BJP Minority Morcha Chief Calls For Bharat Ratna For RSS Founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar

BJP Minority Morcha Chief Calls for Bharat Ratna for RSS Founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

As the RSS marks its centenary, Bharatiya Janata Party Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui has urged the government to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna on Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In his letter written to President Droupadi Murmu, Siddiqui described Hedgewar as both a freedom fighter and a nation-builder, emphasising his role in the independence struggle and his enduring contributions to Indian society.

“Considering Hedgewar’s contributions–his active participation in the freedom struggle, his organisational skills in nation-building, and his vision for a united Indian society–conferring Bharat Ratna on him would be fitting. This honour would not only recognise his personal sacrifices but also encourage all swayamsevaks working tirelessly for the nation,” Siddiqui stated.

RSS centenary celebrations

The appeal comes amid the centenary celebrations of the RSS, which will mark 100 years since its founding in Nagpur on Vijayadashami in 1925. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the landmark occasion as Chief Guest on Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

On the day, the Prime Minister will release a commemorative postage stamp and coin highlighting the organisation’s role in national life. Addressing the nation on his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, Modi hailed the RSS’s journey under Hedgewar as “unprecedented and inspiring”.

“Hundred years ago, when the RSS was founded, India had been in chains of slavery for centuries. Our self-respect and confidence had been badly eroded, and our civilisation faced an identity crisis. It was in this context that the revered Hedgewar ji established the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh,” the Prime Minister said. He also paid tribute to M.S. Golwalkar, known as ‘Guruji’, who succeeded Hedgewar and expanded the Sangh’s influence.

Who was Keshav Baliram Hedgewar?

Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1889–1940) was a physician, nationalist, and social organiser who established the RSS as a volunteer-based organisation dedicated to cultural awareness, discipline, and service. Born in Nagpur, Hedgewar lost his parents early in life and studied medicine in Calcutta, where he was exposed to revolutionary thought and nationalist ideals.

Strongly influenced by leaders such as Lokmanya Tilak, Hedgewar sought to unite Hindus and foster resilience in the face of colonial domination. The RSS was envisioned as a cultural and social movement that would regenerate national pride and prepare citizens for self-rule. Serving as its first sarsghchalak (chief leader) until his death in 1940, Hedgewar laid the foundations for what has since grown into one of India’s most influential socio-cultural organisations.