New Delhi: This October 2 carries a rare significance. It marks both the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the foundation day of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

For decades, critics have tried to portray the RSS as “antithetical” to Gandhian philosophy, even blaming it for Gandhi’s assassination. This is despite the categorical finding of the Justice JN Kapur Commission — appointed to probe Gandhiji’s assassination — that the Sangh had no role whatsoever in the heinous crime.

The historical record, however, presents a more layered narrative — marked by respect, dialogue, and certain shared ideals between Mahatma Gandhi and the RSS.

The link between Gandhi and RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar goes back to 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, three years before the Sangh was born. Hedgewar, who was then serving as the Joint Secretary of the Nagpur unit of the Congress, was at the forefront of the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhiji.

When Gandhi was imprisoned in 1922, his supporters began observing the 18th of every month as “Gandhi Day.” On October 18 that year, Hedgewar addressed a massive rally in Nagpur, calling Gandhi “a leader whose words and deeds were always in harmony”, who “always willing to sacrifice everything for his ideals”.

“Today is a very auspicious day. It is a day to listen and mull over the values and qualities found in the life of a noble soul like Mahatma ji. Those who take pride in being called his followers have an additional........

© News9Live