Dr. K. B. Hedgewar (1889-1940)
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | March 18, 1999 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 3 |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1680 Stamp Number IN 1741 Yvert et Tellier IN 1447 Stanley Gibbons IN 1843 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Headgear | Men | Politicians |
Table of Contents
Keshavrao Baliram Hedgewar (1889-1940): A Legacy of Patriotism and Organization
Early Life and Influences:
- Birth: Born in 1889 into a poor Vedic scholar’s family.
- Early Activism: Influenced by the political atmosphere post-Bengal partition in 1905.
- Education: Expelled from high school for organizing students to raise the “Vande Mataram” slogan. Completed his matriculation from the National Council of Education, Bengal, in 1909 and graduated in medicine in 1914.
Nationalist Activities:
- Commitment to Freedom: Although trained as a doctor, Hedgewar never practiced medicine, dedicating himself to India’s independence.
- Political Involvement: Active across political lines—associated with revolutionaries, Congress, and the Hindu Mahasabha.
- Home Rule Campaign: Played a key role in the Home Rule Campaign led by Lokmanya Tilak in Vidarbha in 1918.
- Satyagraha: Imprisoned twice, in 1921 and 1931, for participating in the Satyagraha movements.
Founding of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS):
- Foundation: Established RSS on Vijayadashami Day, September 27, 1925.
- Vision: Hedgewar believed India’s lack of unity was the root cause of its subjugation and aimed to revive a militant spirit and national pride by connecting people with their glorious past.
- Organization Model: He created a novel type of organization—RSS, a self-dependent, self-financing, disciplined group that operated like a vast, continuing school without formal regulations.
- Gandhi’s Visit: Mahatma Gandhi visited an RSS camp in Wardha on December 25, 1934, and praised the organization for eradicating untouchability.
Later Years and Legacy:
- Strain on Health: The growing demands of RSS took a toll on his health from 1932 onwards. He continued to work tirelessly despite medical advice.
- Death: Passed away on June 21, 1940, during a crucial period when his guidance was much sought after.
Commemoration:
- The Department of Posts issued a commemorative stamp to honor Keshavrao Baliram Hedgewar, acknowledging his contributions as a patriot and organizer who left an indelible mark on India’s struggle for independence and its social fabric.