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Balasaheb Doeras is no more. Rightly described by Shri Guruji as a mini image of the late founder of the RSS, the dynamic personality is now part of history. Balasaheb ably guided the gigantic institution that is the Sangh from June 1973 to March 1994, an eventful innings of 21 years. The multiple facets of his personality manifested themselves right from 1946 when he was appointed Sahsarkaryavah. One is naturally reminded of his invaluable guidance and constant inspiration workers drew from him. I can remember how his self- confidence showed in whatever he uttered. One is also reminded of his objective thinking about both the countries public life and the workers involved in it. I shall confine myself to a couple of incidents in his life.
On 5-2-1948 Government of India banned the Sangh on the blatantly false charge of being involved in Gandhiji's assassination. Exploiting the people's faiths in the Mahatma the ruling Congress workers instigated people to attack swayamsevaks. The people were so much provocated that they publicly showered on the RSS and Guruji all manner of imaginary invectives. But on July 9, 1949, Government was obliged to unconditionally lift the ban on the Sangh. The RSS made no commitment to the Government and yet the ban on the Sangh was lifted. The Government led by Nehru desperately clung to the straw in the form of a private letter (since published) from Guruji to Shri Mauli Chandra Sharma, in response to the battens personal doubts. The dramatic event took place during the ten days from 1st July to 10th July, 1949. On behalf of Government of India Sardar Patel, who, was recuperating at Dehradun, asked Pt Dwarika Prasad Mishra, the then Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh who mediating for a compromise, to represent him. Balasaheb Deoras was the RSS spokesman, Shri Bhayaji Dani and Pt Mauli Chandra Sharma, who was intermediary met in Nagpur. I remember how firmly and with great confidence Balasaheb explained his position and also the Government humbly making the request. The discussion went somewhat along the following lines .
D.P. Mishra : Sardar Patel feels the ban on the RSS be lifted.
Author By B N Varadpande
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