A deshbhakt's search for guru

Inspired by RSS' ideology of embracing national devotion and self-sacrifice, M.S. Golwalkar sought guidance from Swami Akhandananda at the Ramakrishna Mission-an event that'd infuse spirituality in his national service

- ANIRBAN GANGULY

In the RSS evoking deshbhakti, Professor M.A. Venkata Rao writes in his introduction to Shri Guruji's opus 'Bunch of Thoughts', it teaches loyalty and devotion to the national society in the national homeland under the image of the Mother. The unity and solidarity of the Motherland is taught to claim the highest sacrificial devotion from the citizen body. And 'whoever enters into this spirit of devotion to the nation as a spiritual unity of land and people are Indians or Hindus in essence.

Self-effacement, sacrifice, unalloyed patriotism and adherence to Rashtra-dharma, undiluted commitment to social equality and equity, to social uplift and empowerment, a deeper commitment and accountability to India's present and to her future, to her rise and resurgence, an unmixed dedication to the resurgence of the Hindu consciousness, is, if one could very imperfectly describe it, the Sangh's driving essence and its philosophical core.

In ordinary Swayamsevaks like us, Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat's Vijaya Dashami address never fails to evoke emotions. Past episodes in the unbroken history of the RSS, which have been defining in its growth and evolution, also come to mind. One such dimension or episode never fails to inspire. It has inspired generations and legions of Swayamsevaks and all those who read and heard of it. It was a foundational episode in the Sangh's journey and laid a deep and unshakable foundation. It lit a spark that linked the RSS permanently and perennially to the essence of India's regeneration and rise. Let us revisit it.

In the winter of 1936, M.S. Golwalkar, then 30 years old, arrived for initiation at the Sargachi Ramakrishna Ashram of Swami Akhandananda - Gangadhar Gangopadhyay, a co-disciple of Swami Vivekananda - then the third President of the Ramakrishna Mission.