RSS and Mahatma Gandhi: Historical Interactions and Official Records

The relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is often discussed in public discourse, especially in the context of India’s partition and the events surrounding his assassination. Historical records show direct interaction between Mahatma Gandhi and RSS, as well as official responses from RSS leadership during that period.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Address to RSS Swayamsevaks

After the partition of India in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi stayed for some time at a Harijan colony in Delhi. The ground where he held his evening prayers was also used by RSS for its daily morning shakha. During the period of communal tension and curfew in Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi expressed a desire to meet RSS swayamsevaks.

On 16 September 1947, during the relaxation hours of curfew, a gathering of RSS swayamsevaks was organised, where Mahatma Gandhi addressed them. In his speech, he referred to an earlier visit to an RSS camp at Wardha during the lifetime of Dr. K.B. Hedgewar. He stated that he was impressed by the discipline, simplicity, and the absence of untouchability among the participants.

Gandhi emphasised that any organisation inspired by service and self sacrifice is bound to grow in strength, provided that sacrifice is combined with purity of motive and right understanding. He cautioned that sacrifice without these elements could be harmful to society.

In his address, Mahatma Gandhi spoke about Hinduism as a broad and inclusive way of life. He rejected the idea that Hinduism was opposed to Islam or any other faith and warned that discrimination or domination in the name of religion would destroy the moral foundation of society.

RSS Response After Mahatma Gandhi’s Assassination

Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30 January 1948, the then Sarsanghchalak of RSS, M.S. Golwalkar, sent condolence messages to Mahatma Gandhi’s son Devdas Gandhi, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In these messages, deep shock and grief were expressed over the loss of a great national leader. The assassination was described as a tragic loss to the country at a critical time. RSS leadership also issued instructions to suspend all RSS activities for thirteen days as a mark of mourning.

Subsequently, detailed letters were sent to national leaders expressing sorrow, condemning the act as heinous and unpardonable, and emphasising the responsibility of maintaining national unity and restraint during a period of crisis.

Official Statements and Conduct

An official statement issued shortly after the assassination expressed grief, shame, and condemnation of the act, while urging RSS members to maintain a loving attitude towards all and to avoid any form of provocation.

These records show that RSS publicly distanced itself from violence and called for discipline, restraint, and social harmony in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Historical Context

The documented interactions and statements indicate that Mahatma Gandhi viewed RSS as a disciplined organisation whose strength could be used for the good of the nation if guided by right conduct. At the same time, RSS leadership acknowledged the gravity of the loss and urged its members to uphold national unity.

Understanding these historical records helps place the relationship between RSS and Mahatma Gandhi within its proper context, based on documented speeches, letters, and official actions rather than assumptions or hearsay.