India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitat Centre organised a book discussion on the book, ‘Hedgewar: A Definitive Biography’, authored by Shri Sachin Nandha, Author, Philosopher, Thought Leader, and Seasoned Strategist at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre on Monday, 07 April 2025. Shri Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser (Weekly) and Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) discussed the book with the author. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.
Shri Nanda highlighted as to how Hedgewar’s conception of cultural nationalism, which differs from the political nationalism of his day, was influenced by his synthesis of Indian and Western ideas. Because he believed that political nationalism was essentially polarising and prone to forming in-groups and out-groups based on race, religion, or territory, he opposed it. He also pointed out that Hedgewar recognised that the deeper rifts in Indian society—caste, creed, and class differences that had weakened what Robert Putnam would later refer to as social capital—were more of a threat than colonial rule. Therefore, his approach to nationalism focused on restoring the natural ties of trust and solidarity within society rather than assuming political power.
Shri Ketkar praised the author for his rigour and hard work to read several original texts, visit the RSS headquarters for writing this book. He also pointed out that there are certain issues related to the book over which he disagrees with the author but acknowledges his scholarly efforts for completing his work. Despite his criticism of the work, Dr. Joshi disclaimed that he had only read the postscript. Among other things, he criticised Nandha for not addressing MS Golwalkar, the RSS’s longest-serving Sarsanghchalak, as ‘Guru Ji’. There were several questions put up by the audience for the speakers as well as the discussants.
