M. S. Golwalkar

Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (19 February 1906 – 5 June 1973), also known as Shri Guruji, was the second Sarsanghchalak (Supreme Leader) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Golwalkar wrote the books Bunch of Thoughts, and We, or Our Nationhood Defined. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who considers Golwalkar as one of his inspirations, as he wrote a biographical profile of Golwalkar in his book "Jyotipunj".

Early life

Golwalkar was born on 19 February 1906 in a Marathi family of Sadashivrao and Lakshmibai at Ramtek near Nagpur, Maharashtra. His family was a prosperous and close-knit family. Sadashivrao started as a clerk in the Posts and Telegraphs Department, later became a school teacher in Central Provinces, and then ended his career as the headmaster of a high school. Golwalkar was the only surviving son of nine children born to his parents. As the father was frequently transferred around the country, Golwalkar enrolled in various schools. He studied science and was an exemplary scholar and quite apolitical. During his adolescent years, he developed a deep interest in religion and spiritual meditation.