by Sachin Nandha delves into the life and philosophy of the elusive Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The biography sheds light on Hedgewar’s philosophy of cultural nationalism, his contributions to the socio-political cultural landscape of his times, and highlights his radical vision to fight the caste barriers within the RSS framework. Hedgewar’s early critique of the increasing ritualism among Brahmins during British rule, including his distrust of the militant philosophy of Subhas Chandra Bose and private disagreements with Gandhi over his strict adherence to non-violence, is also covered. The biography charts Hedgewar’s journey from an orphaned child in colonial India to becoming the mastermind behind RSS, one of the world’s most secretive and largest voluntary organisations that completed its 100 years of existence.

In an interview with Scroll, author Sachin Nanda talked about how the biography locates Hedgewar within the political and cultural ferment of his time, his key influences while growing up in poverty leading up to the creation of the RSS, his role in creating Shakhas to build social capital, and why he believes Hedgewar should not be labeled as an “ultra-Hindu” or someone who “hated” minorities.

This biography claims to be a definitive biography of Hedgewar. How is this...