| Great Personalities |
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| Biographies of Great Indians & Hindus |
KESHAVA BALIRAM HEDGEWAR |
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| Introduction Founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His strong desire was that all the people should dedicate themselves for the service of the Motherland forgetting the differences of caste, creed, etc. He exemplified this ideal in his own life. He shone as a simple and loving personality. Author - Du.Gu.LakshmanaKeshav Baliram Hedgewar 22 June 1897. On that day, Queen Victoria of England completed exactly 60 years of her ascent to the British Throne. Naturally, an atmosphere of pompous festivity of that Diamond Jubilee prevailed everywhere. The British Government had arranged grand functions in all villages, towns and cities in Bharat too. Among other things, they distributed sweets among the school children. The poor were served with food. The prominent in society were conferred with decorative titles. A mood of revelry among people in Nagpur (Maharashtra) was evident from their new attire, etc. Children were hurrying to their schools in groups in eager anticipation of the sweets which were to be distributed there. But amidst all this, one young boy was not happy. He threw away the sweets given to him, and sat alone in a corner brooding. His elder brother came and asked him, "Why are you downcast? Didn't you get the sweets?" 'What's there in that sweet?" - the boy pointed to the sweets thrown away by him and added, "But why should we celebrate the jubilee of the Queen who has snatched away our Bhonsle's kingdom?" The sweets, which were sweet to others were bitter for this boy. He had perceived nothing but bitterness in the sweets. He was barely eight at that time. Patriotism had found lodgment in his heart even at such a tender age, Such was Keshav. The boy was eventually to become famous as Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. He founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a nationwide organization. He gave a new orientation to the country. He awakened self-respect and patriotism among the Hindus. |
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