. In 1929, when Congress declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence) at its Lahore session, the RSS celebrated this at all its branches.
In 1942, during the Quit India movement, RSS Swayamsevaks, were actively involved. They were led by MS Golwalkar, the second leader of the RSS. In the Vidarbha area of Maharashtra, Swayamsevaks in Chimur, led by Ramakant Deshpande, started a strong protest that turned violent. As a result, some British officials lost their lives. This event, known as the ‘Chimur Ashti episode,’ is a notable chapter in the movement’s history. Another heroic RSS figure was Hemu Kalani from Sakkhar in Sindh, who attempted to derail British troop movements by removing railway fishplates. He was even sentenced to death by the Army Court in 1943 for his actions.
Ganesh Bapuji Shinkar, a Congress Committee member from Solapur, took part in a satyagraha to demand the lifting of the ban on the RSS in 1948, which was imposed by the Nehru Government following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Before joining the protest, Shinkar left the Congress because he thought it was the right thing to do. In a statement he made on December 12, 1948, he thanked the RSS for helping during the Quit India movement. He said they provided safe places to stay, medical help, and legal support to people involved in the movement.
The RSS helped freedom fighters by giving them safe places to hide. For example, in 1942, Lala Hansraj, who was in charge of the RSS in Delhi, kept Aruna Asaf Ali safe for about 10 to 15 days during a big protest. Aruna Asaf Ali later said in an interview in 1967 that Hansraj made sure she stayed hidden and protected. In a similar way, Pandit Shripad Damodar Satavalekar, who led the RSS in Aundh, Maharashtra, gave shelter to Nana Patil, a leader who tried to set up a ‘Patri Sarkar’ or alternate government. Nana Patil and his friend Kisanveer were hidden by RSS members while they were working secretly against the British. Achyutrao Patwardhan, a well-known socialist leader, also stayed safe in the homes of several RSS members while he was doing secret activities.
Between 1940 and 1947, the British police often talked about how the RSS was becoming more and more powerful. They said that Golwalkar, one of the leaders of the RSS, was making people feel proud to be Indian and bringing them together. In a report from December 30, 1943, they mentioned how quickly the RSS was growing and its goal of bringing Hindus together. They also wrote about Golwalkar traveling a lot to motivate and organise RSS members, which helped the RSS grow in many places, even in faraway areas.
The RSS grew quickly in the 1940s because people respected its Swayamsevaks who joined the freedom fight. At first, they worked quietly. But as independence got closer, they became more active. They did a lot, like helping millions of people during the partition and assisting Hindus and Sikhs who had to leave their homes. This shows how dedicated they were, and we should learn more about their bravery and commitment.
The contribution of the RSS to India’s freedom struggle is a significant but often overlooked part of history. Their selfless service and silent sacrifices played a crucial role in the nation’s path to independence. Today, the RSS still does many things in Indian society, like getting people involved at the local level and even affecting government decisions. Many Indians like the RSS because it focuses on helping others, being disciplined, and feeling proud of their culture. As the RSS keeps growing, its dedication to serving the nation and promoting cultural unity will continue to shape India’s future.
