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Scholar re-examines RSS founder Hedgewar’s legacy during U.S. tour

Sachin Nandha’s new book on K.B. Hedgewar sparks dialogue on Hindu identity, colonial narratives, and civic revival.

Author and scholar Sachin Nandha at the Hindu YUVA USA lecture series in Texas / Courtesy: @hinduyuvausa via Instagram

Hindu YUVA USA recently hosted Sachin Nandha, scholar and author of 'Hedgewar: A Definitive Biography,' for a multi-campus speaking tour across the United States on Oct. 30 in Dallas, Texas.

The series of lectures drew strong student participation, with audiences engaging deeply on K.B. Hedgewar’s role in India’s cultural reconstruction and his founding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a unifying, non-political institution.

Nandha’s talks offered a balanced, research-driven perspective, presenting Hedgewar neither as a saint nor a controversial figure, but as a reformer seeking to heal colonial-era social divides across caste, religion, and class, organizers said.

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The events spurred rigorous academic debate on history, nation-building, and post-colonial identity, reflecting growing global interest in revisiting Hindu civilizational narratives. The discussions took place against a backdrop of renewed academic inquiry into how colonial frameworks have shaped perceptions of Hinduism and Indian history.

Nandha emphasized that reclaiming historical accuracy and restoring confidence in indigenous knowledge systems remain vital for post-colonial societies. His analysis framed Hedgewar’s work as a model for cultural self-determination and community resilience.

As director of the ‘International Centre for Sustainability’ in the United Kingdom, Nandha addressed large, diverse audiences nationwide, weaving together historical insight with contemporary relevance. His presentations portrayed Hedgewar’s movement as a grassroots response to British-era social fragmentation, rooted in civic renewal rather than political ambition.

Hindu YUVA USA, which promotes inclusive discourse and intellectual engagement, said the tour’s impact extends beyond the academic sphere, marking a broader effort to reexamine Hedgewar’s legacy through the lens of historical clarity and cultural reconstruction.

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