On 26th February
Yesterday was the 108th birth anniversary of M S Golwalkar, second chief of RSS. A controversial figure according to secularists and RSS-haters. But who was he?

Born in 1906 in a middle class family in Nagpur, he was the only surviving c...hild of his parents. A bright kid who excelled in studies as well as sports and arts. He wanted to be a doctor but circumstances forced him to pursue master in science. Finally he landed as a lecturer in BHU, Varanasi and became popular among students as GURUJI. This was an apt name because he had equal expertise on all subjects. It was here he came in contact with RSS and became a regular at shakha. Dr Hedgewar noticed him during his visit and was impressed by his intellect.

His spiritual inclination made him go away to Sargachi in Bengal. Swami Akhandanda , disciple of Ramkrishna , had established a math there to serve the poor and downtrodden. Many people questioned Swamiji to establish math at such an unfortunate place (not far from Plassey). But he is said to have answered that I am waiting for the person who will lead India’s ascent to glory. Guruji served him whole heartedly during his last days and received diksha.

It was his simplicity, sharp intellect and leadership qualities which made him a natural choice for the chief position. It was his vision to realise that a multifaceted approach can only lead to renaissance of this nation. It was his inspiration which led to the start of BJS (Bhartiya Jan Sangh), BMS (Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh), ABVP , VKS (Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram), VHP and many more nationalist organisations.

Very few people in the world lead and create so many lasting organisations.
BHARAT MATA KI JAI !!!

PS: His fierce patriotism made Verghese Kurien also his admirer.

Mark Twain called India "mother of history". It is said that every nook and corner of this country has a story to tell. Yesterday i.e 17th February was the day of martyrdom of Vasudev Balwant Phadke.

He was born in a small village called ...Shirdhon in Konkan. As an accoutant in Indian Army he saw first hand the partial treatment to Indians. The culmination came when denied leave to see his ailing mother, he coulnd'nt even attend her funeral. The incident hurt him so deeply that he left the job to understand the reasons of slavery.

Touring Maharashtra he was exposed to the severe exploitation of farmers and their suffering in the famine. One thing led to another and soon he was giving lectures in different cities to awaken people about the dire straits the nation was in. As is the case the educated and well off people did not support him. It is said that he was almost driven to madness due to apathy of people.

That was when he started contacting tribals and rural folk and was impressed by their simplicity and devotion. He organised an army and started looting government treasury to raise an armed rebellion. He issued notices and rewards on killing of government servants, signing them off as Prime Minister to Chatrapati of Marathas.
The cunning and ruthless Englishman were quick to notice the danger and they used imperial might to crush him.

Finally disheartened and suffering from high fever he was captured alone and sentenced to life imprisonment in far away Aden. But the torch of freedom was inexhaustible so he escaped with heavy chains, but was captured again. Finally on this day in 1883 he sacrificed his life far away from his beloved motherland.