New Delhi: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) reflects on its leadership lineage, the name of Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan, its fifth Sarasanghchalak, stands out for his profound intellect, unwavering commitment to nationalism, and unique ability to engage across diverse ideological spectrums.
Hailing from Karnataka’s Mandya district, Sudarshan ji led RSS from 2000 to 2009, leaving an indelible mark before handing over the reins to the current Sarasanghchalak, Dr Mohanrao Bhagwat. His tenure was characterised by a sharp focus on ‘Swadeshi’ and a deep understanding of both Indian heritage, language and global dynamics.
Born on June 18, 1931, in Raipur, then part of Madhya Pradesh, Sudarshan ji’s journey with the RSS began at the tender age of nine when he joined a local Shakha. His academic prowess was evident early on, culminating in a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Telecommunications from Sagar University. In 1954, a pivotal decision saw him dedicating his life as a full-time RSS worker, becoming a ‘Pracharak’. His initial posting as a Pracharak was in the Raigarh district, a testament to his early commitment.
Sudarshan ji’s ascent within the RSS hierarchy was marked by significant responsibilities at a relatively young age. By 1964, at just 33, he was appointed Prant Pracharak for Madhya Bharat (Central India region). Five years later, in 1969, at 38, he assumed the crucial national responsibility of Akhil Bharatiya Sharirik Pramukh, the all-India in-charge of physical activities. This appointment highlighted the trust reposed in him by the then Sarasanghchalak, MS Golwalkar, who handpicked him for this vital role.
His journey continued with a challenging stint in the North-East region starting in 1977, followed by another significant national role just two years later, as Akhil Bharatiya Bouddhik Pramukh – the all-India in-charge of the intellectual cell. This unique distinction of having held both the Sharirik (physical exercises) and Bauddhik (intellectual) Pramukh positions on different occasions underscores his versatile understanding of the organisation’s core tenets and its multifaceted development. In 1990, he was appointed Sah-Sarkaryavah (Joint General Secretary), before finally becoming the Sarasanghchalak in 2000.
As the fifth RSS Sarasanghchalak, Sudarshan ji was widely recognised for his sharp intellect, wisdom, and expansive knowledge. His grasp extended across a wide array of subjects, from the intricacies of Hinduism to complex foreign affairs. He possessed a rare ability to synthesize global and Indian trends at a macro level, articulating a comprehensive theoretical framework that was accessible even to common Swayamsevaks (volunteers). His discourses were not confined to RSS circles; they resonated with and were popular among a broader audience, including those who were not formal Swayamsevaks.
A staunch advocate of ‘Swadeshi’ (self-reliance and indigenous production), Sudarshan ji was a key ideologue within the RSS. He passionately believed in prioritising Indian-made goods and fostering economic independence. This philosophy permeated his thinking and found expression in various aspects of his life and teachings.
Sudarshan ji passed away on September 15, 2012, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. His demise prompted an outpouring of condolences from several national leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, remembered him as a person “blessed with a sharp mind, humorous nature and always known for his simple and disciplined life.”
Speaking about Hindi, Sudarshan ji had said, “Hindi is the language among all Indian languages which has the capacity to impart samskars in totality. We should feel proud of having Hindi as our language as it connected the whole country despite diversity. He was releasing the Marathi edition of Devputra.
He said all languages of the country are our national language and they have literature of national importance. “Since all the Indian languages have similar bhav, the literature in these languages too have similar national feeling. The flood of TV channels has attacked our culture and they are leaving adverse effect on children. There was a tradition of narrating stories to children in childhood, which has now weakened. It is basically still necessary for the healthy development of children. Devputra has filled this gap to a great extent,” he said suggesting to launch the editions of Devputra in various Indian languages.
Advocating the abolition of English-medium education in the country, former RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri KS Sudarshan said the English-medium education was frustrating many talented students. Neither does English carry nor does it communicate the Indian sentiments.
Addressing a gathering at the inaugural ceremony of renovated central region office of RSS Samidha in Bhopal Sudarshan ji asked the state Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was also present on the occasion along with senior Pracharaks Madan Das, Suresh Soni and Kshetra Sanghachalak Shrikrishna Maheshwari and Prant Sanghachalak Shashibhai Seth, to contemplate imparting college education in Hindi in Madhya Pradesh.
Sudarshan ji said Sanskrit should be the national language of India. Dr BR Ambedkar had also suggested the same thing. Our social values, heritage, culture and history could only be grasped well by the people if Sanskrit is the contact language in India, he said. Attacking the NCERT for teaching wrong history, he said the history books of standard VII, Hamara Ateet, attributes as many as 80 pages to Mughal empire, while giving only eight lines to Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Beyond his formal roles, anecdotes from those who knew him reveal the depth of his character and his practical application of RSS principles. A senior former RSS swayamsevak, in a tribute for Rediff.com, recounted an unwritten rule Sudarshan enforced in RSS Karyalayas (office-cum-residence): “only fill as much water in the glass as one is sure to drink. ‘Don’t waste water, don’t fill up the glass only to throw it into the wash-basin. Water is sacred and scarce,’ he would urge.” This simple instruction highlighted his emphasis on resource conservation and a disciplined lifestyle.
Sudarshan also actively campaigned against ostentatious marriages, viewing them as a “mockery of India’s poor millions and a blot on Hindu society.” His mission extended to fighting social evils like female feticide, which he criticized by pointing out the hypocrisy of worshipping goddesses like Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati while simultaneously destroying female lives in the womb.
His intellectual curiosity and engagement extended beyond formal meetings. According to a close associate, whenever he was in Delhi, he would often visit the offices of Panchjanya and Organiser – RSS’s publications – to discuss contemporary issues with the editors. His “awesome” knowledge of global affairs and their potential impact on India was a consistent point of admiration. His personal circle of friends was diverse, encompassing diplomats, scientists, Vedic scholars, environmentalists, and economists who shared his passion for Swadeshi.
He had a close relationship with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Sudarshan ji was known to be fond of Vajpayee’s poems and would often recite them verbatim at various gatherings. While an interview published in a daily newspaper once created an awkward moment between them, the maturity of both leaders ensured that any “bad blood was removed and relations normalised,” as recounted by the former RSS swayamsevak.
Sudarshan ji’s remarks in 2001 on the necessity of a ‘Swadeshi’ Church, made at a book release function, sparked a significant debate. The RSS weekly ‘Organiser’ (April 29, 2001) reported on this, with an article titled “Set up federation of Swadeshi churches in India.” The report provided insight into his vision: “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak KS Sudarshan ji called for forming a federation of Indian Christians who subscribed to the idea of a Swadeshi Church. This, according to him, would be the first step towards the creation of the National Church in India, which would be free from the foreign controls of all kinds.”
KS Sudarshan’s legacy as the fifth RSS Sarasanghchalak is multifaceted: that of a sharp intellectual who championed indigenous thought, a disciplined ideologue who practiced what he preached, and a leader whose willingness to engage across different faiths and ideologies left a lasting impression on both his followers and his critics. His contributions continue to be a subject of study and discussion within the broader discourse on India’s social and political landscape.
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