Written by: Dr. Abhijeet Dwivedi
Creating social unity in a society that has been repeatedly divided on the basis of various sectarian divisions has been a challenge that numerous religious and social reformers have attempted to undertake. However, the efforts of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its second Sarsanghchalak Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, popular known as Guruji Golwalkar, for bridging these divides have been rarely recognized.
Since his early days in the Sangh, Guruji spearheaded and motivated innumerable initiatives for uniting the Hindu society beyond sectarian and caste-based divisions. Contrary to claims that Guruji justified caste discrimination, he not only took an active position against any and all kinds of discrimination but also undertook active efforts for uprooting this malaise from Bharatiya society.
Unequivocal Views against Caste Discrimination
Guruji repeatedly expressed his views against untouchability and caste-based discrimination. He rejected the belief that ‘untouchability’ constituted any part of Dharma and transgressing it was sinful. He referred to this belief of caste discrimination as ‘religious perversion’ and identified it as a key reason behind persistence of untouchability.
Uniting the Hindu Samaj globally
Uniting the Hindu samaj where many identify themselves on sectarian and caste lines is a mammoth task that Guruji spearheaded. In a letter written to a worker in Tamil Nadu, Guruji had expressed concerns about the weakening of cultural values among Hindus living abroad. Both Guruji and Dadasaheb Apte ji considered the idea of an International Hindu Sammelan (conference) that brought together Hindus from around the globe.
At that time, Trinadad in the Caribbean had a significant Hindu population and residents had been worried about weakening of Hindu values among their children. Consequently, a parliamentarian from there Dr. Shambhunath Kapildeo led a delegation to India to explore cultural collaborations and efforts for safeguarding Hindu culture. He met numerous political leaders but soon realized that they were not interested in taking any efforts for this cause.
Soon, Dr. Kapildeo was referred to meet Guruji and discuss this problem. On November 24, 1963, he met Guruji in Belgaum. This meeting further convinced Guruji about the need to engage with Hindus abroad and establish a platform that united Hindus across the world. Around the same time, numerous individuals including Pracharaks Laxmanrao Bhide and Deendayal Upadhyaya had also indicated to Guruji about expectations of Hindus living abroad.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Guruji contacted Swami Chinmayananda, who had expressed similar concerns in an article, to initiate efforts for mobilizing Hindus on a single platform. Senior Pracharak Dadasaheb Apte ji was engaged for this initiative. Apte ji personally interacted with numerous religious leaders and convinced them about the need for a platform that united Hindus across the globe.
The first meeting was held on August 29, 1964, at the Sandipani Ashram in Mumbai and culminated in the formation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, an organization that represents all Hindus across geographical, sectarian and social boundaries. In his address, Guruji stated that Hindus across the globe should “once again be able to establish themselves as the flag bearers of our Dharma and culture in those countries.” He also emphasized about the need “to strive to awaken the inner consciousness of the entire society by freely distributing amid the whole society the eternal values, principles of life, philosophy of life that have been constantly throbbing in the annals of this country.”
World Hindu Conference at Prayagraj: A message for social unity
The first Vishwa Hindu Sammelan (World Hindu Conference) at Prayagraj in January 1966, was a culmination of years of efforts by Guruji for uniting Hindus across sectarian, caste and religious divisions.
The Shankaracharyas of all four Peeths, numerous other Sants and Acharyas, and heads of various sects and Sampradayas were present at the Conference to further Hindu unity. The declaration of ‘Na Hindu patito bhavet’ (no Hindu can be impure) at the Conference was an iconic moment as notions of ritual purity and impurity used to underlie religious beliefs.
In his address, Guruji emphasized the cause of Hindu unity across caste and sectarian divisions. He said “All religions and sects are mine, all castes are mine, people living in hills and forests are mine. If they are unhappy, then it is only because of our weaknesses. Our tribal society, lying neglected because of a big section of Hindu society that considers itself wise, is my inalienable part. I will do whatever is necessary to correct the wrongs perpetrated over years, awakening within all this a kind of strong resolve. The Hindu society will stand up in a unified way; a strong society that would stand in its place of birth, in its own land from Himalayas to oceans with its head held high in the world.”
Serving the Marginalized
A notable contribution by Guruji to Bharat’s social unity is the instrumental role in formation of various organizations that have undertaken social welfare projects and supported marginalized groups.
For instance, one can recall his contributions to the formation of the Bharatiya Kushtha Nivaarak Sangh. Sadashiv Govind Katre, a Swayamsevak who was suffering from Leprosy was staying at a Christian Leprosy centre in Bilaspur. Khatre raised objections over religious conversions being undertaken at the centre among the patients. He even protested in Bilaspur on this matter. During Guruji’s visit to Bilaspur, Katre met him and complained about the matter. In the meeting, Guruji pointed out the futility and even the negative consequences of his protests. Instead, Guruji urged Katre to use his experience and start a service project. Thus, the Bharatiya Kushtha Nivaarak Sangh was started in Champa, Madhya Pradesh in April 1962, to cure and serve people affected by Leprosy.
Similarly, Guruji played an integral role in establishment of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. Balasaheb Deshpande, a government officer, was deputed to Jashpur by the Madhya Pradesh government to resolve local issues after the Chief Minister faced protests during a visit. However, the strong influence of the missionaries in the local administration led to intense complications and even false accusations on Deshpande, who was widely considered an honest and effective officer. When Deshpande met Guruji in Nagpur and sought for advice, Guruji was the one who encouraged him to discard the burden of being in government service and use his law degree to help the people. Later, with the help of the Pracharak of Khandwa region, Moreshwar Ketkar, and the Maharaja of Jashpur, the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram was eventually set up in December 1952.
The Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’s vision was wonderfully articulated by Guruji at the inauguration of a new building of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in 1963. In his address, Guruji discussed the organization’s vision and roadmap for working with tribals. He said “Since our tribal brethren stay in distant mountains and forests, they are cut off from the rest of Hindu society. Their lives face scarcity of every kind. They live in penury. They have no facilities in education and health care. They live a life of severe hardships and hunger. Still they are innocent, straightforward and simple-hearted. We too have neglected our brethren.”
In the speech, Guruji also said “The tribal people do not wish to give up the belief system inherited from their ancestors inspite of living in utter poverty. Because of their uncorrupted character their hearts are pure. God lives in these pure hearts. It is as if they were a living image of Lord Shiva. Therefore, we shall have to come forward with our full energy without further delay to serve them with the highest form of devotion.”.
Conclusion
Guruji’s vision for Bharat was rooted in the sacrosanct idea of an indivisible Hindu society, cutting across the barriers of caste, sect, and region. His efforts were not limited to merely ideological opposition but they were actualized through concrete action and institution-building. From advocating against untouchability to fostering global Hindu solidarity, and from initiating service projects for the marginalized to inspiring inclusive cultural resurgence, Guruji relentlessly pursued social unity.
(Dr. Abhijeet Dwivedi is an Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has done his M.Phil., Ph.D. from the Centre of Study of Law and Governance, Jawaharlal Nehru University; LL.M. from Indian Law Institute, Delhi. He did B.A.LL.B.(Hons.) from University of Allahabad.
His areas of research are Constitutional Law, International Law, Governance and laws dealing with disaster. He has published several articles in Journals and regularly invited to deliver lectures and presents papers in International and National Conferences.)
