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 |
| Printing Process | Photogravure |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| 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 |
Founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1889–1940) was a patriot, social reformer, and the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Remembered for his dedication to India’s freedom and national unity, Dr. Hedgewar devoted his life to inspiring discipline, self-reliance, and patriotism among the people of India.
Born into a poor family of Vedic scholars, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar grew up during a period of rising nationalist sentiment in India. The partition of Bengal in 1905 had a deep influence on him from an early age and shaped his lifelong commitment to the freedom movement.
Early Life and Education
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born in 1889 in Nagpur. As a student, he showed strong nationalist feelings from a young age. During a visit by the Inspector of Schools, he organized fellow students to raise the slogan “Vande Mataram.” Because of this act of patriotism, he was expelled from his high school.
Despite this setback, Hedgewar continued his studies and passed the matriculation examination conducted by the National Council of Education, Bengal, in 1909. He later completed his medical education in 1914.
Although he qualified as a doctor, he never practiced medicine. Instead, he chose to dedicate his life entirely to the service of the nation.
Role in India’s Freedom Movement
Dr. Hedgewar strongly believed in complete political freedom for India. He worked with different nationalist groups and maintained close connections with revolutionaries, the Indian National Congress, and the Hindu Mahasabha.
In 1918, he actively participated in Lokmanya Tilak’s Home Rule Movement in the Vidarbha region. His speeches and efforts inspired many young people to join the struggle for independence.
Dr. Hedgewar also took part in the Satyagraha movements led by Mahatma Gandhi. He was arrested and imprisoned in both 1921 and 1931 for his involvement in the freedom struggle.
Foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
The greatest achievement of Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Vijaya Dashami, 27 September 1925.
Dr. Hedgewar believed that India remained weak under foreign rule because its people were divided and lacked unity. He felt that the nation needed discipline, confidence, and pride in its ancient heritage.
To address this, he created a unique organization based on volunteer service, self-discipline, and national unity. The RSS was designed as a self-reliant and self-financed movement where people could come together in disciplined groups without depending on rigid rules.
The organization aimed to instill a spirit of patriotism and social responsibility among ordinary citizens. Under Hedgewar’s leadership, the RSS grew rapidly across the country.
Social Reform and National Unity
Dr. Hedgewar was not only concerned with political independence but also with social reform. He believed that divisions within society weakened the nation.
One of the achievements of the RSS during his lifetime was its effort to remove untouchability and promote social equality. In 1934, Mahatma Gandhi visited an RSS camp in Wardha and appreciated the organization’s success in eliminating social discrimination within its ranks.
Dr. Hedgewar’s vision was of a united India where people from all sections of society worked together for the nation.
Final Years and Legacy
As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expanded, Dr. Hedgewar devoted all his energy to its growth. From 1932 onward, the demands of the organization began to affect his health.
Despite medical advice, he refused to slow down. He continued to work tirelessly, even while seriously ill. Dr. Hedgewar passed away on 21 June 1940 due to high blood pressure.
His death came at a crucial time, during the early years of the Second World War, when his guidance was widely valued across the country.
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Commemorative Stamp
To honor his contribution to India and the foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
The commemorative stamp recognizes him as a great patriot, visionary leader, and the founder Sarsanghachalak of the RSS. For stamp collectors and historians, this issue remains an important tribute to one of the influential figures of modern Indian history.
First Day Cover
