Many assumptions exist about the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). However, history records that Gandhi closely observed the RSS at work and was deeply impressed by what he saw. This account is based on his personal visit to an RSS training camp.
The 1934 Winter Camp at Wardha
The RSS regularly conducts training camps lasting from a few days to several weeks. One such winter camp was organised in Wardha from December 22 to 26, 1934. Around 1,500 volunteers participated in the camp. The ground belonged to noted Congress leader Seth Jamnalal Bajaj. At the same time, Mahatma Gandhi was staying on the second floor of Bajaj’s bungalow.
Discipline That Drew Attention
Every day, the camp began with the sound of the bugle. From his residence and during his morning walks, Gandhi observed the volunteers performing their activities with strict discipline. Gradually, these scenes caught his attention and left a strong impression on him.
Desire to Visit the Camp
Soon after, Gandhi expressed his wish to see the camp personally to his close associate, Mahadev Desai. The message reached Appa Ji, the Wardha district RSS leader, who was also associated with the Congress. When asked for time, Gandhi said he would visit the camp at 6 am the next morning and stay for about one and a half hours.
Guard of Honour and Praise
As scheduled, Gandhi arrived at the camp the next morning. The volunteers presented him with a guard of honour. Mahadev Desai, Mirabehn, and others accompanied him. Seeing the scene, Gandhi placed his hand on Appa Ji’s shoulder and said,
“I am truly pleased. I have not seen such an impressive sight anywhere else in the country so far.”
Food, Management and Equality
During his visit, Gandhi inspected the kitchen, medical facilities, and living arrangements. Notably, he was surprised to see that meals for such a large group were completed smoothly within an hour. Each volunteer contributed one rupee and some food grain. Moreover, everyone ate together without any consideration of caste.
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Conversation on Caste
When Gandhi asked volunteers about their caste, most replied,
“We do not ask anyone’s caste. As Hindus, we are brothers. We do not understand high or low.”
Later, Gandhi asked Appa Ji why caste discrimination continued despite many reform efforts. Appa Ji replied that focusing on a shared sense of Hindutva instead of caste, and practising it in daily conduct, had helped overcome divisions. He credited RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar for this approach.
Salute to the Saffron Flag
Meanwhile, the bugle sounded again. All volunteers stood in formation for the flag ceremony. At that moment, Gandhi himself followed the RSS tradition and saluted the saffron flag.
Meeting the Founder’s Legacy
Gandhi then visited the RSS stores, where photographs, slogans, musical instruments, and training equipment were displayed. On seeing Dr Hedgewar’s photograph, he asked about him. Appa Ji explained that he was the RSS founder and its Sarsanghchalak. Gandhi expressed a desire to meet him and was informed that Dr Hedgewar would arrive the next day.
Exchange of Views
While returning, Gandhi remarked that allowing people of all religions would make the organisation even better. In response, Appa Ji said that organising Hindus without hatred towards others was not anti-national. Gandhi accepted this viewpoint.
The Meeting
The next day, Dr Hedgewar arrived in Wardha and met Mahatma Gandhi at his residence after the camp concluded.
This episode reflects Gandhi’s direct experience with the RSS, where he witnessed its discipline, social harmony, and organisational strength up close, and openly appreciated these qualities.
