M. S. Golwalkar

M. S. Golwalkar (February 19, 1906 – June 5, 1973), widely known across the nation as Param Pujya Shri Guruji, was a monumental Indian social philosopher, scholar, and the influential second Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Born in Ramtek, Maharashtra, he excelled academically at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he later taught zoology and earned his lifelong, affectionate moniker "Guruji." Driven by a deep spiritual inclination, M. S. Golwalkar spent time at the Ramakrishna Mission ashram under Swami Akhandanand before entirely committing his life to national resurgence. Appointed by RSS founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar to lead the movement in 1940, he guided the organization for an extraordinary 33 years through crucial historical turning points, cementing its foundational role in character building, civic duties, and grassroots social service.