On this solemn occasion of the Punyatithi (death anniversary) of Pujya Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar Ji, fondly remembered as ‘Shri Guruji’, we bow our heads in shraddhanjali to a life that continues to illuminate the path of Rashtriya Seva (national service), Sanatan Dharma, and cultural renaissance.

Shri Guruji wasn’t just a name; he was a timeless thought, a living embodiment of an ideology that placed the nation before self, and dharma above politics. As the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), his contributions shaped the soul of post-independence Bharat — inspiring generations of swayamsevaks to dedicate their lives to national upliftment.

A Visionary Who Transformed Thought into a Movement
When Shri Guruji took charge of the RSS after the untimely demise of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, he inherited more than just an organization — he carried the weight of a cultural revolution. Under his dynamic and humble leadership, the RSS transitioned from being a small movement to a nationwide socio-cultural force that touched the remotest corners of the country.

His clarity of vision and unwavering dedication helped turn ideology into action. He believed that "a strong, united, self-confident Hindu society is the bedrock of a strong nation." He advocated for spiritual nationalism, cultural consciousness, and selfless service, forging a path of righteous activism.

A Life of Simplicity, Integrity, and Sacrifice
Shri Guruji was a paragon of character — a man who spoke less and lived more. His calm demeanor, intellectual depth, and ascetic lifestyle inspired unwavering respect and commitment. He didn’t demand obedience through words; his life was the message, his discipline the sermon, and his vision the call to millions.

He never sought political power, yet he influenced the nation’s conscience. Under his guidance, lakhs of youth committed themselves to a cause greater than themselves. Through shakhas, training camps, and tireless grassroots work, he cultivated patriotic citizens, rooted in dharma, ready to defend the nation with integrity and sacrifice.

The Legacy That Lives On
Today, organizations inspired by his life — including the RSS, VHP, ABVP, and others — continue to uphold the values he lived for. They work relentlessly across diverse sectors like education, health, rural development, disaster relief, and national integration.

In a time when the very identity of Bharat was under siege by colonial legacies and divisive ideologies, Shri Guruji reasserted the Hindu identity not as a religion, but as a civilizational essence — inclusive, ancient, and ever-relevant.

A Call to Follow His Ideals
On this Punyatithi, let us pledge not to merely remember Shri Guruji with folded hands, but to walk the path he paved with conviction:

"If Bharat is to rise again to become Vishwaguru, we must live the values Guruji taught — unity, character, dharma, and unconditional love for the motherland."

His legacy is not written in stone but in the lives of the millions of swayamsevaks and patriots carrying forward his vision of a strong, united, self-reliant, and culturally awakened Bharat.

Jai Hind | Vande Mataram | Bharat Mata Ki Jai

~ Sushil Bhati
Senior Advocate | Former President – Bar Association, Gautam Buddh Nagar | BJP Karyakarta