Jamal Siddiqui, National President of the Minority Front of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding that the Bharat Ratna be conferred posthumously upon Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
NEW DELHI: Jamal Siddiqui, National President of the Minority Front of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, demanding that the Bharat Ratna be conferred posthumously upon Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the letter, Jamal Siddiqui described Hedgewar as a freedom fighter and nation-builder, emphasizing the need to honor his contributions.
Siddiqui stated that given Hedgewar's role in the country's independence and nation-building, he should be honored with India's highest civilian award. This step, he believes, would also inspire a sense of patriotism and social service among the youth.
Hedgewar's Contributions
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born on April 1, 1889, in Nagpur. He founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925. The RSS has made significant contributions to social service, nationalism, and organizational building across the country. In his letter, Jamal Siddiqui stated that considering Hedgewar Ji's contributions, such as active participation in the freedom struggle, his exceptional ability to build organizations, and his vision of one India, bestowing the Bharat Ratna upon him would be appropriate.
He believes that this honor would not only recognize Hedgewar's sacrifice but also inspire volunteers engaged in service work across the country. This year, on October 2, the RSS is completing 100 years. On the occasion of its centenary year, the organization held several programs nationwide.
Prime Minister Modi Paid Tributes
On the occasion of the centenary year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated as the chief guest in a ceremony held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi. According to the PMO, the Prime Minister released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin on this occasion, which will depict the RSS's national service activities and history.
Prime Minister Modi also lauded the inspirational journey of the RSS and its founder Hedgewar in his popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He stated that 100 years ago, when the RSS was founded, India was shackled in the chains of slavery. PM Modi said, 'Centuries of subjugation had deeply wounded our self-esteem and confidence. The world's oldest civilization was going through an identity crisis. At such a time, the revered Hedgewar Ji founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1925 on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami.'
The Prime Minister also stated that after Hedgewar's demise, his disciple Guruji carried forward this great work of service, and today the organization is active nationwide in the fields of social service and nationalism.
