The boy from Muthurwa who carried a nation’s hopes onto some of football’s biggest stages has finally called time on his journey. Victor Wanyama, the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League, announced his retirement on Friday, bringing an end to a 20-year-long career
As summer sets in, mangoes are flooding markets across India—but not all of them are as safe as they look. Many are being chemically ripened and sold under the label of “organic," raising serious health concerns. Authorities are now urging consumers to look beyond the tempting golden glow
Amid the intensifying political battle ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Gaurav Gogoi, calling them “Pappu" and “chhota Pappu" respectively.Amid the intensifying political battle ahead of the Assam
India's exports have sustained healthy momentum despite global headwinds and are expected to post positive growth in 2025-26, a senior official of the Commerce Ministry said on Friday (April 3, 2026). The exports and imports data for the month of March and the full 2025-26 fiscal year will be
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed uproar on the final day of the Budget Session on Saturday (April 4, 2026), with members of the National Conference, the Congress and the PDP demanding a judicial probe into the recent Ganderbal encounter
The Iranian and United States forces were on Saturday attempting to find a crew member from the first American fighter jet to be shot down inside Iran since the beginning of the conflict, AFP reported. While Tehran said it had shot down the F-15 warplane
A fast-growing wildfire in windy Southern California prompted multiple evacuation orders and warnings on Friday (April 4, 2026). The Springs Fire broke out at around 11 a.m., and by 2.30 p.m. on Friday (April 4), the area had grown to 2.34 sq km
In a major policy decision, the Indian government has imposed strict curbs on the import of all forms of gold, silver, and platinum articles with immediate effect. The new restrictions, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
From Hedgewar to Mohan Bhagwat: 100 years, 6 RSS sarsanghchalaks and their vision
Since its founding on Dussehra in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has grown from a single branch into a nationwide organisation with over 83,000 ‘shakhas' (branches).
Consolidation of the Hindu society and character building of people have been among core values around which the RSS has revolved since 1925, but its sarsanghchalaks, who came from diverse fields, have left a lasting impact on the outfit with their own style of functioning.
Founded on the occasion of Dussehra (September 27) in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a physician from Maharashtra, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) started out small with one 'shakha' (branch) and evolved over the years to become a vast organisation.
Each of the six 'sarsanghchalak', or chief, of the RSS, over the last 100 years, ushered in changes in the organisation's approach in dealing with a multitude of issues and sought to keep pace with changing times, according to Sangh watcher and journalist Sudhir Pathak.
Though Hedgewar founded the RSS in 1925, his name as the sarsanghchalak was announced four years later on November 10, 1929. Once an office-bearer of the Congress, Hedgewar took part in a party conference held in Nagpur in 1920 before charting out his own independent course.
He was jailed for participating in 'Jungle Satyagraha' in 1930 and Dr LV Paranjpe was the sarsanghchalak for a brief time when Hedgewar was in prison.
Hedgewar formed the RSS along with 17 others and it started out from his residence 'Hedgewar Wada' in New Shukrawari area in Mahal in Nagpur. The organisation's formal name was decided a few months later at a meeting attended by 26 members.
The members suggested different names for the organisation and three of them -- the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Jaripatka Mandal and Bhartodwarak Mandal -- were finalised. After deliberations, the name RSS received 20 votes, Jaripatka Mandal five and Bhartodwarak Mandal one. Accordingly, the organisation got the name Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Talking to PTI, Pathak, former editor of RSS-affiliated newspaper 'Tarun Bharat', said the initial 'shakha' gatherings used to take place in a ground in front of Itwar Darwaza School in Nagpur. As the number of swayamsevaks (volunteers) increased, the gatherings started taking place in 'Mohite Wada' in Nagpur.
The first 'shakha' outside Nagpur was started in Wardha on February 18, 1926. Today, the RSS has more than 83,000 'shakhas' with lakhs of swayamsevaks.
Shakha is the basic unit of the RSS where volunteers meet to take part in activities such as community service and physical exercise.
Hedgewar's attended his last RSS meeting in Sindi in Wardha district in 1939 which was Officers Training Camp (OTC), wherein three important decisions regarding the outfit were taken.
Pathak said firstly the RSS prayer -- 'Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhume -- which earlier had only two stanzas was made into a full new prayer written by NN Bhide a schoolteacher. Secondly, a decision was taken to have a new uniform for swayamsevaks. Thirdly, it was decided that RSS orders will be issued in Sanskrit instead of English.
Hedgewar passed away on June 21, 1940, but before his death he appointed Madhavrao Sadashiv Golwalkar (34), popularly known as 'Guruji', as the new sarsanghchalak.
Golwalkar was instrumental in shaping the RSS for the next three decades and bringing it from the setbacks of the first ban on the organisation.
Pathak said Golwalkar died in 1973, but before that he had written four letters and in one of them, he had declared the name of his successor Balasaheb Deoras, who helmed the Sangh during the Emergency years (1975-77).
The Emergency was the first major challenge before Deoras, when all 'shakhas' were shut, and he was arrested and sent to Yerwada Central Jail in Poona (now Pune).
According to Pathak, when the Emergency was lifted and Deoras came out of jail, he took the approach of 'forget and forgive'.
Asked about the Emergency, Deoras said, "We must adopt the policy of forget and forgive. The Emergency should not have imposed, but it does not mean we will be against them." He positioned himself in the mould of a social reformer and vehemently opposed caste discrimination and untouchability.
"If untouchability is not wrong, nothing else is wrong in the world," he famously declared and added "We all are one and are Hindus." Pathak noted that Deoras brought backward classes and underprivileged people on board to broaden the base and appeal of the RSS.
Pathak said an ailing Deoras broke decades-long tradition and announced that Prof Rajendra Singh, popularly called Rajju Bhaiya, would succeed him. This was the first time in the RSS history that the sarsanghachalak announced a successor when alive.
Pathak said Singh, who served as the sarsanghchalak between 1994 and 2000, was an astrophysicist and a professor in the Allahabad University. He was the first non-Maharashtrian RSS chief.
He was succeeded by KS Sudarshan, an electronics engineer.
Under Sudarshan, more sections of society aligned themselves with the RSS. Sudarshan reached out to Muslims, held interactions with them and invited them to the RSS headquarters, Pathak noted.
Likewise, he held interactions with Christians as well, he said.
Current sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, who is seen as a moderniser, expanded RSS outreach and held lecture series in Delhi, where he invited people from all walks of life.
Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! On Bhagwat's 75th birthday last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him for his intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, and declared his tenure as the RSS head since 2009 will be considered the most transformative period in the organisation's 100-year journey.
Source: EconomicTimes
Related Posts: BJP names Keshav Maurya as central observer for Bihar legislature party meeting Jonny Bairstow Destroys Keshav Maharaj BJP founding father of hate speech Congress seeks PM Modi's apology for 'insulting' founding fathers with 'Vande Mataram' remarks Jethro Tull founding member dies aged 82 Clash erupts in JNU during Dussehra Dussehra Gift For Bengaluru Yellow Line Happy Dussehra 2025 Celeb Wishes When is Dussehra this year Dussehra Special
The first glimpse of Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus, officially titled “Rama", was unveiled on April 2 to mark the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. While the teaser dazzled audiences with its Rs 4,000 crore scale and Ranbir Kapoor’s serene portrayal of the titular deity
1 hours ago
India Data Centre Capacity 2030: According to media reports, India’s data centre capacity is projected to grow nearly fivefold, from over 4,500 MW (4.5 GW) to potentially 8 to 10 GW by 2030, driven by rising AI workloads, cloud adoption, and a 20 to 30 billion dollar investment surge
1 hours ago
Realme 16 5G Vs OnePlus Nord 5 Price In India: The Realme 16 5G focuses on battery, durability, and software support, while the OnePlus Nord 5 delivers flagship-level performance, a better display, and versatile cameras. Realme 16 5G Vs OnePlus Nord 5 Price In India: If you are looking for the best
1 hours ago
TV's Rama praises Ranbir Kapoor's aura in Ramayana teaser, but wants no Arun Govil comparison: 'Impossible to match him'Sujay Reu, who played Lord Rama in Shrimad Ramayan, praises Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of the deity in the Ramayana teaser and expresses hope for the film. Apr 4, 2026
1 hours ago
Alexandersson stresses \"mindset\" as India gear up for Australia challenge in U20 Women’s Asian Cup Updated on: Apr 04, 2026 5:03 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Alexandersson stresses \"mindset\" as India gear up for Australia challenge in U20 Women’s Asian Cup Key Takeaways Summary is
1 hours ago
What began as an energetic evening of music quickly spiralled into chaos during Sunanda Sharma’s live performance at Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology (RKGIT) in Ghaziabad on April 3. The Punjabi singer-actor, known for popular tracks like Jatt Yamla, Jaani Tera Naa and Pagal Nahi Hona
1 hours ago
Payal Nag stuns Sheetal for gold as India top standings in Bangkok Para Archery Published on: Apr 04, 2026 4:58 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Payal Nag stuns Sheetal for gold as India top standings in Bangkok Para Archery Key Takeaways Summary is AI-generated Teenage quadruple amputee archer Payal
1 hours ago
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, accusing the ruling alliance of maintaining close ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
1 hours ago
Stalin slams NEP 3-language plan, Pradhan calls it ‘linguistic liberation’Tamil Nadu CM flags “Hindi imposition” in CBSE’s new language policy, while Centre says NEP promotes multilingualism and flexibility in education. Published on: Apr 04, 2026 5:40 PM IST By Sanjay Maurya
1 hours ago
New York teacher earning $90,000 uses $55 an hour side hustle to pay off her student loanA New York teacher boosts income with a side hustle earning $55 an hour, aiming to clear student debt and build financial stability. Published on: Apr 04
1 hours ago
Diplomat with a canvas: Ambassador Khobragade bridging cultures with his artworksDiplomat with a canvas: Ambassador Khobragade bridging cultures with his artworks Published on: Apr 04, 2026 5:59 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, A diplomat's life largely involves holding bilateral
1 hours ago
Dehradun, Apr 4 (PTI) Uttarakhand Police have arrested two more men involved in the murder of a retired Brigadier following an encounter on early Saturday morning, officials said. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Singh Dobal said that a total of nine individuals have been
1 hours ago
Gujarat Titans will play Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Gujarat Titans seek their first win after a close loss. Rajasthan Royals are confident after a strong victory. Historically, Gujarat Titans have a good record against Rajasthan Royals. The last encounter was won by Rajasthan Royals
1 hours ago
Volkswagen India has teased the updated Volkswagen Taigun ahead of its official debut in India on April 9, 2026. The upcoming model will be the company’s second launch this year. Volkswagen India has teased the updated Volkswagen Taigun ahead of its official debut in India on April 9, 2026
1 hours ago
The fitness industry is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. What was once driven by quick fixes and aesthetic goals is now being reshaped into a more layered, long-term pursuit of well-being. Across gyms, studios, and digital platforms
1 hours ago
![New Delhi [India], April 4: Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a football legend — he is a global icon whose name carries unmatched recognition and influence](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/who-is-cr7-and-why-does-it-matter.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], April 4: Cristiano Ronaldo is more than a football legend — he is a global icon whose name carries unmatched recognition and influence. Known for his relentless discipline, extraordinary talent, and unwavering pursuit of excellence
1 hours ago
Chardham Yatra is the most sacred pilgrimage in India. These temples are located in the center of India’s magnificent Himalayas. Large number of devotees visit these sacred temples to have a glimpse of the deities and goddesses in the form of river
1 hours ago
Sometimes, the internet reminds us what compassion actually looks like and it does not always come from us. A video of a magpie carefully feeding another bird with a broken upper beak has taken the internet by storm, racking up over one million views and sparking a massive outpouring of emotion
1 hours ago
Voters in West Bengal are anxious as their names are removed from electoral rolls. Many cannot file tribunal appeals offline. Government holidays and election work hinder access to officials. This creates a challenge for those less comfortable with online processes
1 hours ago
Nasa has shared the first high-resolution images of the Earth taken by the Artemis II crew as they pass the halfway point between the Earth and the Moon. The mission's commander, Reid Wiseman, took the "spectacular" images, Nasa says, after the crew completed a final engine burn that set them on a
1 hours ago
A suspicious drone was spotted near CM Mamata Banerjee’s helicopter in Malda’s Malatipur on Saturday. The incident occurred during her 2026 Assembly election campaign rally. Police have launched an investigation into the security breach. A suspicious drone was spotted near the helicopter of
1 hours ago
Rajinikanth announced that Jailer 2 has completed shooting and is in post-production, while also revealing plans to begin filming a high-profile collaboration with Kamal Haasan in August 2026. Chennai: Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Saturday confirmed that the shooting of his much-anticipated sequel
1 hours ago
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana features Ranbir Kapoor in the divine role of Lord Rama. New Delhi: After massive anticipation, the makers of the upcoming magnum opus Ramayana unveiled the first glimpse of Lord Rama on Thursday. Ranbir Kapoor
1 hours ago
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso left his role by mutual consent on Friday (April 3, 2026), three days after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The Italian soccer federation announced the news in a statement thanking Gattuso “for the dedication and passion” during
1 hours ago
Maruti Suzuki Dzire is one of the most loved cars among Indian buyers. In FY2026, the automaker sold around 2.3 lakh units of Dzire, showing the popularity of compact sedans in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki Dzire is one of the most loved cars among Indian buyers. In FY2026
1 hours ago
With gold prices witnessing sharp volatility, jewellers are stepping up promotional strategies ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, one of the biggest gold-buying festivals in India. KISNA Diamond and Gold Jewellery has introduced a Gold Rate Protection Plan
1 hours ago
Torrent Gas raises CNG price by Rs 2.50 per kg, hitting auto drivers and commuters, private firms hike petrol and diesel while state owned retailers hold rates steady Torrent Gas has announced a hike of Rs 2.50 per kg in compressed natural gas (CNG) prices in the city
1 hours ago
