Inside the RSS: Hedgewar's Forgotten Legacy, Martial Hinduism & Modern Politics

You can buy Sachin Nandha’s book here: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0143467662

Sachin Nandha is a philosopher and strategist with a background in private equity. He advises leaders on global trends and is deeply influenced by India’s history and philosophy. As Director-General of the International Centre for Sustainability, he works on initiatives combining thought leadership and environmental progress. He is the author of Hedgewar (Founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh).

In this episode, Vinamre and Sachin discuss:

-The life, ideology, and lasting influence of K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, along with insights from its archives.

-Hedgewar’s views on caste and his relationships with key figures like Bose, Savarkar, Nehru, and Gandhi.

-The role of mentorship in the RSS, how Shakhas operate in India and the UK, and the ideological contrast between Hedgewarism and Savarkarism.

-The relevance of Hindus reclaiming a martial spirit and how the RSS has evolved over time.

-A deeper look at the RSS’s modern appeal and its impact on contemporary politics and society.

Watch this episode to explore Hedgewar’s legacy, the evolution of the RSS, and its impact on modern India.

00:00 - Who was Hedgewar?

6:20 - What's inside the archives of the RSS?

12:33 - Why has no one written a biography on Hedgewar before?

15:45 - How Shakhas look in the UK

24:00 - Mentorship in the RSS

30:12 - Hedgewar's views on caste

32:22 - Hedgewar and Bose

35:44 - Hedgewar and Savarkar

38:10 - Hedgewar and Nehru

40:35 - Hedgewar and Gandhi

43:44 - Was Gandhi an utopian?

46:52 - Social structure in the 1920s 

1:00:30 - The need for Hindus to return to a martial form of religion

1:08:40 - Views on modern RSS Shakhas

1:11:21 - Hedgewarism vs. Savarkarism

1:20:35 - The appeal of the RSS today

1:24:33 - How studying Hedgewar changed his worldview

1:28:05 - Conclusion