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Opinion: Rajju Bhaiya — Brilliant Physicist Who Wowed CV Raman But Left It All To Join, And Eventually Lead, RSS

January 29 marks the birth anniversary of Prof Rajendra Singh, the fourth sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) who is fondly remembered as Rajju Bhaiya. A scholar of rare brilliance, a nationalist, and an unwavering advocate of Hindutva, his six-year tenure as the head of the RSS, from 1994 to 2000, coincided with a period of remarkable transformation in Indian politics.

Rajju Bhaiya was not just a leader but a bridge between intellectual rigour and grassroot activism, seamlessly blending scientific temperament with ideological commitment. His story is that of a man who walked away from a life of prestige in academia to serve the cause of nation-building, impacting millions in the process.

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The Scholar Who Chose A Different Path

Born in 1922, Rajju Bhaiya was an exceptional academician. He pursued MSc in Physics at Allahabad University, where he was recognised as “exceptionally brilliant” by none other than C.V. Raman, the Nobel laureate, who met him as an examiner. 

In addition to his academic excellence, Singh was a talented sportsperson, excelling in squash and tennis. He embodied the well-rounded personality of a true intellectual and a disciplined athlete.

At just 21, Singh joined the Physics Department of Allahabad University, where he would later rise to the rank of Professor and Head of Department. A specialist in spectroscopy and nuclear physics, Singh had the potential to lead India’s scientific progress. But his heart belonged elsewhere else.

In 1966, at the peak of his academic career, Prof Singh made an extraordinary decision — he renounced his career in physics to become an RSS pracharak, dedicating himself entirely to national service.

During Emergency

Rajju Bhaiya rose swiftly within the ranks of the RSS. Starting as a prant pracharak in Uttar Pradesh, he became a sah-sarkaryavaha (joint general secretary) in 1977 and the sarkaryavaha (general secretary) in the early 1980s.

During the Emergency (1975-77), imposed by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Rajju Bhaiya played a crucial role in resisting authoritarian rule and defending civil liberties. The period was marked by mass arrests of political leaders, censorship of the press, and suspension of fundamental rights.

In 1976, Rajju Bhaiya was instrumental in organising the Human Rights Convention in Delhi, presided over by Justice V.M. Tarkunde. This convention played a pivotal role in highlighting the excesses of the Emergency, exposing the misuse of power by Indira Gandhi and rallying the Opposition against dictatorial rule.

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Ram Janmabhoomi Movement

One of the most historically significant roles played by Rajju Bhaiya was in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He firmly believed that Lord Ram was not only a religious figure but also a symbol of India’s cultural unity. “Shri Ram is not just a Hindu deity. He is a unifying force, a national treasure. His ideals belong to all Indians,” he had famously said.

This was his constant message. He worked towards bridging the gap between communities, believing that the Ram Janmabhoomi movement was not about religious antagonism but about reclaiming India’s historical consciousness.

Under his leadership, the RSS mobilised lakhs of swayamsevaks, inspiring them with a vision of cultural rejuvenation.

A New Chapter For RSS And BJP

When Rajju Bhaiya took over as sarsanghchalak in 1994, the RSS was at a critical juncture. The 1990s saw the meteoric rise of Hindutva, with the BJP emerging as a formidable political force.

During his tenure, the BJP came to power at the Centre for the first time in 1998, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee becoming the Prime Minister. Rajju Bhaiya was a strong supporter of Vajpayee’s leadership, believing that the BJP’s governance would bring Hindutva ideals into mainstream policymaking. He envisioned Hindutva as an inclusive philosophy, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, pluralism, and cultural pride.

Under his leadership, the RSS expanded rapidly, attracting millions of young swayamsevaks. He inspired youth participation, emphasising the importance of education, character-building, and selfless service.

His tenure saw the RSS becoming a key influencer in national discourse, not just through its political affiliate, the BJP, but also through its social, cultural, and economic initiatives.

Swadeshi Economics And Rural Development

Rajju Bhaiya was a strong advocate of swadeshi economics. He believed that India’s economic revival lay in strengthening its rural economy rather than blindly following western economic models. He emphasised three key pillars for rural India: 

  1. Hunger-free villages: Ensuring food security through sustainable agriculture
  2. Disease-free villages: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and 
  3. Educationally self-sufficient villages: Expanding quality education and vocational training

Today, RSS-backed rural development programmes continue to transform thousands of villages, making Rajju Bhaiya’s vision a reality.

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Legacy Of A Selfless Leader

In 2000, citing health reasons, Rajju Bhaiya stepped down as sarsanghchalak, passing the baton to K.S. Sudarshan.

Three years later, on July 14, 2003, he breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service, intellectual nationalism, and unwavering dedication to the nation.

A scientist turned leader, Rajju Bhaiya’s life was an extraordinary confluence of knowledge and nationalism. 

His tenure strengthened the RSS, guided the BJP’s rise to power, and reshaped India’s sociopolitical discourse. Today, his vision continues to inspire millions, ensuring that his impact on India’s future remains profound and enduring.

The writer is a senior multimedia journalist.

[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.]

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