Shri Madhavrao Sadashiv Golwarkar, second Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to whom everyone addresses as Shri Guruji, his philosophy and worldview were grounded in the sound and scientific principles of Sanatana Dharma, rendering his perspective unequivocal. However, this does not imply that ancient doctrines inflexibly bound his views. In contrast to Semitic religions, Hindu Dharma has consistently demonstrated flexibility and adaptability. Sanatana Dharma is fundamental and eternal, yet our sages recognised the inevitability of change due to the relentless passage of time. Consequently, the principles of Sanatana Dharma must be applied thoughtfully and contextually rather than blindly or fanatically. Shri Guruji comprehended this distinction well and provided guidance accordingly.
Why are Golwalkar Guruji’s teachings essential in this modern era?
Living beings have an inherent instinct to have a happy, caring, and peaceful life. However, as the world has adopted Westernisation, the evolved materialistic mindset has taken a toll on each individual’s life, causing them to lose serenity, joy, and harmony with their surroundings. Most people live a mechanical existence with many negative characteristics such as greed, hostility, destructive mindset, and egoistic attitude, losing the spirit of humanity and uniting with nature. Despite significant technological advancements and higher living standards, individuals worldwide are miserable, disgruntled, and causing social instability. Unlock Academic mode. The concept of Western consumerism is detrimental, as it perceives individuals merely as commodities and customers. This leads to exploiting all available avenues, often at the expense of humanity and environmental integrity. Furthermore, various social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, have been designed to focus on consumerism rather than fostering social connection and welfare.
Hence, Shri Guruji’s teachings are extremely relevant today. He is thoroughly aware of the social, economic, and spiritual dimensions of society, nation, and the world. Extending a couple of his teachings for our greater understanding.
Economic, Political and Swadeshi principles of Shri Guruji
Changes in one of a society’s political, social, or economic systems can impact the others. Shri Guruji developed an integrated socio-political-economic approach. Shri Guruji studied Indian philosophy, culture, religion, and literature extensively, as well as Western ideologies such as Socialism, Marxism, and Westernization. In his lectures and speeches, he criticised both Marxism and Westernization. He often compared Indian philosophy and literature to Marxism and its ideology. Shri Guruji rejected Marxism’s core principles of economic determinism, dialectical materialism, and class conflict. Shri Guruji believed that neither Communism nor capitalism could unite the world. The explanation he gave was essential. Materialistic ideology, which views humans as physical animals and prioritises material interests, leads to competition and strife, rather than unity and harmony. The reasoning is straightforward. On the material level, there is just diversity and difference. They promote separatism and exclusivism. Individuals who focus solely on material reality may lack unity and integration. There is no reason to consider cooperation. Looking beyond the obvious differences, we can see a subtle oneness connecting all gross creatures to a cohesive whole.
According to Shri Guruji, materialists believe we are all independent individuals with no common affinity or attachment. Karl Marx’s principles centre on class struggle and the victory of a classless society over capitalism. Shri Guruji rejected the notion that mutual dislike and enmity may lead to success. He felt that Communism can create class divisions and hate, ultimately leading to class conflict. Karl Marx’s ideology emphasises acrimony and mutual animosity. Shri Guruji emphasised class peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding to strengthen the nation. He believed that class distinctions divide society, which is detrimental to the nation. The Soviet Union and China are widely regarded as the most prominent examples of Marxist-based Communism. According to Shri Guruji, China and Russia have historically used socialism to gain power, leading to disastrous measures. Dominance-hungry officials in both countries have historically harmed their citizens to acquire political dominance. China and Russia claim advanced and developed, but both aim to exert global domination. Shri Guruji views this nature and behaviour as demonic.
Consumerism is incompatible with the ethos of Hindu culture. Our motto should be “maximum production and equitable distribution,” with national self-reliance as our immediate aim. Unemployment and underemployment must be addressed on a war footing. While industrialisation is necessary, it must not be a mindless replica of the West. Nature is to be milked, not exploited. Ecological factors, natural equilibrium, and future generations’ needs should all be considered. Ecology, economics, and ethics should all be considered together.
The most crucial responsibility of each newly independent nation’s leadership is to effect the required transformation in the mental make-up of its citizens. Shri Guruji was acutely aware of the mindset of the newly independent Bharat. The British had not only enslaved Bharat politically and financially, but also culturally in all aspects of life. They had even been successful in their malicious plans to a significant extent. The leaders of our Independence War realised this truth and attempted to eliminate this suicidal mentality by emphasising Swadeshi, Goraksha, Swabhasha, Hindi, and so on. Following Doctorji, Shri Guruji made many initiatives to raise awareness of these ideas among the populace through the Sangha. His beliefs in Swadeshi were all-embracing. His concept of Swadeshi was not limited to indigenous items; it encompassed all elements of daily life, such as sending marriage invitations or program greetings in our native languages and celebrating birthdays in the Hindu tradition, among other things.
These perspectives of view have a special significance. These are not just philosophical treatises. Shri Guruji was more than just an intellectual philosopher. He clearly understood Hindu philosophy and its complications. As a practical leader and guide for a nationwide movement, he tested his philosophy through personal experience and experimentation. He remained focused on real-world issues and challenges. His attitude, while founded in Hindu spiritual tradition, was highly practical.
Salute to this great visionary on his birth anniversary who showed the world the path of unity, integrity and humanity.
