Bringing the organisational work to life, standing as a philosophical embodiment, and dedicating his life to repaying the debt to Mother Bharat, the Mallapuram Bhishmachari, who is unified in the Supreme Being, was honoured in a heartfelt tribute meeting. The senior pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bhishma Ji, was remembered with emotion by all attendees, who reflected on how the values he established through various responsibilities at home and abroad served as a guiding light for everyone.
On Sunday, September 22, Bhishma Ji Shraddhanjali Sabha held at KMIT in Narayanguda, Bhagyanagar, family members, volunteers, friends, and many from other states and countries came together to express their emotional connections with Bhishma Ji. Reflecting on their associations with him, who undertook various responsibilities in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, messages from Sarsanghchalak Mohan Ji Bhagwat, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya V. Bhagayya, and the Honourable Governors of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland, Sri Bandaru Dattatreya and Ila Ganeshan, among others, were read.
Mallapuram Bhishmachary, a senior RSS pracharak, passed away on the night of 12th September 2024 at the age of 73. At the time of his passing, he was en route to Bhagyanagar from Nagpur.
The songs sung at this memorial meeting, echoing “I will burn for my nation… I will live for my nation,” reflected Bhishma Ji’s life and moved the hearts of everyone present. Manohar Shinde, a member of Prajnapravaah national team, paid his respects, recalling that Bhishma Ji’s association began with the Shivaji shakha in Bhagyanagar in the mid-60s and how his commitment to decisions inspired many, particularly those who were deserving, embodying brotherhood in various ways. Manohar Shinde revealed that during Bhishma Ji’s tenure in Tamil Nadu, he took the initiative to organize a meeting with builders for the construction of a community hall.
Rameshwar ji, a member of Uttar Kshetra karyakarini, conveyed the high values followed by Bhishma Ji. He detailed his mental strength and self-confidence demonstrated when he entered Punjab during the peak of Khalistan terrorism. He also noted how Bhishma ji motivated those who were fleeing Punjab at that time and how he instilled courage among the Karsevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Bharat Ji, Saha pracharak of the Dakshin Madhya Kshetra, stated that Bhishma Ji’s life mirrored the way a person molds themselves to achieve a high goal. Like Sri Rama, with a gentle smile and soft speech, Bhishma Ji won the hearts of many, living according to Doctor ji’s ideals and embodying the essence of Sangh founder, carrying the work of the organization until his last breath.
Shyam Parande, Global Coordinator of Seva International, honored Bhishma Ji as a pure, selfless love symbol. He recounted how, despite being invited by many during his responsibilities in Fiji, Bhishma Ji chose to visit the slums and spread love, leading the Fijian people to run to see him. He also mentioned that Bhishma Ji worked to teach the Tamil language to those in Fiji who were distant from their mother tongue, showcasing infinite patience.
Bhishma Ji’s younger brother Kripachari paid tribute, stating that his brother was greater than him in experience and exposure. Recognising the value of family relationships while living with ideals, he became a brother to many, and the mention of Bhishmachari brought forth emotions of respect.
Dr. Ved Prakash spoke about his connection with Bhishma Ji, expressing his immense faith in Indian traditional values and practices. He shared an instance where Bhishma Ji engaged with 150 people in a home visit, taking photos and delivering them personally to each home, emphasizing the importance of direct relationships even while utilising modern means like WhatsApp and social media.
Rajesh, who came from Uttarakhand, expressed that Bhishma Ji lived with a heart full of passion and purity, while Jayapal Reddy from Melbourne shared how Bhishma Ji’s energetic WhatsApp good morning messages inspired him throughout the year. Aravind from Puducherry responded, saying he received training in Dand Yuddha, Niyuddha, and Ghosh from Bhishma Ji, praising him for treating everyone equally in training. Sudhakar, a social worker, highlighted Bhishma Ji’s accomplishment of winning over the people in Punjab during the days when it trembled under Khalistan terrorism, with a cheerful demeanor.
Shyam Kumar, Akhil Bharatiya Dharma Jagran Saha Pramukh, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the assembly through a written message, reflecting on his 40-year-long association with the late Bhishma Ji. In his message, he stated, “The sudden demise of Bhishmachari has deeply shocked me. It is a great sorrow. Our bond of 40 years is something we both cherished. He was always one to greet with a smile. Peaceful in nature, I never saw anger in him. He is soft-spoken and moderate.
During his tenure as a pracharak in Chennai and Punjab, I was fortunate to meet him occasionally in Bhagyanagar. Whenever he visited, we would engage in deep conversations on various topics. Likewise, even when he was in Fiji and Sri Lanka, I used to talk to him. He inspired many karyakartas to work. His life is an inspiration to all. Recently, during his stay in Bhagyanagar, he actively re-engaged many senior karyakartas, encouraging them to get involved once again in Sangh activities. Until the last moment, he worked with the same dedication.
In his words and actions, the organisation reflected. Losing such an exemplary individual is a significant loss for the organization. It is also an irreparable loss for his family. Taking his life as an example, spending life in the work of the organisation is the true tribute. With a heart full of sorrow, I offer my deep tributes.”
Speakers recalled the massive rally organized by Bhishma Ji in Fiji, with 15,000 people in support of the construction of the Ram Mandir during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. They praised his dedication during the COVID period, where he subsisted on cow milk alone for 40 days, transforming his body into a temple.
As the moderator of the meeting, Narayanamurthy described Bhishma Ji’s bravery, noting that despite his heart problems, he remained strong with inner strength and confidence, climbing and descending multi-storied buildings, traveling hundreds of kilometers, igniting that spirit in everyone and upholding high values. The meeting unveiled the elevated personality of Bhishmachari ji.
Attendees received a book containing the inspirational quotes expressed by Bhishma Ji on various occasions under the title “Suprabhat,” along with a memento featuring Bhishma Ji’s picture during the Shraddhanjali Sabha.
