Swami Shraddhananda Ji : A Valiant Leader of the Shuddhi Movement
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Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Akhil Bhartiya Karykari Mandal
2,3,4 November 2026, Indore
Statement by Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale Ji
Swami Shraddhananda Ji : A Valiant Leader of the Shuddhi Movement
On the occasion of the completion of 100 years since the martyrdom of Swami Shraddhananda Ji - a freedom fighter, educationist, social reformer, preacher of Dharma, and a valiant leader of the Shuddhi Movement- the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh remembers him with reverence.
Born in Talwan village in Jalandhar district of Punjab, Swamiji, after receiving initiation into Sannyasa, devoted himself to various endeavours aimed at awakening of the society.
To courageously resist the systematic assault by the British on the Bharatiya system of education, he established Gurukul Kangri in the Haridwar region and developed it as an alternative educational institution founded on the Bharatiya vision of education. Alongside the study of Bharatiya culture, the Vedas, the entire corpus of Bharatiya literature, and contemporary modern subjects, Gurukul Kangri also made a noteworthy contribution to the freedom movement.
Owing to misconceptions and prejudices, members of the backward castes were denied not only entry into the Shiva temple at Vaikom in Keralam but also access to the public roads surrounding the temple. A historic movement was launched at Vaikom against this discrimination. Swami Shraddhananda Ji personally participated in this nationally
significant movement. In connection with this noble cause, he also met Sree Narayana Guru.
Owing to his active engagement in the struggle against social evils, Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar regarded him as a great and genuine well-wisher of the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society.
To awaken society during the freedom movement, he initiated the publication of journals and newspapers such as Saddharma Prachar, Tej, Veer Arjun, and The Liberator. Through fearless, unwavering and principled journalism, he exposed the falsehoods, deceit and conspiracies of the British.
Owing to adverse circumstances and misguided social and religious beliefs, Hindu society was continually facing the challenge of religious conversions. The doors for the return of those who had converted away from Hindu Dharma had been closed. In these circumstances, Swamiji initiated efforts through the Shuddhi Movement to facilitate the return of converted Hindus to their ancestral faith. Following the Moplah massacre, Swamiji spearheaded the Shuddhi Movement, facilitating the return of thousands of people to the Hindu fold in Kerala and across the country.
Unwavering in his pursuit of both Purushartha (Purposeful Action) and Paramartha (Selfless Service for the larger good), Swamiji's sustained efforts deeply unsettled those opposed to his mission. On 23 December 1926, he was tragically assassinated in Delhi by a religious fanatic named Abdul Rashid.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh offers its heartfelt tributes to Swami Shraddhananda Ji, an inspiring example of dedicated and purposeful action. Drawing inspiration from his life and work, the Sangh calls upon everyone to resolve to remain ever active in the cause of Dharma Raksha.