PATHEY (English)
Pathey is a unique collection of inspiring thoughts of Param Pujyaneeya Doctor Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1889-1940). The thoughts will inspire the reader’s heart & mind to understand the invaluable principles of organisation for the protection and welfare of Hindu society and nation. Doctorji’s life was dedicated in putting his thoughts into practice through Sangh work that he started in 1925.
The Preface
‘Pathey’ means ‘Tiffin’ i.e. the food which we carry with us to be eaten later. But this Tiffin is not merely for satisfying hunger but also for feeding the mind and intelligence. These are the sacred sayings (‘Amrutvachans’) of Param Pujyaneeya Doctor Hedgewar, teaching lessons of dedication to goal, faith, hard work, perseverance, art of organisation, etc.
This small booklet is easy to keep in pocket. Similarly, it is easy to read and keep in mind. These words are not ordinary. They are the essence- the thought, philosophy and also deeds of P. P. Doctorji’s life. This is a treasure-chest of precious jewels of principles. This is a Sun’s plate which constantly gives food. This is a quiver filled with arrows which are Ram- Baan. Every single thought of this booklet has the capacity to destroy demons like lethargy, dejection, selfishness, shyness, narrow-mindedness, indecisiveness, inactiveness etc. The form of this booklet is- open any page, read a small saying, and get to work with a new light in the head. We are sure that this activity will be liked by everyone.
PUBLISHER
Vijay Inamdar, Karyawah, Bharat Bharati Bal
Pustakmala Prakashan, Nagpur- Maharashtra
COMPILATION: Bhaiyaji Sahasrabuddhe (alias P. G. Sahasrabuddhe)
EDITION: First: 1989 (Chaitra Shukla 1, Shaka 1911)
Second: March 1997
Third: April 2004
TRANSLATION: From original Marathi into English
OUR HINDU NATION
1. The Sangh wants to put in reality the words “Hindusthan of Hindus”. Hindusthan is a country of Hindus. Like other nations of other people (eg. Germany of Germans), this is a nation of Hindu people.
2. Only a piece of land cannot be called ‘Nation’. A nation is created where people of one thought, one culture and one tradition live together since ancient times. Because of exactly the above reasons, ‘Hindusthan’ is the name given to our country and this is a country of the Hindus.
3. Expecting help from others and pleading for it is a clear sign of weakness. This clearly reflects in behavior. So, Sangh swayamsewaks should fearlessly proclaim, “Hindusthan of Hindus”. Remove all narrow-mindedness. We do not say that others should not live here. But they should be aware that they are living in Hindusthan of Hindus, like we would realize if we were living there- that we are living in Germany of Germans. Others cannot infringe on rights of Hindus here.
4. Seeing the Saffron Flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj), the entire history of the nation along with its tradition and culture comes before our eyes. The mind rises and special motivation comes in it. Only this Saffron Flag (Bhagwa Dhwaj) we consider as ourGuru, as a symbol of our Tatva i.e. principle. Sangh has regarded the most sacred Bhagwa Dhwaj as the Guru instead of any particular individual. The reason for this being that an individual may be a great person but he cannot remain consistent in his life style nor can he be perfect in all respects. Consequently, instead of making our position awkward by accepting any individual person, we have adopted an inspirational symbol of victory and strength Bhagwa Dhwaj as our guru. It represents our history, tradition and supreme sacrifices made for our nation. It is the embodiment of all basic elements of our nationhood.
5. Bhagwa Dhwaj is not Sangh’s own creation. Nor, it has any intention of creating a separate flag. Sangh has only accepted the Bhagwa Dhwaj, which for thousands of years has been the flag of our Rashtra Dharma. Bhagwa Dhwaj has a long history and tradition and it is an embodiment of Hindu culture.
6. There are excellent scriptures in our religion. Very inspiring valour-filled history is behind us. But we do not think on it in the right way. When we see a thoughtful and working person, we put him in the line of divine people. We assume him as divine, and tell ourselves that it is impossible for man to inculcate God’s virtues. With such an imaginary idea, we do not try to imitate and acquire the divine virtues.
7. If we keep Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as our ideal, we will remember his heroics for the cause of defending Hindudom. The samarthya i.e. power of Shivaji is as much as that of the Saffron Flag. The history we remember looking at the saffron flag, and the motivation we get from it, the same is got from Shivaji Maharaj’s life. Shivaji lifted the saffron flag which was truly in the dust, re-established Hindu Pad-padshahi and rejuvenated the dying Hindutva. So, if you want to keep a man as ideal, then keep Shivaji as the one.
8. Happiness of Hindus is the happiness of my family and me. The problems faces by Hindu society are our problems and its humiliation is our humiliation. Such feeling of belonging should be in every Hindu. This is the basis of Hindu Dharma.
The cause of our decline/problems/plight
9. Only one meaning is revealed from names like Bharatkhand, Bharatvarsha,Aryavarta, etc. But we are taken aback by the mere thought of the meaning of the words. Our situation is like that of a parrot in a cage. We have suffered from a loss of intelligence. We are eager to embrace as brothers those who have vowed to destroy our culture. All this is a result of our weakness of mind.
10. We have forgotten the truth that our society was once very powerful. This is why all movements in the country are run on the feeling of weakness. Strength, enthusiasm is not present.
11. Mental weakness is the biggest weakness. This is the biggest shortcoming of our society. If we keep in mind our strength and unite, then our work will be very high. Then, no work will appear impossible. The truth is that we have a lot of strength, but despite this we have forgotten our own strength.
12. The first thing that I will tell is that selfishness and inactiveness have to be abandoned immediately. Since we are very pessimistic about matters of welfare of the society, our minds have become very weak. ‘It won’t matter even if the society is burnt to ashes. What have I got to do with it? So, as long as my self-interest is not harmed, everything is ok’ - such thoughts on the society (indifference) seem to have penetrated the society very deep. That is the reason why our society is weak today.
13. Until faults like weakness, selfishness, indifference to society, etc remain as they are, we will not be able to call ourselves as ‘good people’ i.e. sajjan. And until we become sajjan, God will consider us as weak and only help in our destruction. But, when we really become sajjan and prove that we are ready to sacrifice everything for welfare of the country, religion and society, then God will definitely help us.
14. In today’s situation we cannot expect God’s help. God will turn his back on us thinking ‘This Hindu society has selfish weak and sinning people everywhere’. And if God does indeed come to us, he will come against us, not for us. Because God will always want to finish durjan people.
15. Those who always do their duty keeping thoughts of religion, nation, society and public welfare, are real ‘sajjan’. Are such ‘Tyaagi’ (people who do sacrifice) and dutiful people present in the Hindu society in sufficient numbers? If even half the people in the Hindu society were filled with such noble thoughts, no one in this world would have dared to launch vicious attacks on our society. God himself would have taken an avatar to defend religion.
Sangh’s aims
16. The Sangh doesn’t want to exist anyhow like any organisation for centuries. The Sangh has a burning desire that Hindutva’s flames spread rapidly throughout the country.
17. Keep in mind that the Sangh is not a gym or a military school. Sangh is a national and unbreakable organisation of the Hindus. It should be stronger than steel.
18. The Sangh wants to make the Hindu society so strong that no one in the world will dare to attack our society. If our strength is invincible, only then will such a situation arise in the world.
19. For what goal have we taken oath/vow? The Sangh wishes that our sacred Hindu religion and dear Hindu culture always stay alive in the world with pride.
20. The Sangh has deliberately chosen its area of work and hence it does interfere in any other issue. We must move ahead on our pre-determined path keeping our goal in mind. We must think 24 hours about how we can give every moment of our life for this great work and learn how to do work like this. We must be filled with thoughts of how our organisation will grow every moment.
21. We must have unbreakable devotion to the Sangh’s great work. We have to create fearlessness and enthusiasm in the whole Hindu society. We have to ignite self-confidence and self-pride in the society by creating social strength.
22. We have resolved to dedicate our whole life for the purpose of making the entire Hindu society stand on its own feet in a united manner.
23. Today, injustice, immorality and atrocities have become the order of the
day in this world. Until they end, we cannot get the right of salvation (Moksha). Why don’t we realize this simple fact?
24. In reality, this strength is as sacred and blessed as spiritual strength. We
don’t have to become strong to indulge in violence but to end the violence and atrocities of the world once and for all.
25. Really, weak people only are the ones who violate world peace, because by their weakness they inspire atrocious people to commit atrocities. If we are weak then the sin of destroying peace of the whole world comes on our head. We must always strive that we do not get the sin of violating peace in the world’s human race. (Which we will get if we are weak).
26. For peace and order to prevail in the world, balance is needed. A place where weak and strong come together, peace and order is ruined. Two tigers don’t trouble each other. But it needn’t even be mentioned as to what happens where a tiger and a sheep come together. Peace and harmony can dwell only between those with equal strength.
27. The Sangh has taken birth for uniting our society and making it strong. Sangh’sshakhas are doing the task of strengthening the Hindu society all over India. There should not be a single village in India, where there is no shakha of the Sangh.
28. Accumulating strength for the protection of our country and our religion is the aim of the Sangh.
29. Sangh gives considerable importance to samskaras. A person’s actions are guided by his thoughts, and a gathering of those who have similarity of thought and action contribute to a creative environment. Let us build throughout this country a pure and respectable, devoted to the cause, hopeful, inspiring and refreshing environment. Wherever Swayamsewaks go they should carry the spirit of such an environment.
God’s work
30. There is absolutely no fault or sin in the goal that we have kept in our mind. We have vowed to defend our religion and our nation. What sin can be there in this?
31. Our step has never gone back. Then how can it go back in today’s situation which is conducive for work? We must go ahead with double enthusiasm and we will. I do not have the slightest doubt about our ultimate victory. Our work will increase with tremendous speed from now onwards.
32. The whole world is going ahead with tremendous speed. How can only we afford to stay behind? Do not fear just because situation (time) is difficult. Do not step backward. Let our foot fall forward only. The person who does work overcoming difficult situations becomes successful in the end and only his name spreads in the world. What is the reason for us to have any fear? We have God’s hands for us because our work is God’s work. We have the blessings of God and saints with us.
33. Let us all remember that it is impossible to gain anything without doing hard work and sacrifice (Swartha-tyag). I have used the word Swartha-tyag
(Sacrificing self-interest), but the work we are doing has the interest (Benefit) of the Hindu society, so personal benefit also comes in it. Then what other benefit is left? If Sangh work is for our own benefit, then how can the efforts needed for it be termed as sacrifice(Swartha-tyag)? In reality, it is not Swartha-tyag. Equate your self-interest with the interest of the Hindu nation- that’s enough!
34. Every organ of our body and our mind is filled with only one feeling- we must serve our Hindu society. There is no space for any other thought in our inner mind. Then why will God’s blessings not be with us? Today the situation is so favorable to us that wherever our workers go, they become successful. Since our goal is extremely pure (sacred) and for benefit of the society our work has become God’s work and it is exactly for this reason that we will definitely become successful.
35. I fully believe that our Sangh has become fit for gaining the mercy and blessings of God and will remain so. Because God knows the feelings in our inner mind, in our heart. Out inner mind is clean and pure. It does not have an iota of sin.
36. We are sure that we have the blessings of God. Our work is not of attack but of peace and organisation. We must do this sacred work for Hindu religion and Hindu culture and defend our culture and improve it. Only then can we and our society survive /excel in this improved world.
37. Have completed and unshakeable faith in Sangh’s philosophy. We are determined to work for the protection of our nation, our dharma and our culture. As it is the true path we need not worry or fear about any dangers. Dangers do not just present themselves. In fact they are God’s blessings in disguise. They convey His wishes to us not only to strengthen ourselves and succeed fighting through disasters but also show us a better future direction.
Sangh belongs to everyone
38. We do not do our work hiding and in secrecy. Now our work has come in front of our society and the society is watching our work’s growth with concern. Our enemies, as well as our friends, have spread around us. We will definitely make our friends come closer to us, but we have no reason to hate even those who maintain a feeling of enmity towards us. We must really pity them. If we work with utmost devotion from the bottom of our heart, then they will definitely have to stay away from our path. They will not be able to sustain our tremendous strength.
39. We have the feeling of belonging, togetherness for all Hindus. We must throw aside petty feelings of personal insult or personal pride and approach constituents of the society with affectionate and polite behavior. Which stone-hearted Hindu will not be ready to listen to your soft and sweet talk?
40. Our behavior towards every Hindu who loves this nation must be of brotherly love. The question is not how people behave or what they talk. If our behavior is fully free from any fault, then all our Hindu brothers will get attracted towards us.
41. Since our work is for the entire Hindu society, we should never neglect or oppress any member of the society. We must behave with equal affection to all Hindu brothers, without any feeling of inferiority or superiority. To be contemptuous to anyone considering him as inferior will amount to sin.
42. Elderly people have a very important position in this Sangh work. They can also take major responsibility in the Sangh. If elderly people become ready to utilize their prestige and practical skill for Sangh work then the youth section can work with more enthusiasm and motivation. The youth force is filled with enthusiasm by the guidance of elderly people and the Sangh work steps ahead rapidly in the right direction. Hence no one should pessimistic about the Sangh work. Everyone must get to work with enthusiasm.
43. It is very wrong to think that only a person of a particular age or particular capacity is useful for Sangh work and if not, then he is useless. In the field of Sangh work, everyone is needed. Everyone has work. Because Sangh work is not the work of an individual but the work of everyone.
44. This mammoth work is not doable by one person or some few people. For this work are needed organized efforts of lakhs and crores of people filled with one same goal in mind. This is my request to you- let the net of this organisation of dedicated, focused and strong youth spread to every nook and corner of India. Then our work will not be difficult at all. On the contrary we will see a beautiful picture of a new Yuga filled with hope and enthusiasm everywhere.
45. These shakhas must run from all parts of India. It is only because of such an organisation that our weakness will disappear and our society will become effective. This work is not of one or two individuals but of the entire Hindu society.
46. If you say that we will remain outside and watch from a distance, then it is of no use. Isn’t the Sangh of Hindus? Then all Hindus must come in it. This Sangh is of all of us. No caste has any superiority, no individual has any superiority. No one’s place has any superiority.
47. Sangh is not just for Swayamsewaks. It is also for those who are out of it. It is therefore our duty to show these people the right path to revive the glory of our nation and that path is only of organisation.
48. Sangh work cannot be achieved by just completing its programs or simply presenting yourself on the organisation. We need to unite the entire Hindu society from the oceans to the Himalayas. In fact the most important field of work is the Hindu society outside of the Sangh.
Importance of the Sangh work
49. We must never forget that the organisation of the Sangh is a living organisation and it must continuously keep growing. Our goal can be achieved only if the organisation grows continuously and rapidly, otherwise not.
50. We have no other goal in front of our eyes than to make society strong and invincible by creating organisation. After achieving this, all other things will be done automatically. All political, social and economic questions plaguing us today will be solved easily.
51. Even today our Hindu society is not less in numbers. It is a fifth of the world population (20 % it was at P P Doctorji’s time. Now it is around one-sixth, 16 % or so). When this mammoth society unites, then no one will dare to cast an evil look on our society. Be sure that our strength will be invincible in this whole world.
52. All atrocities committed on us till today, and being committed now have only one answer. We must become amazingly strong. This strength we can create only by way of organisation. There is no other way that we can create this strength.
53. Until we remain devoid of strength, by the laws of nature, those who are strong will keep having the desire of attacking us. What will be gained by merely breaking our finger in the name of strong attackers? It will make no difference to the situation.
54. “Jeevo Jeevasya Jeevanam” (‘Life is the life of life’) means weak people fall as the prey of strong ones. This means, there is no respectful place for weak people in this world. They have to live as slaves of those with strength. ‘Constant insult and hard laborious work’- such is their life.
55. No matter how great our religion and culture, until we develop the strength needed for their protection, they will not be fit to get the respect of the world.
56. We always think in respect of the nation. We have named our organisation as Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh so that these thoughts remain in our mind 24 hours. ‘Does the organisation do any work?’ those who doubt this, I will tell them that organisation is the only power in the world by which all national problems are solved.
57. If one doesn’t have strength, then no matter how much one shouts, no one will care about it. Because they know that a weakling cannot do anything to us.
58. Suppose there is a rich man. He can do whatever he wants at any time. If he wants to build a mansion, then he does not need to think ‘I will earn money, become rich and then build a mansion’. If he wants to build a beautiful garden after building the mansion, then also he doesn’t have to wait for it. Same is the situation of a strong and accomplished nation. Strength only is the decisive answer to all questions.
59. Organisation is the main strength of a country. If any questions have to be solved in this world, they are solved only on the basis of strength and capability (Samarthya). The country which does not have strength does not have any of its wish come true. But a strong nation can do anything it wants according to its wish.
60. Organisation has immense strength and capacity. But this must be realized by every constituent of the organisation. We form organisation because we recognize that it is superior to all other movements.
61. Everyone has problems. Everyone has his family. If we keep telling these problems then we will become others’ prey. If we consider Sangh work as more important than everything else, and do Sangh work, only then will our grandchildren remain Hindu.
(After P P Doctorji said this, Hindu religion was destroyed in West Pakistan i.e. India’s then North West Frontier Province where the Hindu population has come down from 20 % in 1947 to 1 %, also in East Pakistan where the Hindu population has come down to 7 % or so from 34 % in 1901 & 29 % in 1947 and in Kashmir. In United India, the Hindu population has reduced from 79 % in 1881 to 62 % in 2011, while the Muslim population has gone up from 19 % to 36 % in the same period).
Determination and efforts
62. There is a famous sentence in the Geeta which says that ‘We should do our work without bothering about the fruit’. (Karmanyevadhikaraste ma faleshu kadachana) We should always remember this sentence in our mind. We have the right (and duty) to do work. The result or fruits of it is not in our hands. That is why the test of any individual is not decided by the success or failure of the work done by him but by his intention, i.e. his inner heart.
63. People say that today’s situation is extremely horrendous and unfavorable. But I say, a situation as favorable as the one today never came in the past. This is the time to put soul in our efforts- make larger-than-life efforts. There was never such a favorable situation (for doing work) in the past, and it is not certain if it will ever come in the future.
64. You begin your work and do it with persistence. Thinking that ‘We will do it later’ is only deceiving ourselves. It is not correct to rely on future in any way. Who can tell how the wheel of circumstances/ situations will turn in future? How can we know at what time the mountain of dangers will fall on us? The moment to do work is always now. The one who relies on tomorrow bites the dust. That is why I give the message- start the work today itself.
65. You know very well how to mix with the society and behave with the people. We know how to behave in school or college, how to attract the minds of folks at home and neighbors, how to influence our friends or relatives with virtues, etc still why doesn’t our work increase rapidly? There is only one reason and that is-laziness in us. Destroy the laziness and you yourself will see what drastic change it made in you.
66. Apart from going to the place of shakha i.e. Sanghasthan, we are unable to do other special work only because of laziness. If we give up laziness and really focus our energy on our work then we can see astonishing progress. Once laziness is gone, work becomes very easy.
67. The reality is that we have the capacity to do everything. Let alone a minor thing like adding 5-10 swayamsewaks, we can demolish a big mountain- raze to ground. The task of getting swayamsewaks can be done even by an ordinary small boy. The main point is only this- we must give up laziness. Only it is our real enemy.
68. For regaining the past glory of our country, who else but we can sacrifice everything and do hard work. Who else but you can please the Goddess of Fortune (Bhagyalakshmi) of India? This has to be done only by you. Do you think it will be done by running a few shakhas in which one-two thousand swayamsewaks work? Can you hope or expect others to come and get glory for our country? Then what is the use of your existence?
69. Many people say that this work is very difficult. There are infinite problems in the way. I say, they may be there. We must be aware right from the beginning that our path is full of thorns. Who had hoped anyway our path is filled with roses? Regaining lost glory of the country is not merely talking bluff and bluster nor is it a thing available in the market for 4 pennies. It is an extremely priceless thing. Full price has to be paid for it. It can’t be got for even a paisa less.
70. Since this is our house, we cannot avoid our responsibility at any cost. Hoping that foreigners who do not have love for this country, or no feeling of devotion will help us is totally futile and inappropriate.
71. No matter how much others shout “This work is difficult”, don’t sing this cry-song yourself. We have to do such a distinct, phenomenal work that the whole world will be left gasping with astonishment. Do you not know with how few people the Sangh work began?
72. The Sangh does not want that a reflection of even an iota of the faults which have proved very damaging for our society be seen in any swayamsewak of the Sangh. The Sangh will always try that its swayamsewaks are free from the society’s faults and virtues necessary for Sangh life are inculcated in them.
73. Inactiveness is a very big fault of the Hindu society. But Sangh swayamsewaks must be so active that there should not be the slightest trace of inactiveness in the Sangh’s atmosphere. If we have a burning desire for our work and strong determination then we can easily get rid of the ghost of inactiveness.
74. No matter how many lectures we give or listen, until we work like what is talked we should not expect our goal to be achieved even by mistake.
75. We know that we have to become strong and we also know the only way of accumulating strength. But merely knowing the way and having a desire will not make us strong. We must continuously work in that direction. If the idea of organisation is put into practice, only then can we become strong. Power (Samarthya) is in action, not merely in words. We must do action for this.
76. Just as a person has to face numerous problems in his life, the Sangh’s life too has no dearth of problems and dangers. But it is necessary that the Sangh’s step must always go forward no matter how many dangers arise.
77. Always remember that the reason of our progress is our specific goal. The Sangh has always kept only one goal in its mind right since its inception. Our thoughts are related on the goal. We have become very dedicated to our work.
78. If all people get to work then our work will increase rapidly. Because the situation is very favorable (for work). Such a favorable situation was never present in the past. So we must make use of this golden opportunity.
79. We must always think- how much work do we do and in what quantity and at what speed? Is our extent and speed sufficient, looking at the work we have to do and our ultimate goal?
80. Works are not done by merely having a desire. Even the Almighty had to take avatarand get work done through human power only.
81. We know how the world works. The shopkeeper is not ready to give a thing costing Rs 100/- even for Rs 99/-. Every thing has to be given its full price. That is why we must keep working until sufficient strength is developed in our society. It will not be enough to have only physical strength. We must also have strength of thoughts along with it. At any given time, the first need of strength is in the form of thoughts. Hence the swayamsewaks must first destroy their mental weakness with efforts, and like themselves, create mental strength in other people also.
82. If the world has to be shown “Hindusthan is a country of Hindus” then the Sangh work has to be done considering it as our own work. And it is our duty to fill our lives thoughts and actions which are necessary for the success of this Sangh work.
83. “When National work arises, call me. I will be ready to jump anywhere”- there is a group of people saying this in our society. Then, I feel like asking, “But who will come to call you?” That moment of calling comes close only by doing hard work continuously with efforts. That moment is not going to come to us by us waiting for it in our homes. We will keep sitting in our homes waiting for the final moment of emergency, while others should keep working! Is this behavior appropriate?
84. Many people say “What’s in it? Everything will be all right when the time comes”. But do people think like this about their personal lives? When a difficult situation comes on him, no one sits still leaving everything to God. They try their utmost doing everything possible to get out of the situation. But when the question arises of benefit of nation/religion/society going beyond personal interest, then such people do the drama of faith in God. ‘Selfishness is at the root of such fake thinkers’- will it be wrong to say this?
85. Many people say “We do snan (bath), sandhya, puja, etc so God will definitely give us success”. But I ask such people “Can you give a single example of 100 rupees walking to you on its own by doing jap, puja?” It never happens. Always work has to be done. One must never expect work to be done without efforts- we will have to do unlimited efforts. But while doing our work, we should always remember God and keep the feeling of dedicating our work at the feet of God.
86. A man cannot even manage his small family without efforts. Then is it a sign of wisdom to expect that the vast life process of the nation will continue running on its own without our efforts? For the nation’s life process to run smoothly are needed great efforts. How can one get success without efforts?
87. There is a saying in English: “God helps those who help themselves”. But I do not understand why God should rush to our help? Why should he show mercy on us? What efforts are we doing for our development / improvement that God should rush to our help?
Importance of Shakha
88. We must not be addicted to anything other than our work and our duty. What luxuries should Sangh swayamsewaks expect having taken oath of serving the nation and the society? (This does not mean that swayamsewaks should become one-dimensional ignoring everything else. They should be practical, but not addicted to luxury). Our work is our everything. They should devote themselves to this work so as to see our goal accomplished with their eyes if possible. I am fully confident that no swayamsewak will fail in his duty.
89. All of us must think day and night that- How can I get new friends and how can I add them to the Sangh? We must feel an intense desire for this work. We must be restless. By no other thing should our mind be satisfied. (This does not mean we should not take happiness in other things or deny ourselves happiness of life. But we should be truly happy when we add friends to the Sangh).
90. We must take care that once people from outside enter the Sangh, they do not move out again. We must have solved problems of leaking tank in our childhood. We would have had to think in how much time the tank will fill if the inlet pipe and outlet pipe are both simultaneously left open. But such a situation must never arise on a Sangh swayamsewak. He should never be forced to solve such a problem. The Sangh’s tank must always go on filling.
91. We must take care that for no reason should a Sangh swayamsewak sit still i.e. remain active. If a swayamsewak is absent one day, we must go to his house and inquire or else he will not come the next day also. On the third day he is ashamed to come to the Sangh, and on the fourth he is afraid, and from the fifth he starts avoiding and dilly-dallying. Hence no swayamsewak should be allowed to remain absent.
92. If you maintain purity and alertness in your behavior then the intensity of swayamsewaks will automatically increase. If different shakhas run in different parts of the same village, then there is a chance of group-affection. You must manage it with skill.
93. By increasing Upashakhas swayamsewaks are correctly grouped and the karyawahgets direct contact with them. If there is only one shakha then we cannot pay attention on the increased Sankhya i.e. number of swayamsewaks, and even if the Sangh expands, the strength does not increase. If the Shakha karyawah works with this aim, only then the goal which the Sangh has kept in mind will succeed.
94. Our karyakrams i.e. programs today are based on resources. Some people consider these karyakrams i.e. programs themselves as the Sangh’s goals. But this is their mistake. This false idea must be removed by us with our deeds. We want to create uniformity and discipline in our country.
95. Our first duty is to organize and unite people who are favorable to achieving our goal. Hence we must make aware all those of Hindu blood about our social decline and motive them for national work. When 5-10 such Hindus come together, an efficient leader should be named from among them. In this way work can begin in cities or in villages- anywhere. Until the web of Sangh’s organisation does not spread throughout the country like this, we cannot say that our society has become organized.
96. A Shakha should be established at a place that is prominent and where people can easily get together. All energy and effort should be concentrated to build such a Shakha. All energetic youth should join this Shakha. If you start Shakhas at various places simultaneously it would be difficult for you to concentrate fully on any of them. In the absence of peoples’ concentration at one place it will not be possible to create an impact of organisation. But if one Shakha can be operated properly and become an ideal Shakha it will be possible to establish many more Shakha from this one in future.
Expectation from workers
97. In the Sangh’s concepts, one swayamsewak having misunderstandings about another Sangh swayamsewak does not come anywhere. This must never happen, no matter what the reason.
98. Since all of us are parts of the same organisation, we can never be angry with one another- no matter what the reason. ‘Being angry’ (or dissident) –this word itself does not come anywhere in the Sangh’s dictionary. None of us has to serve our self-interest through the Sangh, but serve the whole Hindu society with a pure heart. It is our very important task to ensure that no hurdles/ problems come in the way of this divine work. All responsible individuals must always behave with each other with utmost love and respect. This is the basic concept in the Sangh’s organisation.
99. Discipline is the foundation of our organisation. It is on this foundation only that we have to raise this massive building. If, by no matter whose fault, the foundation remains weak on any side, then that side of the building crumbles and separates from the main building and as a result, becomes the cause of the destruction of the whole building.
100. Come on, let all of us together get to work with tremendous enthusiasm. If every swayamsewak gives honest efforts continuously, then leave aside 5-10, he can add any number of new friends to the Sangh. Every one must take a resolve in his mind- that I will add at least 10 new swayamsewaks to the Sangh this year. I do not have the slightest doubt that you will be able to fulfill your resolve. But you must get to work from this moment.
101. Why do we talk to each other in the Sangh? Not merely because we have to talk something. But because we have to understand each other’s thoughts and achieve progress in our work. We talk that much- which is needed to achieve this.
102. The rate of work must be increased by hundreds of times today. Let people criticize you, if your inner-heart and conscience is clean, then you shouldn’t worry about others’ praise or criticism.
103. The Sangh has always said repeatedly, leave aside the false pride that we are doing sacrifice for the service of this Hindu nation. Spend your life filled with love for the society and duty, and the whole Hindu society will automatically get attracted to you.
104. If we feel that we do work, then we must review what work we have done every month or everyday. We must constantly take a review of the work done by us. If we merely remain proud of being a Sangh swayamsewak and take happiness thinking that the Sangh has done this much work in the last few years, and become inactive, then this is not just insanity but also harmful for our work.
105. We must recognize our responsibility being aware of the enormity of our work. We must never be satisfied easily by less work. No matter how much work we do, it is inadequate. Until now, work has not been done up to the right extent. The reason for this is only that we have many faults in us. We must get rid of them as soon as possible. If not we, then who will remove our faults?
106. The Sangh aims to create workers who have the thought of samajsewa (i.e. service to society) in enough numbers in the society. If we really want to do work then we must think about it with self-motivation. We can do work only if we think like this. We cannot do much work by merely being ‘order-followers’.
107. You should be ‘One with the Sangh’. Not just that, but you should also make other people like this. We all must think- ‘How will the Sangh grow quickly’ and work as hard and enthusiastically as possible for it. We should be focused on our work. Then victory will definitely be yours.
108. Water which has once come in must never get out. Confidence must be created in us that those who have once entered the Sangh, will never ever go away from it.
109. If the Sangh’s organisation is only in words or only attractive from outside, then it is of no use. Such a thing can never succeed. It will always be a hollow mountain. If there is solidity, only then will the work survive. So try to create solidity, spark, and enthusiasm in your work.
110. Adhikari i.e. office-bearer must think on how to behave and how to prepare swayamsewaks. All swayamsewaks must be completely embedded in the organisation and everyone must feel ‘I am the Sangh’. Every individual must see only one goal. They must be focused on the Sangh’s goal.
111. It is my firm belief that the real success of life lies in mixing principles and practical behavior in life. If we get rid of all feelings of personal selfishness (i.e. self-interest), then we can beautifully mix principles and practical behavior in our life. It is only the feeling of ‘self-interest’ that creates a mountain of problems in the way of our fulfillment of our duty.
112. It is not enough to merely increase the Sankhya (i.e. numbers). Swayamsewaks must have wisdom also in addition to devotion to duty, i.e. duty accomplishment. All work must be done by putting steps in the right way. We must be able to prepare every swayamsewak. What does he do everyday? How is his attitude being developed? Does he bring his friends to the Sangh or not? If you pay attention to such small things with care, then is it impossible to achieve growth? Does the Sangh swayamsewak agree with the Sangh work or not? If he does agree, does he do work or not? If he does, then how much work? We must see all this.
113. Now I just wish to say this to you-Do come to Shakha regularly shedding all fears about future. Learn about all aspects of Sangh work and make all efforts to be good in performing them. Acquire the capability of conducting one or two Shakhas independently without the help of any other person.
114. From the Himalayas to the great Oceans, the whole of Bharatvarsha is our vast field of work. Consequently, our vision too should be equally great. We should have this feeling that the whole of Bharatvarsha is our home. We should first decide what work and to what extent we can do it and accordingly we should organize our life. Then do that work with full dedication.
Dear Swayamsewak Brothers
115. Swayamsewak Bandhus (Brothers)! Bring the thought of our Oath to mind! Remember the extremely sacred vow that you have taken. You have resolved to make the Hindu nation self-reliant and fearless. You call yourselves as real nationalists, but what is the level of your preparation with respect to your goal and your vow- have you thought about this?
116. A Sangh swayamsewak must be able to bring into his behavior all things which are embedded in his heart. Every swayamsewak’s behavior must have an excellent mix of principles and practicality. The one who knows all these things at the same time will never have any shortcoming left in his behavior.
117. Are we following our oath with honesty, selflessness and giving body, mind, money (tan, man, dhan)? What pains are we taking to make our dearest Hindu society invincible and prosperous (with glory)? What special work do we do? Ask your own mind. Has even a little restlessness, dissatisfaction or burning desire been created in our mind for the achievement of our goal?
118. Should you feel it difficult to bring 5 new swayamsewaks in the Sangh in 1 year? Is only this your capacity (yogyata)? Think about this honestly. Do not do false self-criticism.
119. The Sangh’s movement is not of the Bahujan Samaj but of those people in the society who consider themselves as intelligent, goal-oriented and responsible. So, every swayamsewak of the Sangh must be fit to be a worker (karyakarta) and a leader. But is the reality like this? All of us must turn our vision to ourselves and do a little introspection, so that we can immediately know where we are standing.
120. A member of the RSS becomes attracted by the pure principles, and forgets his business and personal matters. After understanding the Sangh ideology well, he automatically moves away from things other than the Sangh. The heart of the Sangh’s success lies in this.
121. The more you ‘become one’ (i.e. mix or devote yourself) with the Sangh, the more the work will move forward. So, take a determination to become like this.
122. You must pay attention to the fact that the swayamsewaks must never develop faith or devotion to merely individuals. Sangh swayamsewaks must definitely have faith and love for each other, but this must be for the work, not for the individual. It is harmful for the organisation if love and devotion is created only for the individual. This damaging thing must never occur. We must pay attention to it. Swayamsewak must be devoted to the Sangh (Sangh-nishtha) and not to individual (Vyakti-nishtha), shakha (Shakha-nishtha) or place (Sthan-nishtha).
123. Without wasting even a single moment of his life, a Sangh swayamsewak must strive every moment to achieve the noble goal the Sangh has kept in front of us. If our Sankhyadoes not increase, then the work which we desire will not be done. We have to do national work. Not the work of any individual. Since we are constituents of this National organisation, we must show growth which will befit the name of our organisation.
124. For doing faultless work, along with clean character, attractiveness and wisdom must also be acquired by the swayamsewak. The Sangh work prospers only by the tri-union of clean character, attractiveness and wisdom. If a person is of excellent character but lacks wisdom, even then the Sangh work is not done. For running the Sangh, people have to be brought together and the swayamsewaks must know how to do that.
125. Sangh swayamsewak can do only that work which will benefit the organisation. This does not mean that the swayamsewak cannot do any personal work. But he should do only those personal things which are not related to the Sangh. He should freely do those things which will not create dark spots on the Sangh. But the goal of the Sangh must always be in front of his eyes.
126. Every one must take care while walking, talking that no action of his will even slightly cause damage to the goal or work of the Sangh, in any way.
127. We must never unknowingly develop a feeling that ‘I am greater than others because I am clean’. We must never feel that we are any great person. And I am sure that none of you are like this- none of you feels that he is any great person.
128. If you always make an analysis of your life and your things alone in private, you will be able to see your faults. The one who cannot see such faults and thinks that he is faultless can never see any improvement in himself. It is possible only for the one who can see faults to make improvements in his character.
129. You should always do self-analysis and remove the faults in you and try to inculcate in you virtues which will greatly help our work and attract others towards you.
130. A swayamsewak, whether young in age or old, is a responsible constituent of the nation. It is not that other constituents of the nation do not have any responsibility. But we have entered the Sangh after taking responsibility with resolve, so our responsibility is more.
131. We must do the things which need to be done daily, with an eye on our goal. Everyone must think how his character should be like. There should be no shortcoming in our character. Ordinary people tend to neglect the work done by people in any movement and instead look at the character. Hence you should be so clean that no one can find any fault in your character or your daily behavior.
132. Our character should be so high, that people will think, “He has no fault or shortcoming, so we should make friends with him and protect him; so great a man he is”.
133. There is no reason to think that people do not look at us. People carefully observe our movement and our behavior. Hence it is not enough to have good behavior only in private and personal life, but you must be great even in public character.
134. A Sangh swayamsewak must first rise ahead of selfishness. He should become a human (i.e. have humanist behavior) giving up other behavior. We have to first become human. After thoughts of selfishness evaporate, it is not difficult to have humanist nature. ‘My life, all my powers are for my nation and religion’- this feeling must be drilled in our mind.
135. We should do so much for the protection of Hindu Dharma as to ensure that even after we are no more this awakening of Hindus remain intact. This great heritage of ours must not fall into the hands of the unworthy. We should carry on protecting it with extreme care.
136. Resolve this in your mind that ‘I shall not forget Sangh as long as I live’.
137. Nothing should lure you away from the Sangh path. No such opportunity should ever arise when you have to say that you were once a Swayamsewak for example some five years back. We shall remain Swayamsewaks as long as we live.
138. The one who has no other concern than for his country of origin and his compatriots for him no work is more important than to work for his Hindu Dharma, no other ambition greater than to spread it throughout the world wherever there are Hindus. Such a Swayamsewak can never suffer any setbacks, fear or worries no matter where he is.
139. Ten or twenty as many Swayamsewaks you plan to bring to Sangh, start searching for them now. Be watchful though that even those ten Swayamsewaks should be firm, faithful and capable persons. They should prove to be valuable gain to Sangh.
140. Every Swayamsewak should carry out the orders of his Adhikari and accordingly anAdhikari of his senior. At the same time it is also important that right from the juniors to seniors all should display mutual respect.
141. We all belong to Sangh and have different roles to play in it. It means Sangh is complete in its form all due to us. The relationship between us and Sangh is similar to the one between the body and its various organs. When all parts of the body grow at the same time then alone the body feels good and strong.
142. Every swayamsewak must make himself fully aware about what he must do so that the goal of the Sangh is fulfilled. All of you must have this feeling that ‘I and everything that belongs to me is for the Sangh that means for the country’. Every swayamsewak must have feeling of patriotism running through his veins. It is no use to have a swayamsewak as a ‘Temporary patriot’. If the attitude of all the swayamsewaks becomes ‘One with the Sangh’ (i.e. Sanghamay) like this, then we can achieve our goal quickly.
143. We must continue our Sangh work the way it is going with speed. There is no reason to change our style of work listening to any other’s directions. Continue to do your work with confidence, determination, perseverance and without fearing anyone in the world and be sure that God will definitely give us success.
144. All of us must always keep in mind that strength lies in all of us getting together at one place everyday. This strength (Samarthya) will remain in us only until we meet at one place everyday and discuss our thoughts with each other opening our hearts.
145. If any worker swayamsewak is lost from our shakha due to any reason (like transfer of place, etc), it is necessary for more than one swayamsewak to come ahead with the feeling “I will do better work than he” and take the responsibility. And creating such an environment in the Sangh by which such swayamsewaks will come ahead to take responsibility- this only is the work of swayamsewaks.
146. Since the Sangh has never had any hatred for foreigners or people of other religions and merely worked for uniting the Hindu society, the word ‘communal’ can never be applied to it.
147. We have to convince our people that principles have to be implemented in behavior. We have to show the people by actual example that the style of work of the Sangh itself will help us in achieving our goal.
148. A Sangh swayamsewak must be able to correctly bring in his behavior the things which are embedded in his heart. Every swayamsewak’s behavior must have an excellent mix of principles and practicality.
149. There is no use in crying that ‘Work cannot be done’. If you decide, ‘I will do work’ then it is always done. The real reason is that every person does not feel the same responsibility about the nation as he feels for his house’s estate.
150. Naa Bhay det Kaahuko
Naa Bhay Jaanat Aap
Aise Nar ko Dekhkar
Jagat Darave Aap!
(Doesn’t give fear to anyone, and doesn’t know what fear is. Seeing such a man, the world will be afraid)
Like this saying, we must do our Sangh work fearlessly and patiently, and not allow people’s irritable anger to affect us.
151. We must never be dejected. Our work is God’s work. We must be sure that He will definitely get it done.
152. As rapidly as our work is being done, the dangers in our way are also increasing. A mountain of difficulties (which is very difficult to climb) is being made in our way by our people as well as others. But we have to walk on our way only facing all those dangers.
153. It is all right if at a particular place, work done is less or not at all, but we must take care that the situation will not deteriorate and enemies of the Sangh will not be created.
154. The work of the Sangh has not been undertaken by us for one village or province but we want that our entire country becomes united as quickly as possible. And our aim is to make the Hindu society capable of self-defense and prosperous, powerful.
155. This is the time of emergency of the Hindu society. If this society remains disorganized and disunited then its existence will end in future, and there will be no trace of Hindu culture left.
(After P.P. Doctorji wrote this, Hindu society’s existence ended in Afghanistan, where even less than 50 years ago the Hindu population in Kandhahar was 1,50,000- 1 lakh fifty thousand while the Sikhs numbered 25,000. It also virtually ended in West Pakistan, East Pakistan and Kashmir province in India).
156. All of us have taken a very big responsibility of national work on our heads. It is our resolve that we will prove the Sangh’s noble goal by actually following it with truth in practice.
In addition, the translator reminds some additional points which are also principles of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh:
157. No desire for post
No matter at what position one is, if, at any time, one is asked by superiors or anyone else to leave all positions and work as just an ordinary functionary, one should be ready to do so. The only position one has then is- Swayamsewak in a sayam shakha, or prabhat shakha, and one's duty should then be to voluntarily strengthen his shakha. This is for people at any post- like Chief Minister, Prime Minister, General Secretary, etc. Far from being annoyed at being denied any position, like Chief Minister, an individual should be thankful that he is not being asked to become just a functionary.
Also, any individual should look at his/her position as responsibility and not as power. As an ordinary swayamsewak, your responsibility is simply to attend the shakha regularly and punctually. As a mukhyashikshak, responsibility increases to managing the whole shakha. As the position increases, responsibility increases. Therefore, if any individual is relieved of responsibility, he should take it as 'freedom from responsibility' and be truly happy that now his job has been limited to just an ordinary worker, and additional voluntary work to strengthen the organization.
158. Imagine oneself on death-bed
Every individual should imagine himself on his death-bed. If a question is asked to him by anyone- "Did you in your life, ever earn money through wrong means?"- He should be able to give an answer, with a clean conscience, "NO. I never earned a paisa in my life through unfair means." Similarly, other such questions like- "Did you, out of jealousy, ever try to stall anyone else hoping to get his position?" etc, must all be answered as "No" with a clean conscience.
159. In case of issues with individuals
If someone has an issue or problem with anyone, then he should inform his superior (superior of the one with whom he has some problem) in private and leave the matter, or if necessary, inform the super-superior. Under no circumstances must he speak against him in public, or to his equals or sub ordinates. Bad-mouthing of fellow workers or office-bearers must never be done, and genuine concerns, if any, must be told to superiors in private.
160. Welcome criticism
Every individual must welcome criticism of himself. He should view criticism as an opportunity to know his shortcoming and a chance to remove it by overcoming it. Every individual should try to remove his imperfections and be open-minded until the very end of his life. If someone points out imperfections even when the individual is very old, he should still change and try to become as perfect as possible. Also, those who criticize must do so constructively for the purpose of removing the visible shortcoming and not for the purpose of personal attacks. Overall aim in the minds of all- those who criticize and those who are criticized must always be progress and perfection.
