MADHAVA SADASIVA GOLWAKAR

He was well known as ' Guruji' throughout Bharat, and was the second Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His life was wholly dedicated tot he service of the motherland

Golwalkar
'Guru' is a name familiar to all. Guru was the second Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His full name was Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar. His was an impressive personality: dignified gait; a long flowing beard reaching down to his chest; curly locks of hair touching the shoulders; a face luminous with innate intellect and learning. His was an inspiring presence. It aroused instant reverence. Whoever saw him spontaneously folded their hands and bowed their heads. Such was Guru. He instilled patriotism in the hearts of millions of youths of the country. He explained to them the Hindu way of life and philosophy in simple words. Like a true friend, he shared in the joys and sorrows of his countrymen. He molded them into Effective instruments for the worship of Bharat Mata as her worthy children. He demonstrated that strength derives from organization. He traveled untiringly through the length and breadth of the country almost a hundred times during the 33 years of his glorious tenure as Sarsanghchalak, kindling in the society the immortal flame of enduring love for the Motherland. He had scaled the highest levels of spirituality through his intense austerity and perseverance. By constant study and reflection he had become a veritable treasure of knowledge. He was a voracious reader even as a boy. He avidly read whatever books he could lay his hands on, from childhood through youth. Several are the disciplines in which he had acquired commendable mastery - History, Art, Religion, Culture, Sciences, Sociology and Economics, to name a few; and he dedicated all his stupendous intellectual faculties to the service of the country. He vastly expanded the network of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in multipledirections, and inspired and guided thousands of efficient dedicated workers spread throughout the country.

Childhood
On 19th February 1906 a child was born in Nagpur to Sadashiv Golwalkar and Lakshmibai. The Golwalkar family originally hailed from Gulwalli village in the Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. Lakshmibai was endearingly called as 'Tai and Sadashivarao as 'Bhauji by all acquaintances. In the beginning, Sadashivarao served as a clerk in the Posts and Telegraphs Department. Later, he took up the job of a schoolteacher. The boy was named Madhav at birth. It is customary in Maharashtra to append the father's name and the family name after a person's surname. Thus Madhav became Madhavrao Sadashivarao Golwalkar. Madhav had an elder brother named Amrut. Madhav was fondly called 'Madhu' in the family circle. Mother Lakshmibai was a devout lady. Amrut was gentle by nature. Madhu was rather mischievous, but always good in studies as well as in sports. He was agile, though not particularly well built. When Bhauji sat for worship, little Madhu too sat beside him, and quickly learnt the Mantras by heart. Endowed with a stupendous memory, he could recall whatever he once heard with ease and precision. After hearing a story he could narrate it to others with further elaboration added to it. Naturally a large circle of friends would always surround him. He had an unsuitable thirst to learn and understand everything that came his way with alacrity and enthusiasm.

Study
It was Madhu's practice to complete reading his class textbooks in the house itself, and utilize his time in the school to study other general books. However, he never lagged behind in his school studies. In fact, he was always the first to reply to any question asked by the teachers. Bhauji was from time to time transferred from one place to another. The new places provided fresh opportunities for Madhu to enlarge his friends' circle. Marathi of course was his mother tongue. But he soon acquired familiarity with Sanskrit, Hindi and English too. He wrote letters to his friends in English. He was seldom alone; while walking he was invariably accompanied by a group of friends. He never forgot his friends even after leaving that place. He maintained his intimate contact with them through letters. Madhu completed Middle School and High School education creditably. The physical culture instructor in High School was particularly fond of him, as he excelled in physical exercises also. He continued to train Madhu even after he completed matriculation, as Madhu always strove to attain a high level of proficiency in whatever he attempted.

In College
Bhauji's desire was that Madhav should become a doctor. As preparatory to it, Madhav joined the course of First Year Science in Ferguson College, Pune, in June 1922. But that was not to be. On account of a new rule to admit only the residents of that province in the Pune College Madhav returned to Nagpur and secured admission in the Hislop College. He stayed in the house of his maternal uncle and pursued his studies. Madhavrao was a brilliant student in his college days. Once, during the course of a class-lecture, the teacher, Prof. Gardener, wrongly quoted a verse from the Bible. Madhavrao promptly pointed it out, "Sir, what you said is not accurate. The line reads thus." The surprised teacher, who had taught the Bible for years, sent for a copy of the text. It was found that what Madhavrao had recalled was the correct version. The learned professor was all praise for the talent and memory of his young student. On another occasion, while lecturing on a particular plant, the professor of botany said, "This plant is not available in this region." Madhavrao kept silent for the time being. But on the very next day, he displayed his keen observation by producing in the class the said plant, which he had brought from beneath an old bridge in the city. In 1924 he passed his Intermediate Science in First Class. Later, Madhavrao joined Banaras Hindu University for his B.Sc. course.

Won Over By Kashi
On arrival in Kashi, Madhavrao immersed himself in books with an irrepressible passion to know and understand almost everything. He gained proficiency in Sanskrit in order to delve deep into the Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas. He read and re-read texts of Vedanta for the sake of his friends who gathered around him every day for discussion. He studied extraneous subjects like Sociology, Economics etc., to be able to assist his Universitymates. Alongside, he practiced Yogasanas and swimming, and also learnt to play flute and sitar. He would be so engrossed in study that once, when he was stung by a scorpion, he continued his reading saying, 'It has stung my leg and not my head.' When attacked by fever he would say, 'Fever is there for itself, and I am here for myself' and continue his study. His room was full of books. He was always reading: when not reading he would be engaged in discussions with friends. Swimming in the morning; exercises in the evening. Whenever he went back to his home for short duration, his parents felt inwardly happy to see the glowing face of their son. He had indeed blossomed into a sprightly youth. Madhavrao completed his B-Sc. in 1926, but he did not feel like leaving Kashi; so deep had been its influence on his mind. Under the pretext of pursuing his post-graduation in zoology, he managed to remain there for a further period of two years. During that period he applied himself to a deep study of literature of Ramakrishna Paramahmsa and Vivekananda. He also became a member of a Theosophy Center, which had just then been started in Kashi. This proved to be a turning point in his life, in so far as his attitude,outlook and lifestyle were concerned. It also brought about a complete change in his mode of dress. A white, loose kurta and a slack pyjama became his attire - as was common among theosophists. Madhavrao liked the dress. He completed his M.S. also with distinction in 1928. He had to leave Kashi thereafter, though reluctantly.

In Madras
Madhavrao went to Madras for doing his Ph.D. in the science of fishery. All the while his father had desired that Madhav should become a 'Doctor'. Now he was going to be one, perhaps - though a doctor of a different sort. It was a hard life in Madras. He had to meet all his expenses out of a monthly allowance of Rs.50. He did all the daily chores by himself in his room. The local language was totally unfamiliar to him; and he had no acquaintances. He utilized this opportunity; in a way this served to help him to brush up his English further, as he had to rely on it most of the time. He made full use of the enforced solitude for his contemplative pursuits. The patriotic instinct, which had sprouted in his heart at Kashi, blossomed forth during his stay in Madras, and reinforced his resolve to do anything for the sake of the country. He had clarity in his thought, purposiveness in action, firm faith in mental and physical powers, and a fearless disposition developed through his intellectual integrity. Once he was having breakfast in a hotel with his friends, amidst conversation. There ensued a discussion about the sturdiness of the glass-pane on the table where they were sitting. Some one remarked, "How can such a delicate glass-top withstand rough handling?" "It is not so easy to break it," remarked the hotel owner rather challengingly. "Suppose I break it with a single blow?" countered Madhavrao. "If you do that, all of you can have a free breakfast here from me, "answered the owner, provoked further. By then curious onlookers had gathered around the table. His friends looked askance at Madhavrao. "So, shall I break it?" - asked Madhavrao. "Do so." Madhavrao stood up, raised his hand, clenched his fist, and brought down a hammerlock blow. The glass-pane was reduced to splinters! His friends, the owner, and the onlookers were all amazed. On another occasion, the Nizam of Hyderabad was scheduled to visit the Madras aquarium. They were faced with a problem: should they allow the Nizam without a ticket? Madhavrao insisted, "None should be permitted to break the rule." He did not rest at that, but ensured the entry of the Nizam to the aquarium only on production of a ticket. Only when it was over could the fear-stricken administration heave a sigh of relief. It was natural for a youth in early twenties to think of his future prospects, wife, family life, etc. But such thoughts never crossed the mind of Madhavrao even once. On the contrary, he cherished a desire to cross the bounds of the worldly life, take to sannyas, and retire to the Himalayas for penance. But when he saw the plight of the country at that time, his cherished desire was shaken. "I have decided not to go in search of solitude; let solitude itself come to me" - he wrote to a friend of his. That proved prophetic. About the same time, Bhauji retired from service. The source of income for the family suddenly dried up. Naturally, Madhavrao's pursuit of his studies at Madras became impossible. With a heavy heart, he returned to Nagpur. He then came into contact with Ramakrishna Ashram at Dhantoli in Nagpur. This contact gradually became more and more intimate. It was as if the timeless voice of Vivekananda had begun to beckon him.

Prof.Golwalkar 'Guruji'
In May 1930, a letter came: "Shri M. S. Golwalkar is hereby appointed as professor of zoology in Kashi Hindu Vidyapeeth." The parents were overjoyed that their ambition had been fulfilled. Madhavrao left for Kashi. Prof. Golwalkar was a strict disciplinarian. With his sharp intellect and clarity of thought, he was a class apart from other professors there. His activities now were different from those of his student life. Every single activity in his routine had an assigned place and schedule. Sandhya vandana, then Yogasanas and Pranayama immediately followed the bath.Theduration of meditation and reflection had doubled. Having himself experienced poverty in boyhood, he was ever eager to help the poor and needy students in all possible ways. Although he was professor of zoology, he taught subjects like English, mathematics, economics, philosophy, etc., outside the class-hours withoutexpectation of any return. Because of this habit of engaging himself in extra studies only with a view to helping others, Professor Golwalkar came to be endearingly called as 'Guru'. That epithet stuck to him and became popular not only among the youth in the University but, later, throughout the country.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
By that time, the activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had already started in Kashi. Doctor Hedgewar, founder of the Sangh, had asked his close associate Bhaiyaji Dani to initiate Sangh work in Kashi, while he was there for his studies. Guru was very fond of Bhaiyaji. A close kinship developed between them. Guru keenly observed the Sangh activities like the daily prayer, exercises, sports, discussions and other intellectual activities, conducive to nationalist thinking. Guru said, "All these activities are dear to my heart too" and became, one with the Sangh. During his stay at Nagpur after return from Madras, Guru had come to know about the Sangh and Doctor Hedgewar, who could attract any person towards him through his affability and magnetic personality. Guru soon succeeded in securing the blessings of eminent persons like Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya for the Sangh activities. Malaviya had made available a room for the Sangh office and also a ground for Shakha activities in the campus of the University. Malaviya often discussed with Guru about the future of the country. The former was all appreciation for the discipline and dedication of Swayamsevaks. The three years' tenure of Guru's professorship came to an end in 1933. Guru had to return to Nagpur. The parents thought that it would be better if Madhavrao did his Law, as he could thereby earn a lot. In accordance with his parents' wish, Guru joined the Law College. Study for the Law course occupied very little of his time; he spent more time in the Ramakrishna Ashram at Dhantoli.

Karyavaha
In 1934, Guru was made the Karyavaha (executive) of the Kendriya Shakha at Nagpur. Doctor had noticed the inexhaustible enthusiasm and devotion bubbling in this youth, and gradually went on assigning to him more and more responsibilities. On the advice of Doctor, Guru went to Mumbai as Sangh Pracharak (organizer) for a time. Guru's parents naturally felt that Madhav should marry now. But Guru avoided it saying I am willing to marry for your sake. But I don't have the slightest interest in it." The parents did not pursue the matter further. Guru was quite good at law; but it was beyond him to employ false witnesses or evidence, as lawyers are prone to do. Thus Golwalkar became known as an advocate ' who is preferable for cases needing intellectual arguments, but not for the general run of 'appeal' cases. One fine day Guru was missing!

'For Another Cause'
Guru went straight to Saragachi in Murshidabad district of Bengal. Saragachi Ramakrishna Ashram was then headed by Swami Akhandananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and thus a 'Gurubhai' of Swami Vivekananda. Madhavrao desired initiation from Akhandananda who was elderly and a realized soul. Madhavrao served his preceptor whole-heartedly and received the initiation. Akhandananda had developed a very special affinity for this highly talented and well-educated disciple of his. While leading him on his spiritual path, Akhandananda said, "Sannyas is not the destiny of Golwalkar. Another great cause awaits him." Guru Maharaj thus ordained his disciple for service of Bharat Mata. Guru returned to Nagpur after Swami Akhandananda left the mortal coil in 1937. Doctor was the happiest person to see Guru back in Nagpur.

'Sarsanghchalak'
Guru had made up his mind that he should make some concrete contribution for the wellbeing of the country, serving the society in a spirit of worship. This needed a specific field of activity. He began to take greater interest in the work begun by Doctor. A most popular leader Doctor was suffering from a severe attack of typhoid. His health seemed irrecoverable. Guru remained like a shadow with him, nursed him, and served him till his end. Doctor passed on the responsibility of the Sangh work to the able shoulders of Guru and breathed his last on 21st June 1940. Guru assume ' d the office of Sarsangh- chalak of the R.S.S. after the obsequies of Doctor were over. In a message for a hand-written periodical, which was being brought out by the Swayamsevaks of Wardha in those days, Guru said: "Let us not depend on any external instruments or sources of power. Let us draw inspiration from the memory of our beloved leader and his burning patriotism. Let us fulfil our mission with firm faith and let us strive hard to achieve our objective of ensuring a pride of place to Hindu Rashtra on the world stage." Guru pursed this goal tirelessly till the very end.

A Fountain Of Inspiration
Guru had made up his mind that he should make some concrete contribution for the wellbeing of the country, serving the society in a spirit of worship. This needed a specific field of activity. He began to take greater interest in the work begun by Doctor. A most popular leader Doctor was suffering from a severe attack of typhoid. His health seemed irrecoverable. Guru remained like a shadow with him, nursed him, and served him till his end. Doctor passed on the responsibility of the Sangh work to the able shoulders of Guru and breathed his last on 21st June 1940. Guru assume ' d the office of Sarsangh- chalak of the R.S.S. after the obsequies of Doctor were over. In a message for a hand-written periodical, which was being brought out by the Swayamsevaks of Wardha in those days, Guru said: "Let us not depend on any external instruments or sources of power. Let us draw inspiration from the memory of our beloved leader and his burning patriotism. Let us fulfil our mission with firm faith and let us strive hard to achieve our objective of ensuring a pride of place to Hindu Rashtra on the world stage." Guru pursed this goal tirelessly till the very end.Then began Guru's untiring and countrywide tours with meticulously planned itinerary. During the tours, as a wandering mendicant, he would spend each night in a different city or village, ceaselessly participating in camps, rallies, meetings, discussions, training- camps, 'baithaks' (structured organizational meetings) and contacts, inspiring thousands of youths, educating them about the significance of Sangh work and instilling in them a missionary zeal for whole hearted involvement in the task of national rejuvenation. In the meantime, Guru had to protect the growing organization from the hostile British rulers. He skillfully managed each such crisis. In response to the call given by Guru in 1942, thousands of youths all over the country vowed to dedicate themselves entirely for the Sangh work, on a wholesome basis. Thus Sangh Shakhas sprouted even in remote corners of the country. Sangh activities thus grew apace. During tours Guru was very particular about keeping to the time-schedules, totally unmindful ofvagaries of weather, floods, winds, heat or cold. Nothing came in the way of his predetermined programs. Never for a moment did he feel 'superior' as the Sarsanghchalak of such a vast organization. If no conveyance were available, he would walk the whole distance without a murmur. Once rains began to pour right at the time of the Prarthana (Sangh prayer). The Swayam- sevaks were naturally upset. One of them made him bold, opened an umbrella and tried to hold it over Guru. Without disturbing his posture of prayer, Guru closed the umbrella with his left hand and completed the prayer in the torrential rain. While talking to the Karyakartas soon thereafter he said: "If we are scared of even inclement weather, how can we achieve our goal? Those ready to do anything for the cause of the country should pay least heed to the needs of their body. How could we become eligible for worship of the nation, unless we overcome the nature?" The basic endeavor of the Sangh is: to bring a person to the Sanghasthan, observe him closely, inform him about the Sangh work, instruct him in the Sangh thoughts, persuade him, and finally make that person commit himself to the Sangh ideology and patriotism through the daily and periodic programs of the Sangh. Other Sangh activities like games, 'baithaks', discussion-sessions, physical exercise, patriotic songs, Prarthana, etc., are supplementary aids to the above process. Individuals should mix and mingle with one another on the basis- of their shared national outlook and become one with the strong bond of brotherhood and discipline. Only then could the problems faced by the country be solved. This was the essence of fcthe teachings of Guru.

Protective Hand
Along with the intensification of the freedom struggle, the demand for the formation of Pakistan also became louder as a result of the poisonous seed sown by the British. The country witnessed ever increasingincidences of -atrocities, violence, riots, coercion, etc. The Sangh work was expanding to far-off places like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Punjab-Sindh province. Swayamsevaks engaged themselves in giving succor to the people fallen prey to such violence and loss. These violent riots were then being carried out, strictly according to their pre- determined plans only to impress upon the Government -the irreversibility of the demand for a separate homeland for the Muslims. The Swayamsevaks took up the onerous task of preventing such riots often at the cost of their lives. They arranged for safe migration of thousands at great risk, but with exemplary courage, skill and determination. Camps were organized for the migrants and for their medical care and security needs. Being the moving spirit behind this massive effort, Guru went round these places bringing consolation through hit soothing words, giving them courage, confidence and guidance as also personally supervising the arrangements for food, shelter and security. He presented a living example of humanitarian concern and courage. Once, he unhesitatingly walked across a broken, blown-up bridge over an uproarious river on his way from Jalandhar to Ludhiana. He thus set his own glowing example of uncompromising dedication to the society before the Swayamsevaks. However, the undesirable partition of our country did take place. The agonies and travails of partition accompanied the joy of freedom. 30 January 1948. Guru was in Madras on that day. The evening brought the heart-rending news of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. "The brutal murder of a most revered person of the modern era is a monstrous act. I am extremely aggrieved by it" - Guru condoled.

Fire-Ordeal
The opponents of the Sangh started disturbances. There was stonethrowing in Nagpur and other places on 31st January. They attacked the house of Guru and pelted stones. Totally unperturbed, Guru kept on reciting Bhagavad – Gita with perfect equanimity and poise. The Government arrested Guru under the baseless accusation of Gandhi's assassination. The Sangh was banned, and thousands of Swayamsevaks and workers were dumped behind the bars. Being alarmed by the growing strength of the Sangh, and due to the enormous public approbation Guru had been receiving all over the country, the Government cracked down on the Sangh in a bid to trample and finish it. There was in fact no connection whatsoever between the Sangh and the murder of Gandhiji. The Government had to withdraw the charges barely within a week. The courts of law released the Swayamsevaks and passed strictures against the Government action. The Government released Guru also on 6 August with certain restrictions imposed on him. He entered into prolonged correspondence with the top leaders of the country. He appealed to the Government to lift the ban on the Sangh and to clear it of the charges, since they were all baseless. The restrictions on Guru too were eventually removed. Guru went to Delhi. Thousands of citizens gave him a rousing welcome by showering flowers on him. Talks ensued. A suggestion was put forward for merger of the Sangh with Congress. Guru at once rejected it. Talks and correspondence failed. Preparations for a nation-wide movement to start the Sangh Shakhas in defiance of the ban order were set in motion overnight, with lightning speed. As expected, Guru was re-arrested. Sangh Shakhas was started in hamlets, villages, towns and cities all over the country again. More than a hundred thousand Swayamsevaks offered Satyagraha. They were promptly jailed. They were subjected to untold miseries and torture. People took out protest marches demandingimmediate removal of the ban. Many eminent personages came forward for mediation and began negotiation with the Government, The Swayamsevaks were denied even the minimum facilities that were normally made available to ordinary prisoners in the jails. As a result, their health condition began to deteriorate. Guru never bent before the Government. His cardinal faith was that "Ultimately Truth alone triumphs." On 12 July 1949 the Government removed t the eighteen-month-old ban on the Sangh. Guru advised the Swayamsevaks, "Forget the nightmarish episode of the ban. You should not harbor even the slightest bitterness in your minds about those responsible for causing us harm and injustice. After all they are our countrymen. Remember that both the tongue and the teeth always remain together. Once in a way by accident the teeth may bite the tongue; but on that account we do not knock them down. If one leg trips the other, are we to cut that leg? Those who have harmed us are very much our own people, not outsiders. Hence let us forget and forgive."

In The Service Of People Again
Thousands of Hindus started pouring in from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) on account of their forcible conversion to Islam. The Sangh, under the able stewardship of Guru, girded up its loins for the service of the people thus rendered homeless. Guru once again swung into swift action to supervise these arrangements of succor to the refugees. He alerted the Government about their duty towards these unfortunate brethren of ours and gave his guidance for the appropriate course of action under those difficult circumstances. He appealed to the people to extend their helping hand in mitigation of the distress caused by the neighboring State. People of Delhi presented a purse of Rs.101001/- to Shri Guru. Shri J. A. Kurein, a journalist from U.S.A., and Prof. Wilson from Australia came to Bharat to study the Sangh and its working. The name and fame of the Sangh reached to the distant corners of the world. Guru then led a movement against cow-slaughter. He articulated the Hindus' deeply rooted feeling towards the cow, which has been a focal point of our culture and Dharma, in the minds of themultitudes. The movement set a world record of 1,74,89,332 signaturescollected by fifty four thousand Swayamsevaks from 84,000 villages and cities all over the country. Guru never tolerated any insult either to the unity and integrity of the country, to Dharma and Culture, or to the cherished beliefs of people. Narrating the story of a lion-cub that had acquired all the sheepish traits after it strayed into a herd of sheep for a long time and which was later on restored to its innate leonine nature by another lion, Guru exhorted the people to stand up-right and assert themselves once again. Guru stoutly protested against all that was inimical to the integrity of Bharat. He opposed every act of treachery against the nation. Due to inertia on the part of Government, China gobbled up Tibet. There was no reaction from our Government. The Portuguese were torturing our people in Goa, which was a part of Bharat. The Government maintained a sullen silence. Guru cautioned the Government on all such occasions. Guru was the first nationalist thinker to openly warn that the re-organization of the States solely on the basis of language would do many harms to the country. Guru was a fountain of perennial inspiration to thousands of Hindu youths. He was a Karmayogin. His physique was fragile. But spiritual glow and serenity flowed from' his face. Curly locks of hair reaching up to shoulders; a flowing beard; a broad forehead; lips hiding behind the curved moustache; an observant pair of bright eyes; a sprinkle of sweet smile in his talks and conversation; and often bouts of hearty laughter too. His softly couched and aptly delivered cryptic remarks had a drive-home quality about them. He was invariably clothed in a baggy dhoti and loose kurta, and shawl on the shoulders. Seeing his erect chest and fast pace with long strides, one felt tempted to call him 'a saint in a hurry'. His pious Personality reflected the dynamism of a noble commander. His heart emitted concentrated confidence of a thousand lions. With all this, he shunned publicity like poison. Such was his self-effacing nature. 1956 saw the fifty-first birthday of Shri Guru. It was celebrated in a befitting manner. On that occasion, the Sangh workers not only arranged colorful functions, but also conveyed the thoughts Guru held dear to his heart, to every hearth and home in the country. 1963 was the birth centenary of Swami Vivekananda Guru addressed a mammoth public meeting in Madras and at other important cities. He reminded the people of the rousing call of Swami Vivekananda to build a strong organization in Hindu Samaj, for national reconstruction. Guru shaped the Sangh into a protective shield and also as fighting arms of the country whenever it was confronted with external crisis. In 1962, China betrayed Bharat. It pushed its army into our territory. Guru gave a call to the Swayamsevaks to stand by the Government in protecting the nation. "Now that a powerful enemy has attacked our nation, let us set aside our differences and be united as an invincible force. This is the need of the time. All the people of Bharat should stand erect as one Virat-Purusha for safeguarding the national interests." Millions of hearts throbbed in unison with this call of Guru. Swayamsevak responded in full measure and stood as pillars of support to all the governmental and social efforts in this direction. They helped the Government in maintaining internal security of the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad
Even as his concern about the security of the country from external threats was paramount, his anxiety was no less in the reforms to be brought about in the society from within. Most of the Hindus of the world live in Bharat. But millions of them have settled in a number of other countries of the world too. They have gone there for vocation, studies, trade, business, etc., and have stayed back in those countries. Many a great Hindu social thinker felt the need for a forum for bringing the Hindus of the world together. Vishwa Hindu Parishad was thus founded on the Krishna Janmashtami day in 1964. Guru conceptualized the founding of the V.H.P. and continued to guide it for the next few years. The Parishad convened its First World Conference at Prayag (Allahabad) in 1966. The First Karnataka State-levelConference was held at Udupi in 1969. Both these conferences were attended by a record number of delegates and blessed by the Dharmacharyas of all the major religious orders and traditions such as Shaiva, Vaishnava, Veerasaiva, Bouddha, Jain, Sikh, Aryasamaj, etc. The Sant-Sadhus assembled there proclaimed in unequivocal terms the natural brotherhood and equality of all Hindus. They defended the right of the Hindus to self-protection. Guru was the leading light of these conferences. The Dharmacharyas declared with one voice that there is neither prescription nor any sanction for the most heinous practice of Untouchability in our Dharma or in scriptures. When this resolution was adopted unanimously, the eyes of Guru were full with tears of fulfillment. He exclaimed, "Momentous session!" Guru was travelling throughout the country at least twice a year. He was interacting with thousands of Sangh workers and members of the public through various programs like the month-long State-level Sangh Shiksha Vargas (training camps), short-duration camps, 'baithaks', meetings, wide public contacts, etc. He was establishing personal rapport with the associates and the people everywhere, and always discussing about the problems faced by the country and emphasizing our duty to it. He was clearing their doubts and providing constant guidance. Added to this, he had to meet the harassment caused by the Government from time to time.

Declining Health
It is not as if Guru, who had accepted the 'parivrajaka-vrata' (life-style of mendicants) for the national rejuvenation, had no bodily ailments. The malady that began with pain due to a clot in the chest was treated by a number of therapies. But pain did not subside. Guru, however, went ahead with his itinerary unhindered. In 1969, the attending experts identified his affliction as cancer. It was a great shock for the people all over the country. They performed poojas, prayers and homas for his speedy recovery. Guru maintained his calm and poise. He gathered all information about cancer with equanimity and quietly underwent the dreaded operation. The operation, no doubt, was declared to be successful. But he knew that his days were coming to a close sooner than expected. Knowing his approaching end, he hastened tocomplete the tasks on hand. "Treatment during tours, and travel while you treat" - that was how he conducted himself during the rest of his life. There were endless treatments and medicines. He finished every item of the work he wanted to complete. Finally, on 3 April 1973, he wrote three letters as his testament and kept them with instructions to be opened after his demise: the first addressed to all the Swayamsevak brethren, the second about his successor, and the third relating to his posthumous rites.

To Immortal Glory
On 10 April, Guru tumbled down from the chair. It caused him severe pain. On the 11th he observed fast as it was Sri Rama Navami. He sent away all the articles of his daily personal worship to his cousin brother. The 5th day of June 1973: It was the Jyeshtha Shukla Panchami of the Hindu calendar. Breathing trouble became aggravated. He was given a bath. He completed his 'sandhya - vandan' (ablutions) and while sitting on his easy - chair, kept his 'Kamandalu' (water pitcher) on his right side, indicating an onward journey. On other occasions, he used to keep the Kamandalu on his left side always. But today it was different. "Every thing is ready. I can start any time" - he said to a by-standing visitor He joined in the Sangh prayer in the evening. Guru left his mortal coil a p.m., attaining immortal glory.

Thus Spake Guruji
Countless discourses, thousands of letters and hundreds of press statements by Shri Guru are now part of the cherished knowledge legacy of humanity. The life of Shri Guru is lustrous and multi - faceted. His thoughts are a perennial source of inspiration for mankind. Here are a few rays of that brilliance: 1. Fearlessness is the first and foremost virtue of the brave, and the starting point of all sublime qualities. 2. 'This is my Dharma, my Vedanta. This is my Hindu Rashtra. I have to live and strive for its realization. I must live as an example for the entire world to follow'-only such abiding faith would provide a firm foundation for reorganization of theHindus. 3. The will of a person becomes tempered like steel when he prepares himself for the supreme sacrifice for a just and lofty goal. 4. We are not so narrow-minded as to call any one as 'alien' merely because he has changed his mode of worship. We have no objection to the use of any name in addressing God. We in the Sangh are Hindus in every particle of ours. That is why we respect all religious faiths equally. A person with religious intolerance cannot be called a Hindu at all. 5. The most demeaning sin is to remain weak in the world. It not only destroys us, but also incites others to attack us with violence. 6. No doubt it requires two to fight. But both of them need not necessarily be fighters. It is, all the same, a fight, even if one goes on beating and the other gets beaten. There is no guarantee that others would behave properly with us even if we remain peaceful and cordial with them. 7. There must be an axis at the center of a wheel if it has to rotate. No wheel would rotate if its axis were outside it. There cannot be a circle with its center outside it. It is impossibility. Those cherishing extra-national loyalties can only be called traitors. Will it not be treacherous if an individual is drawing inspiration from elements beyond the boundaries of his country? 8. A grain of salt completely dissolves in water, and then retains no separate existence. But the salty taste will beevident in each drop of that water. Likewise an individual should dissolve him in the nation.