Bhopal July 23, 2026

A grand theatrical production based on the life and work of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was staged at Ravindra Bhavan in Bhopal on Wednesday as part of the organisation's centenary celebrations. The programme, organised by Sanskar Bharati, brought together cultural personalities, RSS functionaries, public representatives and citizens to commemorate the contribution of Dr Hedgewar to nation-building.

Addressing the gathering, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said Dr Hedgewar had not only inspired patriotism but had also articulated the idea of equality at a time when the country was preparing for Independence. He described the RSS founder as a visionary who understood the importance of safeguarding the nation's freedom and worked through constructive social initiatives to strengthen national consciousness.

Dr Yadav said the principle of equality advocated by Dr Hedgewar continues to find relevance in contemporary India. Referring to the Uniform Civil Code, he said the country's growing emphasis on a common legal framework reflects the broader spirit of equality envisioned by the RSS founder. He also noted that the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly had recently passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill.

The Chief Minister recalled Swami Vivekananda's prediction that the coming century would belong to India and said the country was steadily moving towards that vision. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working towards building an India envisioned by Dr Hedgewar, where national pride, cultural confidence and unity remain central to development. He added that India's civilisational philosophy has always been rooted in equality and the principle of "one nation, one law."

Congratulating Sanskar Bharati for presenting Dr Hedgewar's life through theatre, Dr Yadav said cultural performances play an important role in introducing younger generations to personalities who shaped the country's social and national thought. He also appreciated the artistes for their performance and said such productions help preserve important chapters of India's intellectual and cultural heritage.

RSS functionary Hemant Muktibodh, who also addressed the programme, said Dr Hedgewar devoted his life to strengthening the nation and inspiring generations towards selfless service. He said the play portrayed the RSS founder's dedication, nationalism and work-centric approach through a powerful theatrical presentation.

The production, titled "Yug Pravartak Dr Hedgewar", was presented by Nagpur-based Nadbrahm Sanstha and directed by Subodh Surjikar. Written by Dr Ajay Pradhan, the play has been staged in several cities across the country and was brought to Bhopal with the support of the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department. The performance traced important milestones in Dr Hedgewar's life and highlighted his role in founding the RSS and inspiring organised social service.

Film actor and theatre director Rajeev Verma, senior RSS functionary Ashok Pandey, former Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Cooperation Minister Vishvas Sarang, Culture Department Director N.P. Namdev, Shashi Bhai Seth and several other dignitaries attended the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ravindra Sahastrabuddhe.

The staging of the play formed part of the year-long programmes being organised across the country to mark 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, using theatre and cultural initiatives to revisit the life and ideas of its founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.