On January 12, swayamsevaks and professionals from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Bhaskareeyam Convention Centre in Kochi to commemorate the Smriti Divas of Swargiya K. Bhaskar Rao, the legendary Kerala Pranth Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The convention centre, situated within the RSS Karyalaya complex at Elamakkara, is named after the veteran Pracharak, who dedicated his life to uniting Hindus and strengthening the Sangh in Kerala.
The programme began with a warm welcome by M. Mohanan, former Sangh Pracharak and Managing Trustee of Lakshmibai Dharmaprakashan, Kochi. The event was presided over by Advocate K. Ramkumar, senior lawyer designate (Kerala High Court), former leader of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, and former national vice president of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS). Prominent speakers included Dr. K. Jayaprasad, Professor and Dean of International Relations at the Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, and former Pro Vice-Chancellor, along with veteran journalist and former Pracharak, P. Narayanji.
Adv. Ramkumar shared his personal experiences with Bhaskar Rao, emphasising the latter’s inspiring leadership and humility. Dr. Jayaprasad highlighted Bhaskar Rao’s pivotal role in leading the Hindu consolidation movement in Kerala. He cited historic examples, such as the Thali Temple agitation, the anti-Malappuram District agitation, leadership during the Emergency, Vishal Hindu Sammelans, and the Nilakkal agitation, all of which showcased Bhaskar Rao’s dedication and vision with new dimension to the Hindu social work.
Veteran journalist and former Sangh Pracharak P. Narayanji recalled Bhaskar Rao’s relentless efforts to connect with swayamsevaks across Kerala, despite initial language barriers. P. Narayanji, who also served as the chief editor of Janmabhumi, a Malayalam daily, narrated how Bhaskar Rao, who arrived in Kerala from Mumbai in 1946, tirelessly walked kilometre after kilometre to meet swayamsevaks, speak at Sangh shakhas, and integrate himself into Kerala’s social fabric.
Known for his humility and dedication, Bhaskar Rao became a beloved figure among swayamsevaks, embodying the Sangh’s ethos of collective leadership and grassroots engagement. He never sought to overtake them; instead, he walked alongside them, as one among them.
The former state organising secretary of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh also shared cherished memories of his association with Bhaskar Raoji, highlighting his inspiring journey and selfless contributions.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Bhaskar Rao, born Bhaskar Kalambi, came to Kerala in 1946, was sent by the second Sarsanghchalak Guruji Golwalkar. With a deep rapport with RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Rao worked across various districts in Kerala as Zilla Pracharak and later as Vibhag Pracharak under the then Madras Pranth. In 1964, he was appointed Kerala Pranth Pracharak, a position he held until 1983.
In 1984, Bhaskar Rao assumed the role of Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Sanghatana Mantri of the Sangh-inspired Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. Later, as the Akhil Bharatiya Sanghatana Mantri, he transformed the Ashram into a robust organisation serving vanavasi communities across India.
Diagnosed with cancer in the early 2000s, Bhaskar Rao stepped down from organisational responsibilities. Despite his failing health, he returned to Kerala in November 2001, fulfilling Guruji’s 1946 advice to – ‘Be a Keralite and be a part of the Kerala social life’. He participated in Sarsanghchalak K.S. Sudarshanji’s programme in Aluva shortly before his demise. Bhaskar Rao breathed his last in December 2001.
Every year, swayamsevaks in Kerala remember and pay tribute to this iconic leader whose life remains an inspiration for generations.
